Benjamin Velez
Latest News on Benjamin Velez:
Candela Opens Applications for Fourth Annual Playwrights Summer Fellowship (Apr 15, 2026)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 7, 2026- Vote For Your Favorite Movie Musical and More (Apr 7, 2026)
Benjamin Velez and Joel Perez to Present LOST CITY RADIO at Rhinebeck Writers Retreat (Apr 6, 2026)
Candela Opens Applications for Fourth Annual Playwrights Summer Fellowship (Apr 15, 2026)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 7, 2026- Vote For Your Favorite Movie Musical and More (Apr 7, 2026)
Benjamin Velez and Joel Perez to Present LOST CITY RADIO at Rhinebeck Writers Retreat (Apr 6, 2026)
BIO
Benjamin Velez is a composer/lyricist born and raised in Miami, FL. Proud member of the Advanced BMI workshop (2012 Harrington Award), he has developed original musicals at Ars Nova, Sundance at UCROSS, Berkeley Rep's Ground Floor, and the O'Neill, where his musical BORDERLINE opened the 2019 Musical Theater Conference.
He was a Dramatist Guild Foundation Fellow and winner of the Fred Ebb Award, a Jonathan Larson Grant, the Stephen Schwartz Award, and the Kleban Award for lyric writing. His musical KISS MY AZTEC, written with John Leguizamo, Tony Taccone, and David Kamp, has appeared at Berkeley Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, and Hartford Stage. His Public Works musical of THE TEMPEST premiered at the Delacorte Theater in August 2023. REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, for which he received a 2025 Tony Nomination for best original score, is a collaboration with Joy Huerta (of Jesse Y Joy) Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin, directed by Sergio Trujillo. The show premiered at the American Repertory Theater in 2023.
Photos
Productions
Writing
Music
Lyrics
Lyrics
Music
Lyrics
Lyrics
Composer & Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Music
Benjamin Velez, Real Women Have Curves
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Benjamin Velez, Real Women Have Curves
Tony Awards - 2025 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics)
Benjamin Velez, Real Women Have Curves: The Musical
Videos
Video: The Making of the REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Album
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2025-10-10 12:45:42
Videos: Go Inside the Final Performance of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Michael Major - 2025-06-30 10:02:05
Video: Broadway Siblings Christopher and Monica Ramirez Featured on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-21 10:53:04
Photos/Video: Eva Longoria, Sofia Vergara, Gloria Estefan, and More Attend REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-23 06:00:07
Video: Justina Machado Praises REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Co-Star Tatianna Córdoba: 'She Is Incredible'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-22 17:45:47
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-15 10:34:44
Photos & Video: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Begins Performances on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2025-04-02 13:48:58
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Pop Up Concert from Co-Composer Joy Huerta
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2025-03-18 14:46:19
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Sings 'Flying Away' from REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Joey Mervis - 2025-02-17 12:28:57
Video: Joy Huerta Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - 2025-01-10 09:18:33
Video: Watch an Acoustic Performance of 'If I Were A Bird' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - 2024-12-18 09:21:25
VIDEO: See The Load-In for REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL at American Repertory Theater
by Joshua Wright - 2024-01-05 15:15:35
VIDEO: John Leguizamo Reveals KISS MY AZTEC! Musical Will Come to Broadway in 2023 on LATE NIGHT
by Michael Major - 2022-11-17 10:44:55
VIDEO: Get A First Look At Krystina Alabado, KC Dela Cruz, Angelica Maria Beliard & More In Pre-Broadway KISS MY AZTEC! at Hartford Stage
by Alan Henry - 2022-06-20 10:16:38
VIDEO: Benjamin Velez Accepts the 2020 Jonathan Larson Grant With Virtual Speech
by Stephi Wild - 2020-05-14 06:45:37
Living Room Concerts: THE CHER SHOW's Micaela Diamond and CURSED CHILD's Nathan Salstone Sing from a New Musical, BORDERLINE
by Alan Henry - 2020-04-02 17:01:00
VIDEO: Get A First Look At John Leguizamo's Musical KISS MY AZTEC at Berkeley Rep
by Alan Henry - 2019-06-14 12:16:48
News
Candela Opens Applications for Fourth Annual Playwrights Summer Fellowship
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2026
Candela announced applications are open for its Fourth Annual Playwrights Summer Fellowship, a free week-long program in New York City supporting Latine and Caribbean musical theatre writers, playwrights, and choreopoets.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2026
Candela announced applications are open for its Fourth Annual Playwrights Summer Fellowship, a free week-long program in New York City supporting Latine and Caribbean musical theatre writers, playwrights, and choreopoets.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 7, 2026- Vote For Your Favorite Movie Musical and More
by - Apr 7, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 7, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Apr 7, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 7, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Benjamin Velez and Joel Perez to Present LOST CITY RADIO at Rhinebeck Writers Retreat
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 6, 2026
Lost City Radio, a new musical with book by Joel Perez and music and lyrics by Tony nominee Benjamin Velez, based on the novel by Daniel Alarcon, has been selected for RWR’s Triple R Program.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 6, 2026
Lost City Radio, a new musical with book by Joel Perez and music and lyrics by Tony nominee Benjamin Velez, based on the novel by Daniel Alarcon, has been selected for RWR’s Triple R Program.
Columbia University's VARSITY SHOW: THROUGH THE AGES Will Come to 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2026
54 Below will present the Varsity Show: Through the Ages on Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at 9:30pm, a celebration of Columbia University's must-see performing arts tradition and New York theater history featuring the cast of this year's Varsity Show.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2026
54 Below will present the Varsity Show: Through the Ages on Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at 9:30pm, a celebration of Columbia University's must-see performing arts tradition and New York theater history featuring the cast of this year's Varsity Show.
Stage Door Foundation Launches NEW NEXT NOW for Musical Development
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
The Stage Door Foundation revealed the artists and productions who will debut NEW NEXT NOW, a ground-breaking pipeline for the development of new musicals.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
The Stage Door Foundation revealed the artists and productions who will debut NEW NEXT NOW, a ground-breaking pipeline for the development of new musicals.
Taylor Louderman's Write Out Loud Contest Open for 2026 Submissions
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2026
Taylor Louderman's annual Write Out Loud Contest is now accepting song submissions until February 28, 2026. The contest aims to showcase new songwriting talent in the musical theater community.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2026
Taylor Louderman's annual Write Out Loud Contest is now accepting song submissions until February 28, 2026. The contest aims to showcase new songwriting talent in the musical theater community.
Manhattan School Of Music Musical Theatre Lab Series To Develop New Musicals By Grace McLean and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
The Musical Theatre Lab Series at Manhattan School of Music will house developmental workshops and readings of four new musicals in its 2025-26 season, featuring the work of Jonathan Larson grantees, a two-time Obie Award-winner, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
The Musical Theatre Lab Series at Manhattan School of Music will house developmental workshops and readings of four new musicals in its 2025-26 season, featuring the work of Jonathan Larson grantees, a two-time Obie Award-winner, and more.
Photos: Inside the 2025 Fred Ebb Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025
The Fred Ebb Foundation presented the 21st annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Sophie Boyce and Veronica Mansour. Go inside the event in new photos.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025
The Fred Ebb Foundation presented the 21st annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Sophie Boyce and Veronica Mansour. Go inside the event in new photos.
Sophie Boyce and Veronica Mansour to Receive the 21st Annual Fred Ebb Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025
The Fred Ebb Foundation will present the 21st annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Sophie Boyce & Veronica Mansour.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025
The Fred Ebb Foundation will present the 21st annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Sophie Boyce & Veronica Mansour.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 21, 2025
The Dramatists Guild Foundation hosted its annual Gala at Ziegfeld Ballroom. This year’s Gala celebrated 25 years of the DGF Fellows program, fostering emerging dramatists through mentorship and collaboration to prepare their next great story for the stage. Check out photos here!
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 21, 2025
The Dramatists Guild Foundation hosted its annual Gala at Ziegfeld Ballroom. This year’s Gala celebrated 25 years of the DGF Fellows program, fostering emerging dramatists through mentorship and collaboration to prepare their next great story for the stage. Check out photos here!
Video: The Making of the REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Album
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 10, 2025
As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, BroadwayWorld is taking you inside the recording studio of the making of Real Women Have Curves: The Musical Original Broadway Cast Recording.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 10, 2025
As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, BroadwayWorld is taking you inside the recording studio of the making of Real Women Have Curves: The Musical Original Broadway Cast Recording.
Dramatists Guild Foundation Reveals Aurin Squire as 2025 Thom Thomas Award Winner
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
The Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) has announced award-winning playwright, journalist, and multimedia artist Aurin Squire as the recipient of the 2025 Thom Thomas Award.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
The Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) has announced award-winning playwright, journalist, and multimedia artist Aurin Squire as the recipient of the 2025 Thom Thomas Award.
Dramatists Guild Foundation Names Madeline Myers as 2025 Stephen Schwartz Award Recipient
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 7, 2025
Dramatists Guild Foundation has named musical theater composer and lyricist Madeline Myers as the 2025 recipient of the Stephen Schwartz Award. Learn more here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 7, 2025
Dramatists Guild Foundation has named musical theater composer and lyricist Madeline Myers as the 2025 recipient of the Stephen Schwartz Award. Learn more here!
Dramatists Guild Foundation to Present Work of 2024-2025 Musical Theater and Playwriting Fellows
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2025
The Dramatists Guild Foundation will present selections of work by the 2024-2025 Class of Musical Theater and Playwriting Fellows. Learn more and see how to attend.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2025
The Dramatists Guild Foundation will present selections of work by the 2024-2025 Class of Musical Theater and Playwriting Fellows. Learn more and see how to attend.
Adam Chanler-Berat, Regina Strayhorn and Kalani Queypo to Host Rhinebeck Writers Retreat’s Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2025
Rhinebeck Writers Retreat alumni writers Adam Chanler-Berat, Regina Strayhorn, and Kalani Queypo will host the 2025 Gala Concert honoring Founder Kathy Evans. LEARN MORE!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2025
Rhinebeck Writers Retreat alumni writers Adam Chanler-Berat, Regina Strayhorn, and Kalani Queypo will host the 2025 Gala Concert honoring Founder Kathy Evans. LEARN MORE!
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Album CD Signing Event
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 14, 2025
GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS celebrated Real Women Have Curves: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) with a special cast album CD signing at The Drama Book Shop. See photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 14, 2025
GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS celebrated Real Women Have Curves: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) with a special cast album CD signing at The Drama Book Shop. See photos here!
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Will Host CD Signing Event at the Drama Book Shop
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2025
Real Women Have Curves: The Musical will host a CD signing event for their Original Broadway Cast Recording at The Drama Book Shop this month. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2025
Real Women Have Curves: The Musical will host a CD signing event for their Original Broadway Cast Recording at The Drama Book Shop this month. Learn more here!
Videos: Go Inside the Final Performance of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Michael Major - Jun 30, 2025
On Sunday, June 29, Real Women Have Curves closed. To celebrate its final bow, the musical has taken to its Instagram account to share several videos from its closing performance.
by Michael Major - Jun 30, 2025
On Sunday, June 29, Real Women Have Curves closed. To celebrate its final bow, the musical has taken to its Instagram account to share several videos from its closing performance.
5 Broadway Shows Close This Weekend
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 28, 2025
Broadway says goodbye to five productions. Glengarry Glen Ross takes its final bow at the Palace Theatre following 23 previews and 104 regular performances; The Picture of Dorian Gray plays its final performance at the Music Box Theatre after 15 previews and 98 regular performances; and more.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 28, 2025
Broadway says goodbye to five productions. Glengarry Glen Ross takes its final bow at the Palace Theatre following 23 previews and 104 regular performances; The Picture of Dorian Gray plays its final performance at the Music Box Theatre after 15 previews and 98 regular performances; and more.
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES' Aline Mayagoitia Takes Over Our Instagram Today
by Michael Major - Jun 21, 2025
Real Women Have Curves star Aline Mayagoitia is taking over our Instagram! Follow along as she takes you inside a two show day at the beloved Broadway musical. Tune in to learn more about Real Women Have Curves before it plays its final performance.
by Michael Major - Jun 21, 2025
Real Women Have Curves star Aline Mayagoitia is taking over our Instagram! Follow along as she takes you inside a two show day at the beloved Broadway musical. Tune in to learn more about Real Women Have Curves before it plays its final performance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Benjamin Velez written?
Benjamin Velez has written 3 shows including Kiss My Aztec! (Composer & Lyricist), The Tempest (Music), Real Women Have Curves (Music).
What awards has Benjamin Velez been nominated for?
Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Real Women Have Curves, Outstanding Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Real Women Have Curves and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) (Tony Awards) for Real Women Have Curves: The Musical.
Videos