Thomas Meehan
Andrew Lloyd Webber to be Honored at Goodspeed's 2026 Gala (Feb 17, 2026)
Richard Kind Joins THE PRODUCERS For Seven Weeks Only (Feb 11, 2026)
COME FROM AWAY and More Set for Citadel Theatre 2026/27 Season (Feb 3, 2026)
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
Writing
Bookwriter
Movies
[ 1982 ] book
[ 1983 ] writer
[ 1985 ] writer
[ 1987 ] writer
[ 2005 ] Max's Attorney
Awards and Nominations
Thomas Meehan, Death Takes a Holiday
Thomas Meehan, Cry-Baby
winner
Thomas Meehan, Hairspray
winner
Thomas Meehan, Hairspray
winner
Thomas Meehan, Hairspray
winner
Thomas Meehan, The Producers
winner
Thomas Meehan, The Producers
winner
Thomas Meehan, The Producers
winner
Thomas Meehan, Annie
winner
Thomas Meehan, Annie
winner
Thomas Meehan, Annie
Videos
Video: 'The Story of Buddy' from ELF-THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2025-12-18 14:44:21
Video: 'Nobody Cares About Santa' from ELF THE MUSICAL at 5th Avenue Theatre
by Michael Major - 2025-12-10 16:29:25
Video: Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL Opens At Hope Mill Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-10-29 21:31:07
Video: Gigi Hadid, Cole Escola, & More Perform 'You Can’t Stop the Beat' for Vogue
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-03-11 15:58:54
Photos/Video: Whoopi Goldberg Joins the Cast of ANNIE at The Theater at Madison Square Garden
by Stephi Wild - 2024-12-13 09:21:29
Video: ELF THE MUSICAL Cast Performs Musical Medley on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-05 14:38:54
Photos/Video: First Look at ELF THE MUSICAL, Now Playing in London
by Stephi Wild - 2022-11-22 07:10:27
Photos & Video: Get a First Look at the New ANNIE National Tour
by Show Highlights - 2022-10-11 16:19:54
Video: Go on a Backstage Tour of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at La Mirada Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-10-06 17:46:46
Photos/Video: First Look at the New Cast of HAIRSPRAY on Tour, Featuring Andrew Levitt aka Nina West
by Sneak Peek - 2022-09-29 10:51:13
Exclusive Video: First Look At Sally Struthers, A.J. Holmes & More in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at La Mirada Theatre
by Alan Henry - 2022-09-22 15:29:04
Exclusive Photos & Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at La Mirada Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-09-14 17:31:32
VIDEO: Jimmie Herrod Wows AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Judges With 'Tomorrow!'
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-06-24 14:01:24
Broadway Rewind: Get Sparklejollytwinklejingley with Scenes from ELF!
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - 2020-12-22 14:01:00
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2026
Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most influential figures in musical theatre, will be honored by Goodspeed Musicals at their 2026 Gala & Auction. He will be honored with the Goodspeed Musicals Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2026
Richard Kind will star as Max Bialystock opposite Marc Antolin’s Leo Bloom in the critically acclaimed, major West End revival of The Producers for seven weeks only at the Garrick Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026
The Citadel Theatre has revealed its 2026/27 season, a wide-ranging and adventurous lineup that celebrates stories from across Canada and around the world, while marking a major milestone in the theatre's history.
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.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2026
Claire Sweeney will star as Miss Hannigan in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of the beloved musical ANNIE. The tour will bring this classic story to audiences across the region, showcasing Sweeney's dynamic portrayal of the iconic role.
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.
by Rosanne DellAversano - Jan 20, 2026
What did our critic think of THE PRODUCERS - A MEL BROOKS MUSICAL at The Candlelight Theatre?
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
Ogunquit Playhouse has revealed its 94th season. The season will feature the musicals The Producers; Hello, Dolly!, Ain't Too Proud, a gala fundraiser, and more.
by Theresa Bertram - Dec 23, 2025
To wrap up Season 3 for Actors Theatre of Little Rock, they ended with Hairspray—a show I’ve been wanting to see live for a long time. From December 3–20, this cast brought the beat to the Quapaw United Methodist Church basement, transforming the space into an immersive, joy-filled playground bursting with big hair, bold voices, and infectious energy.
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 19, 2025
Music Theater Works’ Annie, in the George Van Dusen Theatre, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, is now playing through January 4, 2026. Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan, is directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc, choreographed by Mollyanne Nunn and music directed by Michael McBride. Check out photos here.
by Joshua Wright - Dec 18, 2025
ELF the Musical is now playing at the 5th Avenue Theatre Company, running through December 28 at the historic downtown Seattle theatre. Check out this all new clip of 'The Story of Buddy' from the production.
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.
by Sandra Harberger - Dec 15, 2025
Buddy, played by Lily Ganong in tonight’s show, was as funny and energetic as ever. He meets his grumpy father, played by Dawn Motter, and chaos ensues all over New York City. Jovie, played by Eve Haag, was sassy, and I enjoyed her song “Never Fall in Love (with an Elf).” And of course, there is a Santa Claus, played by John Baxter, who is up to date with the latest technology fly his sleigh and keep track of his list of gifts.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2025
Watch new video featuring Eric Ankrim and Tori Gresham performing 'World's Greatest Dad' and 'Never Fall In Love' from ELF-THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Playing November 28 - December 28, 2025.
by Michael Major - Dec 10, 2025
Eric Ankrim and Company perform 'Nobody Cares About Santa' from ELF-THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre. CHeck out the video from the holiday musical now!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 10, 2025
Performances are now underway for the brand-new tour of Elf The Musical, following the limited holiday Broadway engagement at The Marquis Theatre last year. The tour will come to 10 cities this holiday season, including Chicago, Atlanta, and San Antonio.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 8, 2025
ELF the Musical is now playing at the 5th Avenue Theatre Company, running through December 28 at the historic downtown Seattle theatre. Check out an all new trailer for the production in the video here!
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.
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.
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!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
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.
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. For the same show, he also earned Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Best Book of a Musical from the Tony Awards. For The Producers, Meehan won Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards, Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards. Additionally, he was honored with the Outstanding Book award from the Drama Desk Awards for Annie, along with Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Best Book of a Musical from the Tony Awards for Annie.
Videos