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Dick Scanlan

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BIO

Dick Scanlan is a multi-talented actor, director, and writer who has made a name for himself both on and off Broadway. Born in Massachusetts in 1960, Scanlan developed a love for the theater at a young age and went on to study drama at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.



Scanlan's first major Broadway credit came in 1996 when he co-wrote the book and lyrics for the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie" alongside Richard Morris. The show, which starred Sutton Foster in the title role, went on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Scanlan's clever lyrics and witty book were praised by critics and audiences alike, and he quickly became a sought-after writer in the theater world.

In addition to his work on "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Scanlan has written several other successful musicals, including "A Christmas Story," "Everyday Rapture," and "The Little Mermaid." He has also directed productions of "The Full Monty" and "High Fidelity" and has acted in numerous plays and musicals throughout his career.

Scanlan's talents are not limited to the stage, however. He has also worked in television and film, appearing in shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Good Wife" and films like "The Producers" and "Indignation." He even provided the voice of the character of Woody in the hit video game "Toy Story 3."

Despite his success in other mediums, Scanlan remains dedicated to the theater and continues to work on new projects. In 2019, he collaborated with composer Mark Hollmann on the musical "The Man in the Ceiling," which premiered at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, New York. The show, based on the book by Jules Feiffer, tells the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a cartoonist.

Scanlan's contributions to the theater world have not gone unnoticed. In addition to his Tony Award for "Thoroughly Modern Millie," he has also been nominated for several other awards, including a Drama Desk Award for his work on "Everyday Rapture." He has also been recognized for his advocacy work in the LGBTQ+ community, receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award in 2019.

Throughout his career, Scanlan has proven himself to be a versatile and talented artist, capable of writing, directing, and performing with equal skill. His contributions to the theater world have been significant, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1991
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
1991
Miss Great Plains


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1986
Performer


Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Book & New Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Co-Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Co-Director and Co-Author
 
[Regional (US), 2014]
Book and Additional Lyrics

Writing

Conceiver
Bookwriter
Script Consultant
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, The Unsinkable Molly Brown

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, Everyday Rapture

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Dick Scanlan, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Videos

News


Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, Matthew Morrison and More to Perform at 54 Below in January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 29, 2025

In January of 2026, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, Matthew Morrison and many more. 
Interview: Charles Kirsch's BACKSTAGE BABBLE LIVE Brings Classic Broadway Stories to 54 Below
by Rebecca Kaplan - Dec 17, 2025

The January 3rd show features Broadway stars reviving songs from productions they starred in and sharing behind-the-scenes stories. This edition includes stars from Cabaret, Chicago, Into the Woods, Assassins and more.
Jason Graae, Annie Golden, Judy Kaye, Lee Wilkof, and More Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE LIVE
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2025

54 Below will present the return by popular demand of “Backstage Babble Live!' Based on the podcast hosted by Charles Kirsch, the concert will feature performances and stories from some of his previous guests.
Cabaret Roundup: November 17-23- Melissa Errico, Mandy Gonzales & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Nov 17, 2025

Here are a few top picks to consider in NYC this week including Melissa Errico, a new work by William Finn, Mandy Gonzales singing Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more.
Denver Center Theatre Company Unveils Playwrights for the 20th Annual Colorado New Play Summit
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2025

The Denver Center Theatre Company has announced playwrights, dates, and details for the 2026 Colorado New Play Summit (CNPS). The 20th annual festival will take place over one weekend on February 14-15.
Best Cabaret in November 2025: Margaret Cho, Shoshana Bean, & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Nov 1, 2025

See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues this month, at a range of budget points. See some of the biggest stars of the stage, screen, jazz, cabaret and comedy live in an intimate venue
Interview: Paul Iacono & Marc Kudisch on GOTHAM ROGUES Batman Parody Musical at Joe's Pub
by Brett Singer - Oct 22, 2025

GOTHAM ROGUES: THE UNAUTHORIZED BATMAN PARODY MUSICAL will play for one night only on Monday October 27. Read a conversation with writers and co-stars Paul Iacono and Marc Kudisch.
Theatre Aspen Reveals Recipients of the 2025 Solo Flights Festival Grants
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 18, 2025

Theatre Aspen has revealed the two grant recipients from the 2025 Solo Flights Project Advancement Fund. Learn more about the recipients and about the Fund here!
Interview: Mandy Gonzalez Brings World Premiere of her EVERYTHING I KNOW Tribute to Lin-Manuel Miranda to Boston
by R. Scott Reedy - Sep 15, 2025

Mandy Gonzalez first met Lin-Manuel Miranda when she was cast to play Nina Rosario in the 2007 off-Broadway and 2008 Broadway premieres of “In the Heights.” Born in professional respect, Gonzalez says her relationship with Miranda has since come to mean much more to her.
Cabaret Roundup: Fall 2025- Lea Salonga, Shoshana Bean, Margaret Cho and More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Aug 16, 2025

Get tickets to some of the hottest shows in NYC for Fall 2025 before they sell out! We scoured the fall listings for can’t-miss events you’ll want to get your tickets to way, way in advance: Halloween-themed treats, standup, Broadway stars & more
Review: Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara with The National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap
by Elliot Lanes - Aug 7, 2025

The word legend is tossed around quite a bit when talking about performers. Sometimes it’s true but many times it isn’t. This past Friday evening at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center two true modern day legends of musical theatre took the stage to pay homage to two all-time legends of entertainment.
Margaret Cho, Marc Kudisch and More to be Featured in Theatre Aspen's SOLO FLIGHTS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 6, 2025

Theatre Aspen has revealed the six new works selected for the sixth annual Solo Flights Festival, the yearly developmental festival of one-person shows bringing lauded creatives to the Aspen area. Learn more!
TDF's WENDY WASSERSTEIN PROJECT 2025 Celebration to Take Place in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025

DF will host its annual Wendy Wasserstein Project ceremony at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here!
National Alliance For Musical Theatre Reveals 2024/2025 Writers Residency Grant Recipients
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2025

National Alliance for Musical Theatre has announced the NAMT Member Theatre and Writer Recipients for the 2024/2025 Writers Residency Grants, part of the Frank Young Fund for New Musicals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Dick Scanlan written?

Dick Scanlan has written 6 shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie (Bookwriter), You May Now Worship Me (Conceiver), Everyday Rapture (Bookwriter), Motown the Musical (Script Consultant), Whorl Inside a Loop (Co-Author), Renascence (Book).

What awards has Dick Scanlan been nominated for?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Everyday Rapture, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie.

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