Thomas Meehan stands as one of the most successful librettists in American musical theatre history. He holds the unique distinction of being the only writer to have authored the book for three Broadway shows that each surpassed 2,000 performances during their original runs. This remarkable achievement cemented his status as a prolific and influential storyteller on the Great White Way. This article focuses on the contributions of the playwright, Thomas Meehan.
Early Life and Writing for The New Yorker
Thomas Meehan was born in Ossining, New York, in 1929, and grew up in Suffern, New York. After completing his education at Hamilton College in 1951, he embarked on his writing career. Meehan became a writer and editor for The New Yorker, a prestigious publication known for its sharp wit. His work included humorous short stories, such as “Yma Dream,” and contributions to the “Talk of the Town” section. This experience honed his ability to write with a sharp, witty style, which provided a strong foundation for his future theatrical endeavors.
Broadway Breakthroughs
Meehan achieved his first theatrical success with Annie, which premiered on Broadway in 1977. He adapted Harold Gray’s comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” crafting a narrative that brought the optimistic orphan into a realistic setting of Depression-era New York City. This musical became an immense critical and commercial hit, running for 2,377 performances and launching him to the forefront of Broadway book writers. His work on Annie earned him his first Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical in 1977.
His career experienced a remarkable resurgence in the early 2000s with two successive blockbusters. The Producers, which opened in 2001, saw Meehan co-write the book for the musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’s 1967 film. This production became a monumental hit, dominating the 2001 Tony Awards and enjoying a run of more than 2,500 performances. Meehan received his second Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for this acclaimed collaboration.
Following this triumph, Hairspray premiered in 2002, with Meehan again co-writing the book, based on the 1988 film. The story, set in early 1960s Baltimore, followed a teenager’s quest to help desegregate a local television dance show, tackling social themes with humor and heart. Hairspray proved to be another resounding success, winning numerous accolades and running for over 2,500 performances. This secured Meehan his third Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical in 2003.
Notable Collaborations and Writing Process
As a librettist in musical theatre, Thomas Meehan’s role involved crafting the plot, writing dialogue, and ensuring the story seamlessly integrated with songs and lyrics. This intricate process required him to develop characters and plotlines that naturally led into musical numbers, creating a cohesive narrative flow. His creative partnerships were a hallmark of his career. For Annie, he formed a strong team with lyricist and director Martin Charnin and composer Charles Strouse, shaping a beloved Broadway classic.
Meehan’s successful collaboration with Mel Brooks extended beyond The Producers to include the stage adaptation of Young Frankenstein, another hit musical. He also contributed to screenplays for films alongside Brooks, such as To Be or Not to Be and Spaceballs, showcasing his versatility across different entertainment mediums. These partnerships highlight his ability to work closely with other artists to bring stories to life for the stage and screen.
Legacy in American Theatre
Thomas Meehan’s contributions left an indelible mark on American theatre. His unparalleled achievement of having three Broadway shows—Annie, The Producers, and Hairspray—each surpass 2,000 performances solidified his place as a legendary figure. He cultivated a reputation as a master of musical comedy, delivering narratives that were funny, heartfelt, and structurally sound, resonating with audiences for decades. Meehan passed away in 2017 at the age of 88, but his work continues to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide, demonstrating the power of storytelling. His legacy endures as a storyteller who shaped the modern musical landscape.