Harold Wheeler
Latest News on Harold Wheeler:
DREAMGIRLS Dazzles in São Paulo with Soul, Spectacle and Heart (Sep 27, 2025)
Harvey Fierstein Will Receive a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (Apr 24, 2025)
AIN’T TOO PROUD National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox (Mar 25, 2025)
DREAMGIRLS Dazzles in São Paulo with Soul, Spectacle and Heart (Sep 27, 2025)
Harvey Fierstein Will Receive a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (Apr 24, 2025)
AIN’T TOO PROUD National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox (Mar 25, 2025)
BIO
Wheeler is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, musical director, musical supervisor, and musician. Perhaps best known for his 17 seasons as musical director of the ABC show Dancing with the Stars, he has enjoyed many years of success over several mediums.
His Broadway credits include Side Show, Hugh Jackman - Back on Broadway, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony Award nomination), Never Gonna Dance, Hairspray (Tony Award nomination, Drama Desk Award), The Full Monty (Tony Award nomination), Swing! (Tony Award nomination), Little Me (Tony Award nomination), The Life (Tony Award nomination), Dreamgirls, The Wiz, The Tap Dance Kid, and Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.
He has served as conductor of the Academy Awards four times (most recently during the 90TH Academy Awards); he is only the second African-American conductor in the Academy’s history.
He also was one of two conductors during the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics. In 2008, Harold received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP Theatre Awards. He is married to television and Broadway performer Hattie Winston.
Photos
CULVER CITY, CA - JANUARY 22: (L-R) Musician Harold Wheeler, actress Hattie Winston and Wren T. Brown, Founder Ebony Repertory Theatre pose during the arrivals for the opening night performance of Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of "A Raisin in the S
Date:
01/23/2012
From: Photo Flash: A RAISIN IN THE SUN Opens at CTG/Kirk Douglas Theatre
CULVER CITY, CA - JANUARY 22: Hattie Winston (L) and musician Harold Wheeler (R) pose during the arrivals for the opening night performance of Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of "A Raisin in the Sun" at Center Theatre Group / Kirk Douglas The
Date:
01/23/2012
From: Photo Flash: A RAISIN IN THE SUN Opens at CTG/Kirk Douglas Theatre
Productions
[Broadway, 1983]
Vocal Music Arranger
Musical Supervisor
Vocal Music Arranger
Music Arranger
Writing
Music
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations
winner
Tony Awards - 2019 - Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre
Harold Wheeler
Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, Hairspray
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Orhcestrations
Harold Wheeler, Never Gonna Dance
Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, Hairspray
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, The Full Monty
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, Swing!
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, Swing!
Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, Little Me
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Orchestration
Harold Wheeler, The Life
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Orchestrations
Harold Wheeler, The Life
Videos
Video: Get a Sneak Peek of AIN'T TOO PROUD London Cast Singing 'My Girl'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-03-14 14:06:44
VIDEO: AIN'T TOO PROUD Kicks Off Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Show Medley
by Abigail Charpentier - 2019-11-28 09:29:32
VIDEO: Legendary Orchestrator, Arranger Harold Wheeler was Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards
by Stage Tube - 2019-06-09 22:45:39
WATCH NOW! Zooming in on the Tony Nominees: Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose
by Nicole Rosky - 2019-05-21 18:01:00
VIDEO: Inside Opening Night of AIN'T TOO PROUD at the Ahmanson Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-09-04 21:27:49
VIDEO: Get a Look Behind the Scenes at the Costumes of DREAMGIRLS
by Stephi Wild - 2018-01-02 09:06:11
VIDEO: Get A Behind The Scenes Look At Berkeley Rep's AIN'T TOO PROUD
by Alan Henry - 2017-09-13 14:05:48
VIDEO: Behind the Scenes of Berkeley Rep's AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS
by Julie Musbach - 2017-09-02 18:36:04
TV: It's Only the Beginning - Watch Highlights from DREAMGIRLS, Starring Amber Riley, in London!
by BroadwayWorld TV - 2016-12-14 11:50:57
TV: Watch Amber Riley Perform 'I Am Changing' from the UK Premiere of DREAMGIRLS
by Nicole Rosky - 2016-07-19 12:44:52
AUDIO: The Twins Are Back on Broadway! First Listen to Erin Davie & Emily Padgett's 'I Will Never Leave You' from SIDE SHOW
by Tyler Peterson - 2014-10-16 11:14:07
AUDIO: The Twins Are Back! First Listen of SIDE SHOW's Act One Closer- 'Who Will Love Me as I Am?'
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-09-18 12:11:53
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes of Broadway's SIDE SHOW Photo Shoot!
by Stage Tube - 2014-09-08 18:21:24
News
DREAMGIRLS Dazzles in São Paulo with Soul, Spectacle and Heart
by Claudio Erlichman - Sep 27, 2025
The Broadway classic Dreamgirls makes its Brazilian debut in a dazzling production. Directed by Gustavo Barchilon, the show captures the rise and struggles of a 1960s girl group inspired by Motown legends. Letícia Soares shines as Effie White, while Laura Castro (Deena) and Samantha Schmütz (Lorell) complete a dynamic trio. With striking sets, costumes, and a vibrant score, Dreamgirls is both a tribute to soul music’s golden era and a moving story of ambition, resilience, and identity and thrills with its energy, soul, and spectacle.
by Claudio Erlichman - Sep 27, 2025
The Broadway classic Dreamgirls makes its Brazilian debut in a dazzling production. Directed by Gustavo Barchilon, the show captures the rise and struggles of a 1960s girl group inspired by Motown legends. Letícia Soares shines as Effie White, while Laura Castro (Deena) and Samantha Schmütz (Lorell) complete a dynamic trio. With striking sets, costumes, and a vibrant score, Dreamgirls is both a tribute to soul music’s golden era and a moving story of ambition, resilience, and identity and thrills with its energy, soul, and spectacle.
Harvey Fierstein Will Receive a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025
The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that legendary actor and writer, and four-time Tony Award winner, Harvey Fierstein will receive the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025
The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that legendary actor and writer, and four-time Tony Award winner, Harvey Fierstein will receive the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
AIN’T TOO PROUD National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025
AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS's Second National Tour is coming to St. Louis this spring. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025
AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS's Second National Tour is coming to St. Louis this spring. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
AIN'T TOO PROUD - The Life And Times Of The Temptations is Coming to Popejoy Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 18, 2025
AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Second National Tour is coming to Popejoy Hall this spring. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 18, 2025
AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Second National Tour is coming to Popejoy Hall this spring. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Will Take The Fox PAC Stage This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025
AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will be presented as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series and will take the Fox Performing Arts Center stage March 4–5, 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025
AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will be presented as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series and will take the Fox Performing Arts Center stage March 4–5, 2025.
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Coming to Pikes Peak Center in Febuary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025
The American Theatre Guild will present the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025
The American Theatre Guild will present the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD at Kravis Center to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024
Single tickets for the Broadway musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will go on sale this week. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024
Single tickets for the Broadway musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will go on sale this week. Learn more!
Tickets on Sale Today For AIN'T TOO PROUD in South Bend
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024
Single tickets for the smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in South Bend will go on sale to the public today. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024
Single tickets for the smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in South Bend will go on sale to the public today. Learn more here!
AIN'T TOO PROUD Tickets On Sale Now At Popejoy Hall
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2024
Tickets for AIN'T TOO PROUD at Popejoy Hall are now available. Discover the story of The Temptations through this acclaimed musical, featuring their iconic hits and dynamic performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2024
Tickets for AIN'T TOO PROUD at Popejoy Hall are now available. Discover the story of The Temptations through this acclaimed musical, featuring their iconic hits and dynamic performances.
AIN’T TOO PROUD " THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Comes to San Francisco in February
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2024
BroadwaySF has announced that AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will perform a limited engagement at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre from Tuesday, February 25 through Sunday, March 2, 2025.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2024
BroadwaySF has announced that AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will perform a limited engagement at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre from Tuesday, February 25 through Sunday, March 2, 2025.
AIN'T TOO PROUD To Make Bass Hall Debut In February
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 12, 2024
AIN'T TOO PROUD, the Broadway musical about The Temptations, is set to debut at Bass Hall from February 11-16, 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 12, 2024
AIN'T TOO PROUD, the Broadway musical about The Temptations, is set to debut at Bass Hall from February 11-16, 2025.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Comes to State Theatre New Jersey
by Stephi Wild - Oct 11, 2024
State Theatre New Jersey will present the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations for five performances on Friday, October 25 at 8pm; Saturday; October 26 at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2pm. Tickets range from $40-$105.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 11, 2024
State Theatre New Jersey will present the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations for five performances on Friday, October 25 at 8pm; Saturday; October 26 at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2pm. Tickets range from $40-$105.
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Now Playing at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2024
Broadway In Chicago is presenting the return of the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, currently playing a one week engagement. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2024
Broadway In Chicago is presenting the return of the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, currently playing a one week engagement. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Full Cast Set For AIN'T TOO PROUD Second National Tour
by Stephi Wild - Aug 19, 2024
The complete cast has been announced for the Second National Tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. Learn more about the cast here!
by Stephi Wild - Aug 19, 2024
The complete cast has been announced for the Second National Tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. Learn more about the cast here!
DREAMGIRLS Starts Performances at McCarter This Week - Full Cast Announced!
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 3, 2024
McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the revival of the Tony and Grammy award-winning DREAMGIRLS. Learn more here!
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 3, 2024
McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the revival of the Tony and Grammy award-winning DREAMGIRLS. Learn more here!
Trey Ellis, Rona Siddiqui, Anthony Fedorov & More to Join Goodspeed's 12th Annual JMF Writers Grove
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 19, 2024
Goodspeed Musicals has revealed the participants for the 12th annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 19, 2024
Goodspeed Musicals has revealed the participants for the 12th annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals.
Philly Premiere of AIN'T TOO PROUD " THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Comes to Kimmel Cultural Campus
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 2, 2023
The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization will present the first national tour of Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations for the first time in Philadelphia. The Broadway smash hit musical will play at the Campus' Academy of Music January 3 - 21 as part of the 2023-24 Broadway series.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 2, 2023
The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization will present the first national tour of Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations for the first time in Philadelphia. The Broadway smash hit musical will play at the Campus' Academy of Music January 3 - 21 as part of the 2023-24 Broadway series.
CHARTOR Entertainment, African Grove Institute for the Arts, and Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center to Present World Premiere Readings
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 1, 2023
CHARTOR Entertainment, African Grove Institute for the Arts, and Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center will present world premiere readings from The Longwood Writers Workshop at LAICCC's Fall Celebration.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 1, 2023
CHARTOR Entertainment, African Grove Institute for the Arts, and Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center will present world premiere readings from The Longwood Writers Workshop at LAICCC's Fall Celebration.
Review: THE WIZ at National Theatre
by Elliot Lanes - Oct 26, 2023
In 1975 a revolutionary approach to L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre. The Wiz was a musical that no one thought would get past its opening night. The show proved everyone wrong. It won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and ran for 1,672 performances. The all-African American version of Dorothy’s trip down the yellow brick road is now embarking on a thirteen-city pre- Broadway tour and is playing at the National Theatre here in DC through October 29th. I am sorry to say that this version is a rocky journey over a cool “Ease on Down the Road”.
by Elliot Lanes - Oct 26, 2023
In 1975 a revolutionary approach to L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre. The Wiz was a musical that no one thought would get past its opening night. The show proved everyone wrong. It won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and ran for 1,672 performances. The all-African American version of Dorothy’s trip down the yellow brick road is now embarking on a thirteen-city pre- Broadway tour and is playing at the National Theatre here in DC through October 29th. I am sorry to say that this version is a rocky journey over a cool “Ease on Down the Road”.
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD Revisits The Temptations' Hits at Segerstrom Center
by Michael Quintos - Oct 20, 2023
A surprisingly enjoyable jukebox musical featuring phenomenally-performed song-and-dance spectaculars (but with an awkwardly delivered story structure), this touring version of the 2019 Broadway musical about the founding of Motown's R&B supergroup The Temptations is a fun evening at the theater, especially for those looking for a nostalgic trip.
by Michael Quintos - Oct 20, 2023
A surprisingly enjoyable jukebox musical featuring phenomenally-performed song-and-dance spectaculars (but with an awkwardly delivered story structure), this touring version of the 2019 Broadway musical about the founding of Motown's R&B supergroup The Temptations is a fun evening at the theater, especially for those looking for a nostalgic trip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Harold Wheeler written?
Harold Wheeler has written 1 shows including Intimate Apparel (Music).
What awards has Harold Wheeler been nominated for?
Outstanding Orchestrations (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards), Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray, Outstanding Orhcestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Never Gonna Dance, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Hairspray, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Full Monty, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Swing!, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Swing!, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Little Me, Outstanding Orchestration (Drama Desk Awards) for The Life and Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Life.
What awards has Harold Wheeler won?
Harold Wheeler has won Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. He has also received Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Orchestrations for the shows Hairspray, Never Gonna Dance, and Swing!
Videos