Lynn Ahrens
Birth Place: New York, New York, USA
Latest News on Lynn Ahrens:
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW (Feb 16, 2026)
DEAR EVAN HANSEN and More Set for City Springs Theatre Company Ninth Season (Feb 13, 2026)
Broadway Cast of RAGTIME Set for Monday Performance on THE VIEW (Feb 13, 2026)
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW (Feb 16, 2026)
DEAR EVAN HANSEN and More Set for City Springs Theatre Company Ninth Season (Feb 13, 2026)
Broadway Cast of RAGTIME Set for Monday Performance on THE VIEW (Feb 13, 2026)
BIO
Lynn Ahrens' writing spans the Broadway stage, feature film and network television. She won the Tony Award, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards and received two Grammy nominations as lyricist of the
Broadway musical Ragtime; in the same year, she received two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations and a Gold Record for Twentieth Century Fox's animated feature film Anastasia. She wrote book and lyrics for Seussical (Grammy nomination, one of the most performed shows in America); Once On This Island (London Olivier Award, Best Musical, Tony nominations for Best Book and Score); Lincoln Center Theater's The Glorious Ones (five Drama Desk nominations); Dessa Rose (Audelco Award, Best Musical, Outer Critics Circle nomination); A Christmas Carol (ten years at Madison Square Garden) and Lucky Stiff (Helen Hayes Award, Best Musical). She provided lyrics for My Favorite Year, A Man Of No Importance (Outer Critics Circle Award, Best Musical) and Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, as well as lyrics for the feature film Camp. For television, she wrote the musical teleplay of A Christmas Carol (Hallmark Entertainment Special, NBC) and is a mainstay songwriter/ singer for the famed series Schoolhouse Rock (ABC-TV) and others. She has received the Emmy Award and four Emmy nominations. Her short stories
and essays have appeared nationally and have been nominated for the Best American Essays and Pushcart anthologies. She serves on the Dramatists Guild Council of America, co-chairs the Dramatists Guild Fellows Program, and is a member of AMPAS. 2008 marks her twenty-fifth year of collaboration with composer Stephen Flaherty.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Bookwriter & Lyricist
Lyricist
Title Song Lyrics
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Conceiver
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Conceiver
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Lynn AhrensAnastasia
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics
Lynn Ahrens, The Glorious Ones
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Lyrics
Lynn Ahrens, A Man of No Importance
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Lyrics
Lynn Ahrens, Ragtime
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Lyrics
Lynn Ahrens, Ragtime
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Musical
Lynn Ahrens, Ragtime
winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Lynn Ahrens, Ragtime
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Book of a Musical
Lynn Ahrens , Once on this Island
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Lynn Ahrens , Once on this Island
Videos
Video: Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, & Ben Levi Ross Record 'He Wanted to Say' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2026-02-06 12:30:02
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from DAMN YANKEES
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-28 16:56:06
Exclusive: Rob McClure Sings 'Those Were The Good Old Days' from DAMN YANKEES
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-28 14:18:06
Video: Cast of DAMN YANKEES Performs 'Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO'
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-24 10:48:54
Video: SEUSSICAL Original Broadway Cast Reunites For 54 Below Concert Rehearsals
by Michael Major - 2025-10-20 13:35:45
Joshua Henry Receives Emotional Note From Brian Stokes Mitchell on RAGTIME Opening
by Michael Major - 2025-10-20 11:28:25
Video: Ana Villafañe & Jordan Donica of DAMN YANKEES Perform 'Two Lost Souls' at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-07 10:01:16
Video: Watch Joshua Henry & Nichelle Lewis Perform 'Wheels of a Dream' From RAGTIME
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-30 10:08:13
Video: Go Inside the First Performance of RAGTIME on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-09-29 10:27:25
Video: Watch Caissie Levy & Brandon Uranowitz Rehearse 'Our Children' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2025-09-25 15:26:28
Video: Joshua Henry & RAGTIME Cast Rehearse 'Gettin’ Ready Rag'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-19 10:52:52
Video: Sergio Trujillo On Reimagining DAMN YANKEES At Arena Stage
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-09-09 21:57:07
Video: DAMN YANKEES Star Quentin Earl Darrington Performs National Anthem At Nationals Park
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-08-22 16:33:57
Video: Watch the RAGTIME Cast Perform the Title Song at Lincoln Center
by Michael Major - 2025-05-28 10:45:40
Video: Watch 'Your Daddy's Son' From RAGTIME At Goodspeed Opera House
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-05-16 22:49:10
Video: Watch Mamie Parris Sing 'Back to Before' in Goodspeed's RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2025-05-12 13:20:45
Video: Edward Watts, Mamie Parris & More in RAGTIME at Goodspeed
by Joshua Wright - 2025-05-02 16:11:29
Video: Edward Watts, Mamie Parris & More in Rehearsals for RAGTIME at Goodspeed
by Joshua Wright - 2025-04-25 12:27:04
News
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 16, 2026
Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry took over The View stage on Monday to perform a powerful rendition of Make Them Hear You from the musical revival of Ragtime. Check out his performance now.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 16, 2026
Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry took over The View stage on Monday to perform a powerful rendition of Make Them Hear You from the musical revival of Ragtime. Check out his performance now.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN and More Set for City Springs Theatre Company Ninth Season
by Caroline Powell - Feb 13, 2026
Atlanta’s fastest-growing performing arts organization, City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) has announced its ninth season of musicals at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (SSPAC).
by Caroline Powell - Feb 13, 2026
Atlanta’s fastest-growing performing arts organization, City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) has announced its ninth season of musicals at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (SSPAC).
Broadway Cast of RAGTIME Set for Monday Performance on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
On Presidents Day, the cast of Broadway's Ragtime will take the stage on The View for a special performance from the hit revival. Tune in to watch the performance, airing Monday, February 16, at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT on ABC.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
On Presidents Day, the cast of Broadway's Ragtime will take the stage on The View for a special performance from the hit revival. Tune in to watch the performance, airing Monday, February 16, at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT on ABC.
ANASTASIA Comes to Brisbane's Lyric Theatre QPAC in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2026
Broadway musical ANASTASIA will premiere in Brisbane's Lyric Theatre at QPAC from September 2026. The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne's Regent Theatre wowing audiences and critics alike.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2026
Broadway musical ANASTASIA will premiere in Brisbane's Lyric Theatre at QPAC from September 2026. The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne's Regent Theatre wowing audiences and critics alike.
Stage Direction: Unpacking the Many Works of Two-Time Tony Winner Michael Arden
by Charles Kirsch - Feb 10, 2026
As the recipient of two Tony Awards for Best Director of a Musical in the past three years, there’s no question that Michael Arden is at the top of his game. Between thrilling and inventive revivals of Parade and Once On This Island, and exciting new work like Maybe Happy Ending and the upcoming The Lost Boys, Arden has shown a remarkable ability to create theatrical magic.
by Charles Kirsch - Feb 10, 2026
As the recipient of two Tony Awards for Best Director of a Musical in the past three years, there’s no question that Michael Arden is at the top of his game. Between thrilling and inventive revivals of Parade and Once On This Island, and exciting new work like Maybe Happy Ending and the upcoming The Lost Boys, Arden has shown a remarkable ability to create theatrical magic.
Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty to be Honored with 2026 Luminary Award by Asolo Rep
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 9, 2026
Broadway legends Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty will receive the prestigious Luminary Award from Asolo Repertory Theatre in 2026, recognizing their significant contributions to theater.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 9, 2026
Broadway legends Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty will receive the prestigious Luminary Award from Asolo Repertory Theatre in 2026, recognizing their significant contributions to theater.
A Complete History of RAGTIME
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 8, 2026
The Broadway production of Ragtime was a glorious accomplishment, a riveting testament to the original American musical and to all that America itself could be. The show ran for 834 performances at the Ford Center, closing in the final year of the 20th century. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, taking home four.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 8, 2026
The Broadway production of Ragtime was a glorious accomplishment, a riveting testament to the original American musical and to all that America itself could be. The show ran for 834 performances at the Ford Center, closing in the final year of the 20th century. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, taking home four.
Video: Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, & Ben Levi Ross Record 'He Wanted to Say' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - Feb 6, 2026
Ragtime has released a video of Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, and Ben Levi Ross recording 'He Wanted to Say' from the acclaimed revival. The track is featured on the recently released cast recording, which dropped in January.
by Michael Major - Feb 6, 2026
Ragtime has released a video of Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, and Ben Levi Ross recording 'He Wanted to Say' from the acclaimed revival. The track is featured on the recently released cast recording, which dropped in January.
Tickets Available This Week for ANASTASIA's Adelaide Season at Festival Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026
Tickets for Broadway musical Anastasia's Adelaide season, at Festival Theatre from August 2026, are on sale this week. The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026
Tickets for Broadway musical Anastasia's Adelaide season, at Festival Theatre from August 2026, are on sale this week. The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.
Dramatists Guild Foundation Reveals 2026 Class of National Fellows
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2026
Dramatists Guild Foundation has revealed the 2026 class of National Fellows. The Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellows Program unites playwrights and musical theater writers in the learning process for a year-long intensive.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2026
Dramatists Guild Foundation has revealed the 2026 class of National Fellows. The Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellows Program unites playwrights and musical theater writers in the learning process for a year-long intensive.
Video: RAGTIME's Caissie Levy Performs ‘Back to Before’ on TODAY
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2026
Caissie Levy, who is currently playing the role of 'Mother' in the Broadway revival of Ragtime, visited TODAY on Tuesday for a performance of 'Back to Before' as part of the Citi Concert Series. Check it out now!
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2026
Caissie Levy, who is currently playing the role of 'Mother' in the Broadway revival of Ragtime, visited TODAY on Tuesday for a performance of 'Back to Before' as part of the Citi Concert Series. Check it out now!
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND To Be Presented At Historic Cheney Hall
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2026
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND will be presented at the Historic Cheney Hall in Manchester this spring. The musical features book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty and is inspired by The Little Mermaid.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2026
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND will be presented at the Historic Cheney Hall in Manchester this spring. The musical features book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty and is inspired by The Little Mermaid.
Cast Set For LUCKY STIFF at Actors Theatre of Indiana
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Actors Theatre of Indiana's (ATI) Lucky Stiff will open January 30 thru February 15. The cast has been announced that will be part of this wildly funny, fast-paced musical murder mystery.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Actors Theatre of Indiana's (ATI) Lucky Stiff will open January 30 thru February 15. The cast has been announced that will be part of this wildly funny, fast-paced musical murder mystery.
Lynn Ahrens Will Offer Master Class Through Theatre Now
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Tony Award-winning lyricist Lynn Ahrens will offer a Master Class on Monday, January 26th at 6:30pm as part of Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Tony Award-winning lyricist Lynn Ahrens will offer a Master Class on Monday, January 26th at 6:30pm as part of Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights. Learn more here!
RAGTIME Revival Cast Album Praised by Show Writers at Listening Party; 'Glorious and Heartbreaking'
by Gillian Blum - Jan 12, 2026
The cast and creative team of Broadway’s current revival of Ragtime had their first listen of the show’s official Broadway cast album at a listening party.
by Gillian Blum - Jan 12, 2026
The cast and creative team of Broadway’s current revival of Ragtime had their first listen of the show’s official Broadway cast album at a listening party.
Video: RAGTIME Releases 2025 Broadway Cast Recording; Watch the Cast Perform 'Journey On'
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2026
The 2025 Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, is now available digitally! CD and vinyl releases will follow on February 6 and April 3, respectively. Listen to the album here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2026
The 2025 Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, is now available digitally! CD and vinyl releases will follow on February 6 and April 3, respectively. Listen to the album here!
Video: Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis Sing 'Wheels of a Dream' From RAGTIME
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2026
The new Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, will be released. Get a look inside the recording studio, with Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis singing 'Wheels of a Dream'!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2026
The new Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, will be released. Get a look inside the recording studio, with Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis singing 'Wheels of a Dream'!
Photos: Inside the RAGTIME Cast Recording Listening Party
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 8, 2026
The Ragtime cast got a first listen to the forthcoming cast recording at a special listening party. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the special event here!
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 8, 2026
The Ragtime cast got a first listen to the forthcoming cast recording at a special listening party. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the special event here!
Marisha Wallace Joins ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Concert in London
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026
Marisha Wallace has joined the cast of the Once On This Island concert in London as Erzulie! The one-night-only concert production of Once On This Island will be performed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026
Marisha Wallace has joined the cast of the Once On This Island concert in London as Erzulie! The one-night-only concert production of Once On This Island will be performed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
LUCKY STIFF to Kick Off Actors Theatre Of Indiana's 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 5, 2026
Actors Theatre of Indiana will kick off 2026 with Lucky Stiff, a wildly funny, fast-paced musical murder mystery packed with mistaken identities, six million dollars, and one unforgettable corpse in a wheelchair.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 5, 2026
Actors Theatre of Indiana will kick off 2026 with Lucky Stiff, a wildly funny, fast-paced musical murder mystery packed with mistaken identities, six million dollars, and one unforgettable corpse in a wheelchair.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Lynn Ahrens written?
Lynn Ahrens has written 17 shows including Lucky Stiff (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Once On This Island (Bookwriter), My Favorite Year (Lyricist), A Christmas Carol (Lyricist), Ragtime (Lyricist), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Lyricist), Seussical (Conceiver), A Man of No Importance (Lyricist), Dessa Rose (Lyricist), Chef's Theater: A Musical Feast (Songs), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Lyricist), The Glorious Ones (Lyricist), Rocky (Lyricist), In Your Arms (Title Song Lyrics), Anastasia (Lyricist), Marie, Dancing Still (Bookwriter & Lyricist), Knoxville (Lyricist).
What awards has Lynn Ahrens been nominated for?
Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for The Glorious Ones, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for A Man of No Importance, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island.
What awards has Lynn Ahrens won?
Lynn Ahrens has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics for A Man of No Importance and for Ragtime. She also received the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Ragtime.
Videos