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Doug Besterman

Also Credited As: Douglas Besterman

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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.

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Orchestrations
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Regional (US), 2019]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2018]
Orchestrator
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2017]
Orchestrations
 
[West End, 2017] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2015] [Replacement]
Orchestrator[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrations
 
[West End, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Movement Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Orchestrations
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2009]
Orchestrator
 
[Houston, TX (Regional), 2008]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2005]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Orchestrator

Writing


Awards and Nominations

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

News


Full Cast Set for DEATH BECOMES HER Starring Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard

The full cast has been revealed for Death Becomes Her on Broadway. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Ali Ewoldt, Luba Mason, and Jamison Stern in ASK FOR THE MOON! at Goodspeed

Check out production photos for Ask for the Moon!, running at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre through August 11 in Chester, Connecticut here!
BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL Sets Broadway Theatre and Opening Night

 BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical has found its Broadway theatre! The new musical is set to open at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre on April 5, 2025. Learn more about BOOP! here!
Photos: First Look at YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Berkshire Theatre Group

Get a first look at photos of Young Frankenstein at Berkshire Theatre Group! See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL Sets Broadway Opening For April 2025

BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical has set its Broadway dates! The new musical will open on Broadway in April 2025 at a Shubert theatre to be announced. Learn more about the musical here!
Kyla Stone, Nick Cearley & More to Star in Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Berkshire Theatre Group

Berkshire Theatre Group has revealed the cast for its upcoming production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
PARTING GIFT: THE SONGS OF GERALD GINSBURG Out Now

PS Classics has released Parting Gift: The Songs of Gerald Ginsburg on streaming and digital formats. Listen now!
Interview: Give Credit Where Credit is Due When it Comes to The Orchestrator!

Recently I wrote a Broadway World feature dealing with a partial restoration of Robert Ginzler’s original orchestrations for Bye, Bye, Birdie at the Kennedy Center by conductor John Bell with additional work by Joshua Clayton. When the piece was shared on social media, it started a bigger conversation about proper credit for the original orchestrator. Robert Ginzler was somehow never acknowledged in the Kennedy Center program.
Ali Ewoldt, Luba Mason & More to Star in ASK FOR THE MOON at Goodspeed

Goodspeed Musicals has revealed the cast for Ask for the Moon, an outrageous comedy about greed, revenge and...murder. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Exclusive: Hear Colin Donnell Perform 'Little Boy Blue' on Parting Gift: The Songs of Gerald Ginsburg

BroadwayWorld has your first listen to an all new track from the upcoming album, Parting Gift: The Songs of Gerald Ginsburg. 'Little Boy Blue' is performed by Colin Donnell, and based on a poem by Eugene Field.
Kelli O'Hara, Will Chase & More to be Featured on PARTING GIFT: THE SONGS OF GERALD GINSBURG

PS CLASSICS will release Parting Gift: The Songs of Gerald Ginsburg, featuring stars from Broadway and opera with a 17-piece orchestra. Learn when you can download the album!
Video/Photos: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Michelle Williams & More in DEATH BECOMES HER

Get a first look at all-new photos and videos of the World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, now on stage for a limited five-week engagement.
DEATH BECOMES HER Will Open at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre This Fall

The new musical comedy DEATH BECOMES HER is set to begin Broadway preview performances Wednesday, October 23, 2024, and officially opening on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. We have all of the detals!
Photos: First Look At Pre-Broadway DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago

Get a first look at the World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, now on stage for a limited five-week engagement.
VIDEO: Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard Talk DEATH BECOMES HER on WGN9 Chicago

Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard stopped by the studios at WGN9 to talk all about the World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. Watch the full video here!
Video: The Cast of DEATH BECOMES HER Takes Their First Bows

Performances for the World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER began last night, April 30, 2024, at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. An all new video has been posted to the show's Instagram of the cast taking their first bows! Check out the video here!
DEATH BECOMES HER World Premiere Begins Performances Tomorrow

Performances for the World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER begin tomorrow, April 30, 2024. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
From La Jolla Playhouse to Broadway - A Brief History

Learn more about some of the Broadway productions that you may not have realized began their journey at La Jolla Playhouse! 
Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald's BREATHE Is Now Available for Licensing

Written as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, Breathe follows five pairs of characters grappling with the virus’s impact on their lives, families, relationships, society, and health. Ranging from lighthearted to heartbreaking, unbelievable and all-too-real, these vignettes tackle everything from parenting in Covid, to Black Lives Matter protests, to saying goodbye to a spouse via Zoom.
Photos & Video: Get a First Look at BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL

Get a first loo at photos and video of Boop! The Betty Boop Musical.

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?

Doug Besterman has been nominated for the following awards: - 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 - Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Music Man

What awards has Doug Besterman won?

Doug Besterman has won the following awards: Best Orchestrations at the Tony Awards for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards for The Producers, Best Orchestrations at the Tony Awards for The Producers, and Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards for The Music Man.

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