Nell Benjamin
Latest News on Nell Benjamin:
Photos: Theatre UCF's LEGALLY BLONDE Brought Robot Dogs to the Stage (Apr 16, 2026)
Review: Revamped MEAN GIRLS Musical Debuts at La Mirada Theatre (Apr 15, 2026)
Exclusive: First Look at MEAN GIRLS at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts (Apr 11, 2026)
Photos: Theatre UCF's LEGALLY BLONDE Brought Robot Dogs to the Stage (Apr 16, 2026)
Review: Revamped MEAN GIRLS Musical Debuts at La Mirada Theatre (Apr 15, 2026)
Exclusive: First Look at MEAN GIRLS at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts (Apr 11, 2026)
BIO
Nell Benjamin is a lyricist, writer, and composer noted for her work in musical theatre. With her husband and frequent collaborator Laurence O'Keefe, she won the Laurence Olivier Award for writing Legally Blonde in 2011. And in 2007, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score for Legally Blonde, and then again in 2018 for her lyrics for Mean Girls.
Photos
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 16: Nell Benjamin poses at the opening night of the new musical based on the film "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" on Broadway at The Longacre Theatre on October 16, 2019 in New York City (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Date:
10/17/2019
From: Photo Coverage: On the Opening Night Red Carpet for THE LIGHTNING THIEF
Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Additional Material
Playwright
Lyrics
Lyrics
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Lyrics
Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls
Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Play
Nell Benjamin, The Explorers Club
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics
Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music
Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde
Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde The Musical
winner
- 2003 - Most promising musical theatre lyricist
Nell Benjamin
Videos
Video: Amber Davies and More in LEGALLY BLONDE UK and Ireland Tour New Footage
by Stephi Wild - 2026-03-31 08:12:54
Video: Leo Roberts And The Cast Of HUZZAH! Perform 'Song Of Roland'
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-10-13 22:18:11
Video: Liisi Lafointaine and Leo Roberts Perform 'Howl At The Moon' From HUZZAH! at The Old Globe
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-10-13 22:14:06
Video: All Is Faire with Laurence O'Keefe & Nell Benjamin; Watch a Sneak Peek from HUZZAH!
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2025-10-13 14:43:04
Video: The Making of the REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Album
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2025-10-10 12:45:42
Video: Leo Roberts Sings 'Song Of Roland' from HUZZAH! at San Diego's Old Globe
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-09 14:43:48
Exclusive: Watch 'The Song of Roland' from Nell Benjamin & Laurence O’Keefe's HUZZAH!
by Joshua Wright - 2025-08-13 14:19:31
Videos: Go Inside the Final Performance of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Michael Major - 2025-06-30 10:02:05
Video: Broadway Siblings Christopher and Monica Ramirez Featured on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-21 10:53:04
Video: Get A First Look at LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL at La Mirada Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2025-04-29 13:52:06
Photos/Video: Eva Longoria, Sofia Vergara, Gloria Estefan, and More Attend REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-23 06:00:07
Video: Justina Machado Praises REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Co-Star Tatianna Córdoba: 'She Is Incredible'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-22 17:45:47
Video: Kathryn Brunner Talks Playing Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE at La Mirada
by Michael Major - 2025-04-16 10:36:00
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-15 10:34:44
News
Photos: Theatre UCF's LEGALLY BLONDE Brought Robot Dogs to the Stage
by Joshua Wright - Apr 16, 2026
Two robot dogs walked across the Walt Disney Theater stage during Theatre UCF's production of Legally Blonde - operated live, in real time, by theater students trained in the university's engineering labs.
by Joshua Wright - Apr 16, 2026
Two robot dogs walked across the Walt Disney Theater stage during Theatre UCF's production of Legally Blonde - operated live, in real time, by theater students trained in the university's engineering labs.
Review: Revamped MEAN GIRLS Musical Debuts at La Mirada Theatre
by Michael Quintos - Apr 15, 2026
Now having its Southern California regional production, MEAN GIRLS - THE MUSICAL continues performances at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through May 3, 2026. Produced by McCoy Rigby Entertainment, this fun, high-energy, youthfully-targeted new iteration of the 2018 stage adaptation of Tina Fey’s beloved 2004 film comedy looks and feels like a brand new show—boosted by impressive new visuals and a highly-caffeinated ensemble whose enthusiasm and verve is quite infectious. A dazzling, entertaining show with high-caliber polish, La Mirada's production is a slick, electrically-charged iteration that is a worthwhile new chapter in the show’s evolution.
by Michael Quintos - Apr 15, 2026
Now having its Southern California regional production, MEAN GIRLS - THE MUSICAL continues performances at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through May 3, 2026. Produced by McCoy Rigby Entertainment, this fun, high-energy, youthfully-targeted new iteration of the 2018 stage adaptation of Tina Fey’s beloved 2004 film comedy looks and feels like a brand new show—boosted by impressive new visuals and a highly-caffeinated ensemble whose enthusiasm and verve is quite infectious. A dazzling, entertaining show with high-caliber polish, La Mirada's production is a slick, electrically-charged iteration that is a worthwhile new chapter in the show’s evolution.
Exclusive: First Look at MEAN GIRLS at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
by Gillian Blum - Apr 11, 2026
Take a first look at exclusive production photos from Mean Girls at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, which runs April 11 through May 3, 2026.
by Gillian Blum - Apr 11, 2026
Take a first look at exclusive production photos from Mean Girls at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, which runs April 11 through May 3, 2026.
Review: LEGALLY BLONDE, King's Theatre
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Apr 8, 2026
This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Apr 8, 2026
This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
DRAGON MAMA & More Lead Los Angeles's Spring 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Apr 2, 2026
Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our spring preview!
by Team BWW - Apr 2, 2026
Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our spring preview!
Photos: Amber Davies and More in LEGALLY BLONE UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2026
All new production photos have been released from the UK & Ireland tour of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL starring Strictly Come Dancing Finalist and West End star Amber Davies. Check out phtoos here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2026
All new production photos have been released from the UK & Ireland tour of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL starring Strictly Come Dancing Finalist and West End star Amber Davies. Check out phtoos here!
Video: Amber Davies and More in LEGALLY BLONDE UK and Ireland Tour New Footage
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026
All new footage has been released from the UK & Ireland tour of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL starring Strictly Come Dancing Finalist and West End star Amber Davies. Check out the video here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026
All new footage has been released from the UK & Ireland tour of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL starring Strictly Come Dancing Finalist and West End star Amber Davies. Check out the video here!
Broadway-Bound BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE to Hold Open Casting Call for 'Opal Buloni'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2026
The TRC Company will hold an open casting call for the role of “Opal Buloni” in the new Broadway-bound musical Because of Winn-Dixie. All submissions are due by mid-April.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2026
The TRC Company will hold an open casting call for the role of “Opal Buloni” in the new Broadway-bound musical Because of Winn-Dixie. All submissions are due by mid-April.
COME FROM AWAY, DEAR EVAN HANSEN & More Included in Omaha Community Playhouse's 2026-27 Theatre Season
by Gillian Blum - Mar 23, 2026
The Omaha Community Playhouse unveiled its eagerly awaited 2026–27 season, presenting a slate of live performances designed to uplift, captivate, and resonate with audiences.
by Gillian Blum - Mar 23, 2026
The Omaha Community Playhouse unveiled its eagerly awaited 2026–27 season, presenting a slate of live performances designed to uplift, captivate, and resonate with audiences.
Photos: First look at OOHS Orangelight Productions' MEAN GIRLS: HS VERSION
by Jerri Shafer - Mar 19, 2026
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order?
by Jerri Shafer - Mar 19, 2026
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order?
Full Cast Set for MEAN GIRLS Regional Premiere at La Mirada
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment have revealed full casting for the Southern California regional theatre premiere of Mean Girls, book by Tina Fey.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment have revealed full casting for the Southern California regional theatre premiere of Mean Girls, book by Tina Fey.
MEAN GIRLS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and More Set For Pioneer Theatre Company 65th Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2026
Pioneer Theatre Company has announced its 2026–2027 lineup, marking the organization's 65th Season with a slate that blends contemporary premieres, Broadway hits, and a classic American comedy.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2026
Pioneer Theatre Company has announced its 2026–2027 lineup, marking the organization's 65th Season with a slate that blends contemporary premieres, Broadway hits, and a classic American comedy.
Video: First Look At BURNOUT PARADISE Off-Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2026
The new Off-Broadway production BURNOUT PARADISE officially opened Thursday, March 5 at the Astor Place Theatre. Watch highlights from the show in a newly released video!
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2026
The new Off-Broadway production BURNOUT PARADISE officially opened Thursday, March 5 at the Astor Place Theatre. Watch highlights from the show in a newly released video!
Photos: BURNOUT PARADISE Opens Off-Broadway at Astor Place Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2026
The new Off-Broadway production BURNOUT PARADISE officially opened Thursday, March 5 at the Astor Place Theatre. Check out photos from inside the opening night celebration!
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2026
The new Off-Broadway production BURNOUT PARADISE officially opened Thursday, March 5 at the Astor Place Theatre. Check out photos from inside the opening night celebration!
Photos: MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL is Now on UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026
Production photos have been released for the UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, which opened at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026 and is touring until January 2027. Check out the photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026
Production photos have been released for the UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, which opened at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026 and is touring until January 2027. Check out the photos here!
MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL To Play Milton Keynes Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 4, 2026
The UK and Ireland tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL will play the Milton Keynes Theatre from April 14–18. Produced by Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live, and Sonia Friedman, the stage adaptation of the 2004 film will continue its 2026–2027 UK and Ireland tour with performances at the Milton Keynes venue.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 4, 2026
The UK and Ireland tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL will play the Milton Keynes Theatre from April 14–18. Produced by Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live, and Sonia Friedman, the stage adaptation of the 2004 film will continue its 2026–2027 UK and Ireland tour with performances at the Milton Keynes venue.
Photos: MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026
Rehearsal photos have been released for the UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, ahead of its first performance at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026. Check out the photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026
Rehearsal photos have been released for the UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, ahead of its first performance at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026. Check out the photos here!
Scots Duo Noisemaker are Recipients of the 2025 Jonathan Larson Grant
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Feb 19, 2026
Each person/duo will be awarded a $20,000 unrestricted grant in addition to a $2,500 Saw Island Foundation Recording Grant to support the production of new demo recordings that better represent the artist’s vision.
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Feb 19, 2026
Each person/duo will be awarded a $20,000 unrestricted grant in addition to a $2,500 Saw Island Foundation Recording Grant to support the production of new demo recordings that better represent the artist’s vision.
The American Theatre Wing Reveals Recipients of the 2025 Jonathan Larson Grants
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2026
The American Theatre Wing has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Jonathan Larson Grant, the annual prize awarded to exceptional emerging musical theatre composers, lyricists, and librettists, or writing teams.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2026
The American Theatre Wing has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Jonathan Larson Grant, the annual prize awarded to exceptional emerging musical theatre composers, lyricists, and librettists, or writing teams.
Cast Set for MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL at San Francisco's Ray of Light Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2026
Ray of Light Theatre has revealed the cast for its upcoming San Francisco production of Mean Girls the Musical, the hit Broadway adaptation of the iconic Paramount Pictures film, featuring a book by Tina Fey.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2026
Ray of Light Theatre has revealed the cast for its upcoming San Francisco production of Mean Girls the Musical, the hit Broadway adaptation of the iconic Paramount Pictures film, featuring a book by Tina Fey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Nell Benjamin written?
Nell Benjamin has written 10 shows including Half Time (Lyrics), Sarah, Plain and Tall (Lyricist), Sarah, Plain and Tall (Lyricist), Cam Jansen (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Legally Blonde (Composer), The Explorers Club (Playwright), Gotta Dance (Lyrics), Mean Girls (Lyricist), Because of Winn Dixie (Bookwriter), Real Women Have Curves (Additional Material).
What awards has Nell Benjamin been nominated for?
Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Mean Girls, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Mean Girls, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Explorers Club, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Legally Blonde, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Legally Blonde, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Legally Blonde The Musical and Most promising musical theatre lyricist () for .
What awards has Nell Benjamin won?
Nell Benjamin has won the Richard Rodgers Award for Most Promising Musical Theatre Lyricist and received nominations for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, the Tony Award for Best Original Score for the musical Legally Blonde, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album for the same show. Additionally, she was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Score for Legally Blonde.
Videos