Joe DiPietro

Joe DiPietro is an acclaimed American playwright and lyricist best known for his witty, heartfelt works that bridge both the worlds of Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 1961 and raised in nearby Oradell, DiPietro developed a love for storytelling and humor early on. After graduating from Rutgers University with an English degree, he began pursuing writing while working in marketing, eventually carving out a career in theatre with his sharp comedic style and accessible voice.

His first major success came in 1996 with I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a humorous musical revue written with composer Jimmy Roberts. The show, which explores the ups and downs of modern relationships, became the second-longest running musical in Off-Broadway history, playing for over 5,000 performances. This early triumph established DiPietro as a rising theatrical voice with a gift for combining relatable themes and sharp comedy with a modern sensibility.

DiPietro’s career continued to flourish on Broadway, where he made his mark as both a writer and a lyricist. In 2009, he won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score for Memphis, created with composer David Bryan of Bon Jovi. The show, inspired by the life of a white disc jockey who helped launch African American music into the mainstream during the 1950s, received critical acclaim for its blend of history, social commentary, and energetic rock-and-roll score.

Beyond Memphis, DiPietro’s works include All Shook Up (2005), a jukebox musical featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, and Nice Work If You Can Get It (2012), which earned him another Tony nomination. He has also written plays such as Over the River and Through the Woods, a comedy about intergenerational family ties that has become a staple for regional and community theatres across the United States. His plays and musicals are performed worldwide, reflecting his ability to resonate with diverse audiences.

Throughout his career, Joe DiPietro has been celebrated for his versatility, humor, and warmth. His works often explore themes of love, family, identity, and cultural change, all told with an accessible, engaging style. Today, he remains one of the most prolific and widely produced contemporary playwrights, with a legacy that spans both commercial Broadway hits and intimate Off-Broadway favorites.