Susan Birkenhead

Susan Birkenhead is an acclaimed American lyricist and librettist whose career has spanned Broadway, Off-Broadway, and television. Known for her versatility, emotional insight, and sharp lyrical voice, she has collaborated with some of the most respected composers and writers in modern musical theatre. Birkenhead first came to prominence with her work on the 1978 musical Working, adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso from Studs Terkel’s landmark oral history. Her lyrics in Working captured the humor, heartbreak, and humanity of everyday Americans, establishing her as a distinctive new voice in contemporary theatre.

Following Working, Birkenhead continued to build an impressive and eclectic résumé. She contributed additional lyrics to Jelly’s Last Jam (1992), a groundbreaking Broadway musical celebrating the life and music of jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton, for which she earned a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk Award. Her work on the show demonstrated her ability to merge period authenticity with poetic nuance, helping to redefine the possibilities of musical storytelling through jazz and vernacular idioms. Birkenhead’s lyrics have also been featured in Triumph of Love (1997), a witty musical adaptation of Marivaux’s play, earning her further recognition for her command of language and comic timing.

In addition to her Broadway credits, Birkenhead’s work has appeared Off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the United States. She has written lyrics for Hot L Baltimore, Pieces of Eight, and What About Luv?, among others, collaborating with a range of composers and playwrights. Her projects often blend intelligence with emotional authenticity, focusing on flawed, fascinating characters and exploring the human condition with honesty and warmth. This adaptability has allowed her to move seamlessly between classic and contemporary musical forms.

Birkenhead’s influence extends beyond theatre into television and special projects. She has written material for variety shows, cabaret performances, and tributes, often celebrating women’s voices and stories. Her ability to craft lyrics that balance humor and pathos has made her a sought-after collaborator, particularly for musicals emphasizing ensemble storytelling and social commentary. Through her craft, she has consistently championed empathy and truth in performance.

Today, Susan Birkenhead is celebrated as one of the few female lyricists to achieve sustained success on Broadway and in professional musical theatre. Her work on Working remains a defining moment in her career, emblematic of her commitment to portraying real lives with artistry and respect. Whether capturing the rhythmic poetry of daily labor or the syncopated pulse of jazz history, Birkenhead’s lyrics resonate with clarity, compassion, and timeless humanity.