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Dean Pitchford

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Dean Pitchford BIO

Dean Pitchford is a multi-talented artist who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry as a writer, lyricist, and director. Born on July 29, 1951, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Pitchford began his career as an actor before transitioning into writing and directing.
Pitchford's Broadway career began in 1980 when he co-wrote the book and lyrics for the musical "Fame," which was based on the popular film of the same name. The show was a huge success, running for over 1,000 performances and earning Pitchford a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics.
In 1984, Pitchford wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the musical "Footloose," which was based on the hit film of the same name. The show was a smash hit, running for over 700 performances and earning Pitchford a Tony nomination for Best Original Score. The musical has since become a beloved classic and was revived on Broadway in 1998.
Pitchford's success on Broadway led to opportunities in film and television. He wrote the screenplay for the 1984 film "Footloose," which starred Kevin Bacon and became a cultural phenomenon. He also contributed songs to the films "Sing" and "Fievel Goes West."
In addition to his work in film and on Broadway, Pitchford has also made significant contributions to the world of music. He wrote the lyrics for the hit song "After All," which was performed by Cher and Peter Cetera and was featured in the film "Chances Are." He also wrote the lyrics for the song "Make Me Lose Control," which was performed by Eric Carmen and was a top 10 hit in the US.
Pitchford's most recent work includes writing the book for the musical "The Big Boom," which premiered at the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 2019. The show is a musical comedy that follows a group of small-town residents who are trying to save their town from a nuclear disaster.

Dean Pitchford Photos

Dean Pitchford STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Guy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Pippin [Replacement]

Pippin (Standby) [Replacement]

Pippin (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1976
Performer

[New York]
Reading, 1986
Narrator

Writing

Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Additional Material
Source Material
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Stage adaptation, original screenplay, lyrics
Additional Material

Dean Pitchford Movies

[1984]Footloose writer

[1989]Sing writer

[2011]Our Footloose Remake writer

Dean Pitchford Awards and Nominations

Dean Pitchford Videos

Dean Pitchford News


Andy Mientus to Star in JIM HENSON'S EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS in Chicago

A live theatrical adaptation of “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas” is making its Chicago debut this holiday season, November 14-December 31, 2023. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Christopher Sieber, Santino Fontana, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. Check out the full lineup here!

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL HARVARD-YALE CANTATA to Play 54 Below in September

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, will again present a cast of Harvard and Yale grads and current students in The Eighth Annual Harvard-Yale Cantata: The Eras Tour. To celebrate the Eras, we are including writers and performers from the last eight decades. This show is a competition of Harvard alumni vs. Yale alumni, as performers and writers.

Youth Repertory Ensemble's FOOTLOOSE Comes to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College

Aspiring performers, designers, and technicians will come together July 27–30 to make theater magic in this summer’s Youth Repertory Ensemble’s production of 'Footloose' at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.

Previews: CARRIE THE MUSICAL at Progressive Arts

Progressive Arts is recognized as a boutique conservatory and local community theater company for pre-teens, teens, and adults of all abilities and talents. It is inclusive of special needs actors and their families.

Mac-Haydn Theatre Cuts Loose With FOOTLOOSE Next Month

The Mac-Haydn Theatre continues its summer season of hits with 'Footloose,' the Tony and Grammy winning musical based on the decade-defining film of the same name, running July 6 - 16.

Amber Gray, Carolina Rial, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Photos: First Look At FOOTLOOSE At The Public Theater of San Antonio

Only a few shows left for the fan-favorite musical Footloose at The Public Theater of San Antonio ! The show's closing performance is Sunday, June 25. See photos from the production. 

DarlingtonOS to Present FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL Beginning in October

DarlingtonOS will present Footloose the musical, with performances running from Wednesday 25 October to Saturday 4 November. Directed and choreographed by Jo Hand and with Steven Hood, and featuring a talented cast of local actors and musicians, this is a show you won't want to miss.

See HANDS ON A HARDBODY Reunion Concert, Jenn Colella, Shaun Cassidy & More at 54 Below in June

This month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

JIM HENSON'S EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS to Play Chicago This Holiday Season

A live theatrical adaptation of “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas” is making its Chicago debut this holiday season at the Studebaker Theater at the historic Fine Arts Building.

Cast and Creatives Announced For FOOTLOOSE At Russell Hill Rogers Theater

This summer, Footloose will play in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater at The Public Theater of San Antonio, the longest-running theatre company in Texas.

Florida Rep Theatre Conservatory Presents FAME THE MUSICAL

Florida Rep's Education Conservatory Program will present “Fame, The Musical,” May 18 through 21, and May 24 through 27, in the Historic Arcade Theatre. Both evening and matinee show times will be offered.

Review: FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Jordan Radis had the formidable task of portraying Ren McCormack, which is Kevin Bacon’s break-out role from the 80’s. He was able to pay homage to Kevin Bacon’s character while giving the it his own style. Audrey Taylor Floyd, who play Rusty, stood out with her impressive vocal performance in “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.” Though it is strange to hear pop songs from the 80’s sung in musical theatre style, Audrey was able to nail that song just like I remember hearing it many years ago. This show will make you laugh and want to dance and sing to songs you haven’t hear in years but still somehow know all the words.

HEATHERS, BONNIE & CLYDE, and More Set For Naples' TheatreZone 2023-2024 Season

Love stories from the comic to the edgy with music ranging from rockabilly to show tunes are in the lineup of TheatreZone's musicals for 2023-2024.

Interview: Michelle Elkin on Choreographing FOOTLOOSE: The Musical at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

Michelle Elkin made her professional debut at the age of 8 in the movie musical Annie. Since then, her resume includes working in numerous film, television, commercial, and theater projects as a dancer and choreographer. After recently choreographing the teen musical 13 at Simi Valley Cultural Center, Michelle is returning to the venue as co-director (with Barry Pearl) and choreographer of Footloose: The Musical with book by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford and Kenny Loggins, running April 22 – May 14, 2023. I decided to speak with her since about the production as well as some of the iconic shows on which she has previously worked.

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL Returns To LA This Month at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

Footloose: The Musical, produced by Panic! Productions & BarCinBoo Productions, is returning to Califórnia, for 13 performances April 22 – May 14, 2023.  Footloose is all about fun, dancing and the carefree nature of being a teenager... However, the show is honestly about so much more.  

Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs Presents FOOTLOOSE Next Month

Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs has announced its next Mainstage production presented at the The Center for Performing Arts in Bonita Springs.

Barry Pearl & Michelle Elkin Will Co-Direct FOOTLOOSE: The Musical At Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

Barry Pearl and Michelle Elkin, two powerhouse talents in Los Angeles Theatre, gear up to co-direct the energetic musical FOOTLOOSE. Produced by Panic! Productions & BarCinBoo Productions.

Original FAME Movie Cast Members Laura Dean & Antonia Franceschi to Join Celebration at 54 Below

54 BELOW will present an evening commemorating one of the most acclaimed the coming-of-age films of all time with 54 Celebrates the Movie Fame.

Dean Pitchford FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Dean Pitchford has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

Dean Pitchford has not appeared in the West End

Dean Pitchford has been nominated for several awards. He was nominated for Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for his work on "Footloose." Additionally, he was also nominated for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "Footloose."

Dean Pitchford has written 6 shows including Peter Allen: Up in One (Additional Material), Carrie (Lyricist), The Boy From Oz (Lyricist), Footloose (Source Material), Fame on 42nd Street (Composer/Lyricist), The Big One-Oh! (Lyrics).

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