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Scott Wittman

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BIO

Wittman was raised in Nanuet, New York, graduated from Nanuet Senior High School in 1972 and attended Emerson College in Boston for two years before leaving to pursue a career in musical theatre in New York City. While directing a show for a Greenwich Village club he met songwriter and composer Marc Shaiman, and the two became collaborators and professional partners. While Shaiman wrote for television shows, including Saturday Night Live, Wittman directed concerts for such artists as Bette Midler, Christine Ebersole, Raquel Welch, Dame Edna Everage, and Lypsinka, among others.



In 2002, Shaiman and Wittman wrote the music and lyrics for the musical Hairspray, which won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, the Tony Award for Best Original Score, and a Grammy Award. In addition to Hairspray, Wittman conceived, wrote lyrics for, and directed Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me and conceived and directed Matters of the Heart, a solo concert by Patti LuPone in 2000.

Shaiman and Wittman worked on Catch Me If You Can, a musical adaptation of the 2002 Steven Spielberg film, together with Terrence McNally. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2011. They again worked together on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical.

In 2011, Hairspray was performed at Nanuet Senior High School, where Wittman attended high school.

In 2013, Wittman and Marc Shaiman co-wrote the score for Bombshell, a musical about Marilyn Monroe within the context of the NBC television show Smash. A soundtrack was released later that same year.

Wittman and Shaiman collaborated in 2018 on Mary Poppins Returns where Wittman wrote the lyrics for nine of the tracks listed. He and Shaiman were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song "The Place Where Lost Things Go".

In 2021, Wittman and Shaiman wrote a song entitled "Save the City" for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in-universe Broadway production, titled Rogers: The Musical featured in the first episode of Hawkeye, "Never Meet Your Heroes". It was released as a single on November 24, the day the episode became available on Disney+.

In February 2021, it was announced that Wittman and Shaiman were writing songs for a new musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot, due on Broadway in 2022, with a book by Amber Ruffin and Matthew Lopez.

Photos

Productions

SmashSmash
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Music
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Non Eq)Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Non Eq)
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Lyricist [Replacement]
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryCharlie and the Chocolate Factory
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]
Martin Short: Fame Becomes MeMartin Short: Fame Becomes Me
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
Patti LuPone on Broadway
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Director
The White Devil
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Music Consultant

Writing

Hairspray
Lyricist
Livin' Dolls
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2023 - Best Original Score

Scott WittmanSome Like It Hot


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lyrics

Scott WittmanSome Like it Hot


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding New Score

Scott WittmanSome Like It Hot

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Scott WittmanSome Like It Hot

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Lyrics

Scott Wittman, Catch Me if You Can

Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Lyrics

Scott Wittman, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Lyrics

Scott Wittman, Hairspray


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Best Musical

Scott Wittman, Hairspray


winner
Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Scott Wittman, Hairspray

Videos

More Videos

News


Jane Comfort and Company to Debut New Work at La MaMa in March 2026 Photo
Jane Comfort and Company to Debut New Work at La MaMa in March 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026

La MaMa will present Jane Comfort and Company with a new world premiere and two landmark works, marking their first return in over eight years. The event, set for March 19-22, 2026, will feature a blend of dance and theater addressing America's cultural and political issues.
La MaMa to Debut Theodora Skipitares' FOOTNOTES with Music by Sxip Shirey Photo
La MaMa to Debut Theodora Skipitares' FOOTNOTES with Music by Sxip Shirey
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

La MaMa will present the world premiere of FOOTNOTES, a multi-media puppetry show exploring the profound aspects of walking, from February 27 to March 15, 2026.
John Tartaglia, Karla Puno Garcia and More Set for The Muny Season 108 Productions Photo
John Tartaglia, Karla Puno Garcia and More Set for The Muny Season 108 Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2026

The Muny has selected the seven teams of directors, choreographers, music directors and lead designers whose creative visions will shape the Tony Award-winning theatre’s 2026 season in Forest Park.
Interview: Marc Shaiman Talks SOME LIKE IT HOT, His Just-Published Memoir, and More Photo
Interview: Marc Shaiman Talks SOME LIKE IT HOT, His Just-Published Memoir, and More
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 28, 2026

To say that the Tony Award-winning 2022 musical “Some Like It Hot,” which Broadway in Boston is presenting at Citizens Opera House through February 8, has quite a pedigree is putting it mildly.
HAIRSPRAY, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE And More Set for Cape Playhouse Photo
HAIRSPRAY, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE And More Set for Cape Playhouse Ser for 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2026

The Cape Playhouse will present its 2026 summer season from June 3 through September 19 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, Massachusetts. The season, unveiled by Artistic Director Eric Rosen, will include five musical theater productions as the organization approaches its centennial in 2027.
Interview: Robert Saoud Roars About LIBRARY LION Photo
Interview: Robert Saoud Roars About LIBRARY LION
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 21, 2026

As an actor, musical theater performer, and cabaret artist, Robert Saoud is used to getting all kinds of reactions from all types of audiences.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to Make Manila Premiere This July Photo
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to Make Manila Premiere This July
by Oliver Oliveros - Jan 7, 2026

The gates to the world's most famous chocolate factory are finally opening in Manila! 
Al Hakawati Theatre Collective's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE N Photo
Al Hakawati Theatre Collective's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS) Comes to La MaMa
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of The Thousand and One Nights, a reimagining of the  epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
Janice McCune to Return to Don't Tell Mama With LET'S START TOMORROW TONIGHT Photo
Janice McCune to Return to Don't Tell Mama With LET'S START TOMORROW TONIGHT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 17, 2025

This Winter, Janice McCune will reprise her solo cabaret debut Let's Start Tomorrow Tonight! The musical director and pianist is John Fischer, with Chris Bonner on bass, Zachary Eldridge on drums, and Lennie Watts serving as director.
La MaMa To Present AL HAKAWATI THEATRE COLLECTIVE's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE T Photo
La MaMa To Present AL HAKAWATI THEATRE COLLECTIVE's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS)
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of ألف ليلة وليلة (The Thousand and One Nights), a bold reimagining of the legendary epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
NEWSIES, HAIRSPRAY, and More Set For Mac-Haydn Theatre's 2026 Season Photo
NEWSIES, HAIRSPRAY, and More Set For Mac-Haydn Theatre's 2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2025

The Mac-Haydn Theatre has announced its 2026 season, kicking off next summer. Tickets are now on sale. The lineup will feature The Addams Family, 9 to 5, and more.
Tickets on Sale Now for MILLENNIALS ARE KILLING MUSICALS and More at the Colony Theat Photo
Tickets on Sale Now for MILLENNIALS ARE KILLING MUSICALS and More at the Colony Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2025

Tickets are now on sale for two musicals in The Colony Theatre's 2026 season, including Millennials Are Killing Musicals, an original musical comedy with book, music, and lyrics by Nico Juber.
Tickets to SOME LIKE IT HOT at the Hobby Center to go on Sale This Week Photo
Tickets to SOME LIKE IT HOT at the Hobby Center to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2025

Single tickets for Some Like It Hot in Houston will go on sale. SOME LIKE IT HOT will play a limited one-week Houston engagement at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at National Theatre Photo
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at National Theatre
by David Friscic - Nov 28, 2025

A sophisticated, slightly sweet, and satiric tone sweeps over the characters of the luxuriously professional production of the musical Some Like it Hot, now touring at the National Theatre. From the moment that the show opens with the ode to self-gratification and excess “What Are You Thirsty For?” to the hymn to misbehavior “Let’s Be Bad” to the rousing finale “Baby, Let’s Get Good” ---this show grabs the audience and never lets it go.
FROM THE OTHER SIDE Begins At La MaMa In December Photo
FROM THE OTHER SIDE Begins At La MaMa In December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2025

From December 3-14, 2025, FROM THE OTHER SIDE transforms La MaMa into a home for an incredible group of Balkan artists, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 1PM.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Scott Wittman written?

Scott Wittman has written 7 shows including Hairspray (Lyricist), Livin' Dolls (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Conceiver), Catch Me If You Can (Lyricist), Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me (Conceiver), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Composer), Some Like It Hot (Lyricist).

What awards has Scott Wittman been nominated for?

Best Original Score (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Some Like It Hot, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Some Like it Hot, Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Some Like It Hot, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Some Like It Hot, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Catch Me if You Can, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Hairspray and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Hairspray.

What awards has Scott Wittman won?

Scott Wittman has won the Best Original Score award at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Some Like It Hot, Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Some Like It Hot, Outstanding New Score at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Some Like It Hot, and Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Hairspray. Additionally, he received the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Hairspray and the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Hairspray.

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