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Nell Benjamin

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BIO

Nell Benjamin is a lyricist, writer, and composer noted for her work in musical theatre. With her husband and frequent collaborator Laurence O'Keefe, she won the Laurence Olivier Award for writing Legally Blonde in 2011. And in 2007, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score for Legally Blonde, and then again in 2018 for her lyrics for Mean Girls.

Photos

Productions

Real Women Have CurvesReal Women Have Curves
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Additional Material
Book
Mean GirlsMean Girls
 
[West End, 2024]
Lyrics
Mean Girls (Non-Equity)Mean Girls (Non-Equity)
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Lyricist
Mean GirlsMean Girls
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Lyricist
Because of Winn DixieBecause of Winn Dixie
 
[East Haddam, CT (Regional), 2019]
Bookwriter
Lyricist
DaveDave
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2018]
Book Writer
Lyricist
Pirates!
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2007]
Concept
Book/Lyrics (Additional)
Legally BlondeLegally Blonde
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Music and Lyrics
The Pirates of Penzance
 
[East Haddam, CT (Regional), 2006]
Concept
Book/Lyrics (additional)

Writing

Sarah, Plain and Tall
Lyricist
Lyricist
Real Women Have Curves
Additional Material
Half Time
Lyrics
Mean Girls
Lyricist
Because of Winn Dixie
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Cam Jansen
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Legally Blonde
Composer
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Lyrics

Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Play

Nell Benjamin, The Explorers Club

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde The Musical


winner
- 2003 - Most promising musical theatre lyricist

Nell Benjamin

Videos

More Videos

News


Review: MEAN GIRLS with Stage 13 At Wildwood Park For The Arts in Little Rock Photo
Review: MEAN GIRLS with Stage 13 At Wildwood Park For The Arts in Little Rock
by Theresa Bertram - Jan 26, 2026

It was so fetch getting to see MEAN GIRLS with Stage 13 at Wildwood Park for the Arts in Little Rock Thursday night, January 22, and thankfully I did, because snowmageddon has hit and canceled the remaining weekend. Lucky for you losers, they have moved the weekend shows to Wednesday, January 28, so if you already bought tickets, they were automatically moved for you, and you do not want to miss this show! 
HAIRSPRAY, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE And More Set for Cape Playhouse Photo
HAIRSPRAY, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE And More Set for Cape Playhouse Ser for 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2026

The Cape Playhouse will present its 2026 summer season from June 3 through September 19 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, Massachusetts. The season, unveiled by Artistic Director Eric Rosen, will include five musical theater productions as the organization approaches its centennial in 2027.
Photos: LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour in Rehearsal Photo
Photos: LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2026

All new photos have been released of Amber Davies and the cast of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in rehearsals for the upcoming UK & Ireland tour, which kicks off at Curve, Leicester. Check out the photos here!
Review: MEAN GIRLS at The Renaissance Theatre Company Photo
Review: MEAN GIRLS at The Renaissance Theatre Company
by Benoit Teves - Jan 20, 2026

Part bar, part group hang, and part chaotic theatrical experience, The Renaissance Theatre Company’s production of MEAN GIRLS blurs the lines between a traditional show and an immersive club experience. While the scrappy staging and mid-show cocktail deliveries lean heavily into the troupe’s immersive club roots, the production is anchored by an exceptionally talented cast and a live band that keep the energy electric. It’s a messy, defiant, and undeniably fun outing for a company that continues to make an indelible mark on the city’s queer arts scene.
Video: LEGALLY BLONDE UK Tour Releases New Trailer Photo
Video: LEGALLY BLONDE UK Tour Releases New Trailer
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026

An all new trailer has been released for the new UK tour of Legally Blonde the Musical. The musical will tour the UK and Ireland in 2026, opening at Leicester's Curve theatre on 7 February. Check out the video here!
Hannah Lowther and More Join LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour Photo
Hannah Lowther and More Join LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Jan 5, 2026

Musical theatre and Tik Tok star, Hannah Lowther will play Margot and Alternate Elle Woods in the new UK and Ireland tour of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. The cast also includes George Crawford, Karen Mavundukure, and more.
Faye Tozer Joins Cast of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL At Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Photo
Faye Tozer Joins Cast of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL At Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025

Faye Tozer has joined the cast of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL for its UK tour stop at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. The production will also feature Kiara Dario alongside a previously announced principal cast.
Faye Tozer Joins Cast of the UK and Ireland Tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL Photo
Faye Tozer Joins Cast of the UK and Ireland Tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Dec 15, 2025

Further casting has been announced for the 2026/2027 UK and Ireland tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, opening at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026. Learn more here!
Review: LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL at Tesseract Theatre Company is a Peppy High Energ Photo
Review: LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL at Tesseract Theatre Company is a Peppy High Energy Production
by James Lindhorst - Dec 12, 2025

Director Will Bonfiglio, Music Director Larry D. Pry, Choreogrpaher Jo Palisoc, and the entire company deserve a lot of credit for their all in committed, peppy, and high-spirited production of a marginal show that is staged as a pet project far too often. There are thousands of musical theater assets that have arguably better books and scores that are rarely produced. Legally Blonde the Musical is like a pink piece of bubblegum. At first it sounds appealing, but the flavor does not last long.
Ray Of Light Theatre In San Francisco Unveils 2026 Season Photo
Ray Of Light Theatre In San Francisco Unveils 2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Nov 3, 2025

San Francisco's Ray of Light Theatre, long known for its edgy, contemporary take on musical theatre, has announced a 2026 season packed with attitude, anarchy, and a bit of Britney Spears sparkle
Video: Leo Roberts And The Cast Of HUZZAH! Perform 'Song Of Roland' Photo
Video: Leo Roberts And The Cast Of HUZZAH! Perform 'Song Of Roland'
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 14, 2025

Watch video of Leo Roberts and the cast of Huzzah! performing “Song of Roland” from the world premiere musical comedy by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe (Legally Blonde).
Video: Liisi Lafointaine and Leo Roberts Perform 'Howl At The Moon' From HUZZAH! at T Photo
Video: Liisi Lafointaine and Leo Roberts Perform 'Howl At The Moon' From HUZZAH! at The Old Globe
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 14, 2025

See video of Liisi LaFontaine and Leo Roberts performing “Howl at the Moon” from Huzzah!, the new musical comedy by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe (Legally Blonde).
Review: HUZZAH! at Old Globe Theatre Photo
Review: HUZZAH! at Old Globe Theatre
by Evan Henerson - Oct 10, 2025

If life were a Renaissance Faire, things would be…well, different, certainly. You might share your days and nights with sword-wielding, costumed individuals who share your love of a different time, maybe not even necessarily the Renaissance. Faires have been known to draw cos-players. So Wolf Boy, Boba Fett, come on in! Everybody is welcome.
Emily Lane, Vivian Panka, and More Will Lead MEAN GIRLS UK Tour; Full Dates Revealed Photo
Emily Lane, Vivian Panka, and More Will Lead MEAN GIRLS UK Tour; Full Dates Revealed
by Stephi Wild - Oct 3, 2025

Initial casting and full tour dates have been revealed for the 2026/2027 UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL. Learn more about the show here!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Nell Benjamin written?

Nell Benjamin has written 10 shows including Half Time (Lyrics), Sarah, Plain and Tall (Lyricist), Sarah, Plain and Tall (Lyricist), Cam Jansen (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Legally Blonde (Composer), The Explorers Club (Playwright), Gotta Dance (Lyrics), Mean Girls (Lyricist), Because of Winn Dixie (Bookwriter), Real Women Have Curves (Additional Material).

What awards has Nell Benjamin been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Mean Girls, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Mean Girls, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Explorers Club, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Legally Blonde, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Legally Blonde, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Legally Blonde The Musical and Most promising musical theatre lyricist () for .

What awards has Nell Benjamin won?

Nell Benjamin won the Most Promising Musical Theatre Lyricist award for Legally Blonde.

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