Benj Pasek
Benj Pasek (left) and Justin Paul, 2009
Benj Pasek (left) and Justin Paul, 2009
Background information
Born (1985-06-09) June 9, 1985 (age 37)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)Composer, lyricist, singer

Benj Pasek (born June 6, 1985) is an American theater and television composer and lyricist best known for his works The Greatest Showman, La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen, all of which he co-wrote with his songwriting partner, Justin Paul.[1]

Early life and education

Pasek was born into a Jewish[2] family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother was a teacher who wrote children's songs, which got him interested in music. As a child, he sang with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale. He went on to earn a B.F.A. in musical theater from the University of Michigan. It was there that he met Justin Paul. When Pasek and Paul were unsatisfied with the roles they were getting in the shows at the university, the two decided to begin writing their own shows. One of the first projects they worked on together, Edges was developed at the school.

Career

Pasek and Paul won the Jonathan Larson Grant in 2007.[3][4] The two co-wrote and co-composed the musical Dogfight, which opened Off-Broadway at the Second Stage Theatre in July 2012.[5] The pair went on to write music and lyrics for James and the Giant Peach, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Greatest Showman.[6][7] Pasek also collaborated with Paul on lyrics for the film La La Land (music by Justin Hurwitz).[8] They have also written songs for the television shows Smash and The Flash.[9] Most recently the duo wrote the original songs for Apple Original Films's Spirited, starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds.

References

  1. ^ "Benj Pasek Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
  2. ^ Paulson, Michael (2016-11-10). "What It's Like to Make It in Showbiz With Your Best Friend". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-01-20.
  3. ^ Jonathan Larson Foundation Archived 2008-08-27 at the Wayback Machine jlpaf.org
  4. ^ "Pasek and Paul Among Winners of Jonathan Larson Awards". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
  5. ^ Jones, Kenneth. "Dogfight, New Musical About Cruelty and Hope, Opens in NYC; Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena Star" Archived 2012-07-17 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, July 16, 2012
  6. ^ Heller, Scott (2013-05-08). "Riding a Fast Sled to the Tonys". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
  7. ^ "Benj Pasek: Broadway And Hollywood's Musical Wunderkind". The Forward. 2017-11-01. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
  8. ^ Paulson, Michael (2016-11-10). "What It's Like to Make It in Showbiz With Your Best Friend". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
  9. ^ "Meet Smash's New Composers: Pasek & Paul, Joe Iconis and More Rising Talents to Watch". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
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