Doug Besterman
Also Credited As: Douglas Besterman
Latest News on Doug Besterman:
Video: Watch 'My New York' From BOOP! THE MUSICAL (Jul 3, 2025)
Video: Watch an Early Test For BOOP!'s Color-Changing Act Two Opening (Jul 3, 2025)
Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The Musical Will Transfer to Liverpool Playhouse For Christmas Season (Jun 26, 2025)
Video: Watch 'My New York' From BOOP! THE MUSICAL (Jul 3, 2025)
Video: Watch an Early Test For BOOP!'s Color-Changing Act Two Opening (Jul 3, 2025)
Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The Musical Will Transfer to Liverpool Playhouse For Christmas Season (Jun 26, 2025)
BIO
DOUG BESTERMAN is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger, and Orchestrator, he has been privileged to work with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including composers Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman.
A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His most recent Broadway credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Bronx Tale, and Anastasia.
Besterman has also written orchestrations for 20+ film and television projects; including recent film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and American Housewife, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Galavant for television.
As a composer, Besterman penned the scores for the podcast musical Little Did I Know (with lyricists Dean Pitchford and Marcy Heisler), currently available for download on Apple Podcasts; The Big One-Oh (with lyricist Dean Pitchford), which recently premiered at The Atlantic For Kids in NYC, and is available for licensing through Music Theater International (MTI); and the vignette “Swelling and Irritation” (with lyricist Sharon Vaughn) from the musical Breathe, also to be licensed by MTI - concept album to be released by Sony. His music has also been recorded by singer Christian Bautista, heard in the films The Punisher, Out of Step and Exit Speed, television shows Summerland and One Life To Live, in concert with the United States Military Academy Concert Band, and in the musical revue Hats.
He is a proud father, husband, and sommelier. When not in New York or Los Angeles working, Doug is an avid traveler. Follow his latest adventures at @DougBesterman.
Photos
Productions
Writing
Music
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, BOOP! The Musical
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Doug Besterman, Death Becomes Her
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, Anastasia
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, Anastasia
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical
Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, Young Frankenstein
winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, Thoroughly Modern Millie
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, The Producers
winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, The Producers
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, The Music Man
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, The Music Man
Videos
Video: Watch an Early Test For BOOP!'s Color-Changing Act Two Opening
by Michael Major - 2025-07-03 10:49:52
Video: Bella Coppola Performs 'Let Me Be Your Star' in SMASH on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-05-28 15:59:52
Video: Watch Robyn Hurder and Cast Perform 'Let's Be Bad' From SMASH
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-22 14:02:21
Video: Robyn Hurder and SMASH Cast Perform 'Let Me Be Your Star' on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-20 11:16:34
Video: Watch SMASH Star Bella Coppola Perform the National Anthem at the Mets Game
by Michael Major - 2025-05-19 11:38:20
Video: SMASH Cast Performs 'I Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love To Howl' on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-16 14:15:09
Video: Watch Caroline Bowman Sing 'They Just Keep Moving The Line' in SMASH
by Michael Major - 2025-05-14 15:40:23
Video: Watch Jasmine Amy Rogers Sing 'Something to Shout About' From BOOP!
by Michael Major - 2025-03-11 10:51:49
Video: Watch Robyn Hurder & Caroline Bowman Sing 'Don't Forget Me' From SMASH
by Michael Major - 2025-03-10 14:44:41
Video: Watch the Cast of BOOP! THE MUSICAL Rehearse For Their Broadway Run
by Michael Major - 2025-02-20 16:26:03
Video: Watch the First SCHMIGADOON! Teaser From the Kennedy Center
by Michael Major - 2024-12-27 13:31:59
Video: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard & More in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-11-20 10:46:23
Video/Photos: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Michelle Williams & More in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-18 23:39:44
VIDEO: Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard Talk DEATH BECOMES HER on WGN9 Chicago
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-02 16:20:17
Photos & Video: Get a First Look at BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-12-05 12:43:48
VIDEO: Watch Broadway's Best Unite for 'You Are Enough' Music Video
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-05-10 12:00:20
VIDEO: Cinco Paul and Bekah Brunstetter in Conversation On A.D. 16
by Alan Henry - 2022-02-11 10:01:17
VIDEO: Creatives of A.D. 16 at Olney Theatre Center Discuss the Show's Themes
by Stephi Wild - 2022-02-04 10:35:55
VIDEO: American Dance Machine For the 21st Century Performs 'T'aint Nobody's Biz-ness If I Do' From BULLETS OVER BROADWAY
by Stephi Wild - 2021-07-20 10:40:39
News
Video: Watch 'My New York' From BOOP! THE MUSICAL
by Michael Major - Jul 3, 2025
BOOP! the Musical has shared a new video of 'My New York,' featuring Jasmine Amy Rogers, Ainsley Melham, and more! The musical number takes place in the musical's first act, when Betty Boop explores New York City for the first time.
by Michael Major - Jul 3, 2025
BOOP! the Musical has shared a new video of 'My New York,' featuring Jasmine Amy Rogers, Ainsley Melham, and more! The musical number takes place in the musical's first act, when Betty Boop explores New York City for the first time.
Video: Watch an Early Test For BOOP!'s Color-Changing Act Two Opening
by Michael Major - Jul 3, 2025
Jerry Mitchell has released footage of an early test for Boop! the Musical's color-changing Act Two opening number. Watch a new video of the test run and see a comparison to the final product!
by Michael Major - Jul 3, 2025
Jerry Mitchell has released footage of an early test for Boop! the Musical's color-changing Act Two opening number. Watch a new video of the test run and see a comparison to the final product!
Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The Musical Will Transfer to Liverpool Playhouse For Christmas Season
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025
Hope Mill Theatre has announced that their production of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL will transfer to Liverpool Playhouse for a limited 5-week run over the Christmas season.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025
Hope Mill Theatre has announced that their production of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL will transfer to Liverpool Playhouse for a limited 5-week run over the Christmas season.
Video: SMASH Cast Takes Final Bow on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jun 23, 2025
The Tony-nominated new Broadway musical Smash played its final Broadway performance on Sunday, June 22, 2025 after 32 previews and 84 regular performances at the Imperial Theatre. Check out a video of the final curtain call here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 23, 2025
The Tony-nominated new Broadway musical Smash played its final Broadway performance on Sunday, June 22, 2025 after 32 previews and 84 regular performances at the Imperial Theatre. Check out a video of the final curtain call here!
Ore Oduba Will Lead Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Hope Mill Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2025
Ore Oduba will star as Dr Frederick Frankenstein in Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL which will have its regional premiere at Hope Mill Theatre in October.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2025
Ore Oduba will star as Dr Frederick Frankenstein in Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL which will have its regional premiere at Hope Mill Theatre in October.
SMASH Announces Final Broadway Performance
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 10, 2025
Broadway musical comedy SMASH will play its final Broadway performance on Sunday, June 22, 2025 after 32 previews and 84 regular performances at the Imperial Theatre.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 10, 2025
Broadway musical comedy SMASH will play its final Broadway performance on Sunday, June 22, 2025 after 32 previews and 84 regular performances at the Imperial Theatre.
DEATH BECOMES HER Cast Recording is Now Available on CD
by Stephi Wild - Jun 6, 2025
The physical CD edition of the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Death Becomes Her is available now! The 24-track album was released on digital platforms for streaming earlier this spring
by Stephi Wild - Jun 6, 2025
The physical CD edition of the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Death Becomes Her is available now! The 24-track album was released on digital platforms for streaming earlier this spring
How to See One of the 2025 Tony-Nominated Shows in a City Near You
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 4, 2025
As we gear up for the 2025 Tony Awards, BroadwayWorld has the info on where you can catch one of this year's Tony-nominated shows in a city near you! Learn more here!
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 4, 2025
As we gear up for the 2025 Tony Awards, BroadwayWorld has the info on where you can catch one of this year's Tony-nominated shows in a city near you! Learn more here!
DEATH BECOMES HER vs. MINCEMEAT Battle For Best Ensemble In The BWW Awards; Last Chance To Vote!
by BWW Awards - Jun 2, 2025
This is the final chance to vote for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
by BWW Awards - Jun 2, 2025
This is the final chance to vote for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
2025 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at NYU Skirball. Check out the full list of winners from the big night here!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at NYU Skirball. Check out the full list of winners from the big night here!
Video: Bella Coppola Performs 'Let Me Be Your Star' in SMASH on Broadway
by Michael Major - May 28, 2025
Fade up on a star... Watch a video of Bella Coppola singing 'Let Me Be Your Star' in SMASH The Musical, now on Broadway! The Six alum stars as Chloe Zervoulian in the new musical.
by Michael Major - May 28, 2025
Fade up on a star... Watch a video of Bella Coppola singing 'Let Me Be Your Star' in SMASH The Musical, now on Broadway! The Six alum stars as Chloe Zervoulian in the new musical.
1 Week Left for the BWW Awards; MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Leading Over MINCEMEAT & DEATH BECOMES HER
by BWW Awards - May 27, 2025
The latest standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
by BWW Awards - May 27, 2025
The latest standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
Video: Watch Robyn Hurder and Cast Perform 'Let's Be Bad' From SMASH
by Josh Sharpe - May 22, 2025
During a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, the Oscar-winning host shared an exclusive clip of Robyn Hurder and the cast of Smash performing 'Let's Be Bad,' from the Broadway musical. Check it out now!
by Josh Sharpe - May 22, 2025
During a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, the Oscar-winning host shared an exclusive clip of Robyn Hurder and the cast of Smash performing 'Let's Be Bad,' from the Broadway musical. Check it out now!
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Multi-Year International Tour to Launch This Fall
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025
Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia are launching a multi-year international tour of Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY in October 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025
Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia are launching a multi-year international tour of Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY in October 2025.
Video: Robyn Hurder and SMASH Cast Perform 'Let Me Be Your Star' on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2025
She's a star! On a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Robyn Hurder and the cast of Broadway's Smash took the stage to perform the show's opening number, 'Let Me Be Your Star.' Watch it now!
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2025
She's a star! On a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Robyn Hurder and the cast of Broadway's Smash took the stage to perform the show's opening number, 'Let Me Be Your Star.' Watch it now!
Video: Watch SMASH Star Bella Coppola Perform the National Anthem at the Mets Game
by Michael Major - May 19, 2025
SMASH on Broadway star Bella Coppola traded the Imperial Theatre for MetLife Stadium at a recent Mets game! Coppola, who plays Chloe in the new musical, belted out the National Anthem last week. See the video now!
by Michael Major - May 19, 2025
SMASH on Broadway star Bella Coppola traded the Imperial Theatre for MetLife Stadium at a recent Mets game! Coppola, who plays Chloe in the new musical, belted out the National Anthem last week. See the video now!
Two Weeks Left To Vote for the 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by BWW Awards - May 19, 2025
Show your support for shows like Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat, Death Becomes Her, BOOP! The Musical and more.
by BWW Awards - May 19, 2025
Show your support for shows like Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat, Death Becomes Her, BOOP! The Musical and more.
Video: SMASH Cast Performs 'I Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love To Howl' on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - May 16, 2025
Robyn Hurder and the cast of the Tony-nominated musical SMASH joined The View on Friday for a performance of the song I Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love To Howl. Watch the performance here!
by Josh Sharpe - May 16, 2025
Robyn Hurder and the cast of the Tony-nominated musical SMASH joined The View on Friday for a performance of the song I Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love To Howl. Watch the performance here!
Video: Watch Caroline Bowman Sing 'They Just Keep Moving The Line' in SMASH
by Michael Major - May 14, 2025
Watch a video of Caroline Bowman singing 'They Just Keep Moving The Line' in SMASH. The beloved Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman song – first sung by Megan Hilty in the fan-favorite NBC series – is featured on the musical's upcoming cast recording.
by Michael Major - May 14, 2025
Watch a video of Caroline Bowman singing 'They Just Keep Moving The Line' in SMASH. The beloved Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman song – first sung by Megan Hilty in the fan-favorite NBC series – is featured on the musical's upcoming cast recording.
First Standings Announced for the 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by BWW Awards - May 12, 2025
The first standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by BWW Awards - May 12, 2025
The first standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Doug Besterman written?
Doug Besterman has written 1 shows including The Big One-Oh! (Music).
What awards has Doug Besterman been nominated for?
Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for BOOP! The Musical, Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Death Becomes Her, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Orchestrations (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Young Frankenstein, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Music Man and Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Music Man.
What awards has Doug Besterman won?
Doug Besterman has won the Tony Award for Best Orchestrations for Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Producers. He also received the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Orchestrations for The Producers and The Music Man.
Videos