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Thomas Meehan

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BIO

Thomas Meehan won the 2003 Tony for co-writing the book for Hairspray, the 2001 Tony for the book of The Producers and the 1977 Tony for the book of Annie, which was his first Broadway show. He has since written the books for Young Frankenstein, I Remember Mama, Ain't Broadway Grand, Annie Warbucks and Bombay Dreams. He is a long-time contributor of humor, including "Yma Dream," to The New Yorker; an Emmy-winning television writer; and a collaborator on screenplays, including Mel Brooks' Spaceballs, To Be or Not to Be and The Producers. He is a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild.

Photos

Productions

ELF the Musical
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Book
The Producers
 
[West End, 2025]
Book Writer
AnnieAnnie
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Book
Elf The MusicalElf The Musical
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Book
ELF the MusicalELF the Musical
 
[West End, 2022]
Book
DaveDave
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2018]
Book Writer
Young FrankensteinYoung Frankenstein
 
[West End, 2017] [Replacement]
Book[Replacement]
AnnieAnnie
 
[West End, 2017]
Playwright
AnnieAnnie
 
[US Tour, 2014]
Book
RockyRocky
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Book
Young FrankensteinYoung Frankenstein
 
[Broadway, 2007] [Replacement]
Book[Replacement]
Bombay DreamsBombay Dreams
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Book Revisions
Oh, Kay!
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Book Revisions

Writing

Chaplin
Bookwriter
Annie
Bookwriter
Annie 2
Bookwriter
Annie Warbucks
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bombay Dreams
Bookwriter
Cry-Baby
Bookwriter
Hairspray
Bookwriter
I Remember Mama
Bookwriter
1984
Libretto
The Producers
Bookwriter
Robin Hood
Bookwriter

Movies

Annie
[ 1982 ] book
To Be or Not to Be
[ 1983 ] writer
One Magic Christmas
[ 1985 ] writer
Spaceballs
[ 1987 ] writer
The Producers
[ 2005 ] Max's Attorney

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Thomas Meehan, Death Takes a Holiday

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Book of a Musical

Thomas Meehan, Cry-Baby


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Thomas Meehan, Hairspray


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

Thomas Meehan, Hairspray


winner
Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Book of a Musical

Thomas Meehan, Hairspray


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Choreography

Thomas Meehan, The Producers


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Best Musical

Thomas Meehan, The Producers


winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Book of a Musical

Thomas Meehan, The Producers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Outstanding Book

Thomas Meehan, Annie


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best Musical

Thomas Meehan, Annie


winner
Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Book of a Musical

Thomas Meehan, Annie

Videos

More Videos

News


ELF THE MUSICAL JR. Opens At The Emery Theater With The Children’s Theatre Of Cinc Photo
ELF THE MUSICAL JR. Opens At The Emery Theater With The Children’s Theatre Of Cincinnati
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 6, 2025

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati opens ELF THE MUSICAL JR. at the newly restored Emery Theater, marking its first holiday production in the historic venue. Families can experience Buddy’s musical adventure through December 21.
Review: ELF THE MUSICAL at Broadway In Chicago Photo
Review: ELF THE MUSICAL at Broadway In Chicago
by Rachel Weinberg - Dec 4, 2025

Thanks to Buddy the Elf, ELF THE MUSICAL has plenty of holiday cheer. Jack Ducat has large shoes to fill as the beloved film character Buddy, a now adult man raised on the North Pole by Santa (Andrew Hendrick) and his elves— who must then venture into the wilds of New York City to meet his human father. Will Ferrell’s performance in the original 2003 film is embedded in the holiday movie zeitgeist — so it’s a big ask.
ELF THE MUSICAL is Now Playing at Surflight Theatre Photo
ELF THE MUSICAL is Now Playing at Surflight Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Dec 4, 2025

The ever popular holiday production of Elf The Musical, back for the first time since 2018, opened at Surflight Theatre on November 29th. Learn more about the show here!
ELF THE MUSICAL JR to be Presented at DreamWrights Center For Community Arts Photo
ELF THE MUSICAL JR to be Presented at DreamWrights Center For Community Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts is inviting families across York to celebrate the season with Elf the Musical JR, a joyful, music-filled holiday production performed entirely by young artists under the age of 16.
Photos: Daniel Brocklebank and More in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the Liverpool Playhouse Photo
Photos: Daniel Brocklebank and More in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the Liverpool Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Dec 3, 2025

All new production images have been released for the Christmas transfer of Hope Mill Theatre's production of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL which has its first performance 3 December, at Liverpool Playhouse.
ELF THE MUSICAL Begins Its Holiday Run At The Auditorium Photo
ELF THE MUSICAL Begins Its Holiday Run At The Auditorium
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025

ELF THE MUSICAL will be sprinkling jolly joy as it begins tomorrow at The Auditorium (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) for a limited engagement through December 14 only.
Enjoy Your ELF at Toby's in Columbia through January 4, 2026 Photo
Enjoy Your ELF at Toby's in Columbia through January 4, 2026
by Cybele Pomeroy - Nov 30, 2025

Enthusiastic performances, a snappy live band, bright costumes and lively dancing adorn Toby's production of ELF The Musical. This sweet and charming lighthearted family-pleaser will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Director/ Choreographer Mark Minnick delivers engaging group numbers and Musical Director Ross Scott Rawlings creates glorious harmonies in this infectious show. Through January 4, 2026.
ANNIE Begins Performances At Gateway Theatre This Month Photo
ANNIE Begins Performances At Gateway Theatre This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 29, 2025

This holiday season, Gateway Theatre invites families and theatre-lovers to experience the heartwarming story of Annie, one of the world's best-loved musicals, from December 11 to January 3, 2026.
La Voix to Star as Miss Hannigan in ANNIE UK and Ireland Tour Photo
La Voix to Star as Miss Hannigan in ANNIE UK and Ireland Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 28, 2025

La Voix will star as Miss Hannigan, alongside Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, in the UK and Ireland tour of the musical ANNIE, opening at New Wimbledon Theatre.
Video: First Look At ELF THE MUSICAL At Bucks County Playhouse Photo
Video: First Look At ELF THE MUSICAL At Bucks County Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 27, 2025

Bucks County Playhouse has released video highlights of its new staging of ELF: THE MUSICAL from November 21 through January 4 in New Hope. Based on the film, the musical follows Buddy the Elf as he travels from the North Pole to New York City, discovering his identity while attempting to bring holiday spirit to the city.
Photos: ELF: THE MUSICAL At Bucks County Playhouse Photo
Photos: ELF: THE MUSICAL At Bucks County Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2025

Bucks County Playhouse has released new photos from its upcoming production of ELF: THE MUSICAL, which will run November 21 through January 4. Directed by John Tartaglia.
Photos: First Look at ANNIE At The Argyle Theatre Photo
Photos: First Look at ANNIE At The Argyle Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2025

The Argyle Theatre has released photos of its holiday production of Annie, directed by Valerie Wright and choreographed by Debbie Roshe, with music direction by Jonathan Brenner.
Review: ELF THE MUSICAL at Seacoast Repertory Theatre Photo
Review: ELF THE MUSICAL at Seacoast Repertory Theatre
by Dan Marois - Nov 20, 2025

What did our critic think of ELF THE MUSICAL at Seacoast Repertory Theatre? “Elf” at the Rep succeeds because the theatre thrives on great storytelling with very believable cast members. Consider this a holiday treat not to be missed.
Stages Theatre Company's ELF THE MUSICAL Begins Performances This Week Photo
Stages Theatre Company's ELF THE MUSICAL Begins Performances This Week
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 18, 2025

Stages Theatre Company will present ELF THE MUSICAL JR. from November 21 through December 28, 2025. The production, based on the New Line Cinema film by David Berenbaum, will feature a cast of young performers from the Twin Cities area.
Photos: ANNIE Opens at The Argyle Theatre Photo
Photos: ANNIE Opens at The Argyle Theatre
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Nov 17, 2025

The Argyle Theatre officially opened its production of ANNIE directed by Valerie Wright, choreographed by Debbie  Roshe, musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. Check out photos from opening night here!
Review: ANNIE at Fairfield Center Stage Photo
Review: ANNIE at Fairfield Center Stage
by Sean Fallon - Nov 17, 2025

On Sunday, November 16th, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another first-rate production put on by Fairfield Center Stage, ANNIE! The venue is at Wakeman Hall inside First Church Congregational of Fairfield, a location that has become common for Fairfield Center Stage productions.
Photos: Inside ELF THE MUSICAL Gala Night in London Photo
Photos: Inside ELF THE MUSICAL Gala Night in London
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2025

All new photos have been released from the gala night for ELF the Musical on 6 November. In attendance were Dani Dyer, Faye Tozer, Juliet Mayhew, Rob Madge, Vanessa Feltz and Ranj Singh amongst others. Check out the photos here!
John Tartaglia to Direct ELF: THE MUSICAL at Bucks County Playhouse Photo
John Tartaglia to Direct ELF: THE MUSICAL at Bucks County Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2025

Bucks County Playhouse will ring in the holiday season with a sparkling new production of “Elf: The Musical,” playing at the historic New Hope venue, and directed by John Tartaglia.
ANNIE Opens at Music Mountain Theatre Photo
ANNIE Opens at Music Mountain Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 4, 2025

The comic strip heroine comes to Music Mountain Theatre in the family favorite musical 'Annie' by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin. Learn more about the show here!
Music Theater Works Reveals Cast And Creative Team For ANNIE At North Shore Center Photo
Music Theater Works Reveals Cast And Creative Team For ANNIE At North Shore Center
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2025

Music Theater Works will close its 2025 season with a new production of Annie, running December 18, 2025 through January 4, 2026, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Thomas Meehan written?

Thomas Meehan has written 17 shows including Cry-Baby (Bookwriter), Hairspray (Bookwriter), Annie (Bookwriter), I Remember Mama (Bookwriter), Lyle The Crocodile (Bookwriter), Annie 2 (Bookwriter), Ain't Broadway Grand (Bookwriter), Annie Warbucks (Bookwriter), The Producers (Bookwriter), Bombay Dreams (Bookwriter), Robin Hood (Bookwriter), Death Takes a Holiday (Bookwriter), 1984 (Libretto), Young Frankenstein (Bookwriter), Elf - The Musical (Bookwriter), Chaplin (Bookwriter), Rocky (Bookwriter).

What awards has Thomas Meehan been nominated for?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Death Takes a Holiday, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cry-Baby, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Hairspray, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hairspray, Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Producers, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Book (Drama Desk Awards) for Annie, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Annie and Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Annie.

What awards has Thomas Meehan won?

Thomas Meehan has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Book of a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Hairspray, as well as the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Hairspray. He also won the Best Book of a Musical Tony Award for Hairspray. For The Producers, Meehan earned the Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Award, the Best Musical New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and the Best Book of a Musical Tony Award. Additionally, he was recognized with the Outstanding Book Drama Desk Award for Annie, the Best Musical New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Annie, and the Best Book of a Musical Tony Award for Annie.

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