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Dick Scanlan

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Dick Scanlan 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.

Dick Scanlan Photos

Dick Scanlan STAGE CREDITS

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

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Miss Great Plains

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

Dick Scanlan 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

Dick Scanlan 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

Dick Scanlan Videos

Dick Scanlan News


New Works Provincetown Commissions Projects From Hannah Corneau, Douglas Lyons & More

Learn about the exciting collaborations and commissions announced by New Works Provincetown, featuring talented artists like Hannah Corneau, Douglas Lyons, and more. Find out what projects they will be working on and when you can catch these innovative performances.

New Grant Program Gives High Schools Opportunity to Perform THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), The Music Man Foundation (TMMF) and Music Theatre International (MTI) announced a special partnership that will give up to ten high schools a unique opportunity to perform the new, revised version of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”. Learn more here!

Educational Theatre Foundation Will Award Grants to High Schools to Produce New Version of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN

Up to ten $10,000 grants funded by TMMF will be made available for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years to be used toward costs associated with the production of the musical. Any accredited high school based in the United State is eligible to apply.

Corey Stoll, Natalie Gold & Alyssa Emily Marvin to Join Sarah Paulson in APPROPRIATE

Golden Globe Award nominee Corey Stoll (“House of Cards,” “Billions”), Natalie Gold (“Succession”), and Alyssa Emily Marvin (Grey House) join Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award winner Sarah Paulson in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ APPROPRIATE at Second Stage Theater, directed by Lila Neugebauer.

The Metropolitan Opera Commissions Ukranian Composer Maxim Kolomiiets to Write New Opera Based on True Story

As part of its ongoing support of Ukraine, the Metropolitan Opera / Lincoln Center Theater New Works Program has commissioned a new work by Ukrainian composer Maxim Kolomiiets and librettist George Brant.

Ali Stroker, Elizabeth Stanley & More to Join Arts Education Benefit Honoring Raúl Esparza

Broadway performers and award-winning artists under the direction of acclaimed conductor, music director, orchestrator, composer, arranger, and Arts Ignite Founder, Mary-Mitchell Campbell will gather for an arts education benefit GLOW! Celebrating our Arts Education Champions.

Jessica Lange, Jim Parsons, Celia Keenan-Bolger Will Lead Paula Vogel's MOTHER PLAY on Broadway

The world premiere of MOTHER PLAY, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel and directed by Tina Landau is coming to Broadway. We have all the details on who will star in the new play!

National Alliance for Musical Theatre Reveals Grant Recipients for 2023/2024

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre has announced the 12 Award Recipients for the 2023/2024 Frank Young Fund for New Musicals Project Development & Production Grants and the 10 Award Recipients for the 2023/2024 Impact & Exploration Fund.

Marin Ireland, Zachary James & Erik Lochtefeld to Star in SPAIN at Second Stage Theater

Get all the details on the upcoming production of SPAIN at Second Stage Theater, including the star-studded cast featuring Marin Ireland, Zachary James, and Erik Lochtefeld. Find out when and where you can catch this highly anticipated show.

Jordan E. Cooper, Michael R. Jackson, Christine Toy Johnson & More Named to 2023-2024 Tony Awards Nominating Committee

The Tony Awards Administration Committee has revealed the Nominating Committee for the 2023-2024 Broadway season.

Frank Wood, Abubakr Ali & b Join TOROS at Second Stage Theater Uptown

Complete casting has been set for Second Stage Theater's TOROS by Danny Tejera and directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Christopher Sieber, Major Attaway & More to Perform as Part of Paper Mill Playhouse's Brookside Cabaret

Paper Mill has revealed the fourth season of its popular Brookside Cabaret for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday, July 19.

New Plays by Paula Vogel, Jen Silverman and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Included in Second Stage Theater's 2023/24 Season

Second Stage Theater has just announced three initial productions for its upcoming 45th Anniversary Season. Check out the full lineup here!

Sergio Trujillo, Kathleen Marshall, Kimberly Marable & More to Take Part in TDF's Wendy Wasserstein Project Ceremony

On Monday, June 12 at 5 p.m., TDF will host its annual Wendy Wasserstein Project ceremony at The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College.

Studio Theatre Announces Cast of FUN HOME

Studio Theatre has announced the cast of their production of Fun Home, with performances starting June 28. The musical, with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron, is based on the autobiographical graphic novel of the same name by cartoonist and writer Alison Bechdel.

2023 Second Stage Theater Uptown Series to Present TOROS By Danny Tejera This Summer

Second Stage Theater will present TOROS, written by Danny Tejera and directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, this summer at Second Stage Theater Uptown.

Review: JUDY ON TV! Honors Judy Garland Nicely At 92NY

JUDY ON TV! Is a delightful production, the kind that one might expect when going to see something at 92NY.

Works From Britton Smith, Kate Douglas & More to be Featured in Second Stage Theater's 2023 New Voices Series

Second Stage Theater is continuing its commitment to nurturing American playwrights with THE 2023 JUDITH CHAMPION READING SERIES and the inaugural NANCY DENOVAN MUSICAL READING. 

Alysha Umphress, Max Von Essen & More to Star in JUDY ON TV!: CELEBRATING 'THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW'

Lyrics and Lyricists is presenting Judy on TV!: Celebrating “The Judy Garland Show,” looking at Garland’s iconic talent through the lens of her landmark 1963-64 weekly television broadcasts. See how to purchase tickets!

Dick Scanlan FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

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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