Robert L. Freedman

Robert L. Freedman is a Tony Award-winning American playwright, screenwriter, and lyricist, best known for co-creating the Broadway musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Praised for his sharp wit, structural elegance, and inventive storytelling, Freedman has built a distinguished career across both theatre and television.

Freedman began his career in screenwriting, earning acclaim for a wide range of television movies and mini-series. He received numerous nominations and awards for his work, including a Writers Guild Award, a Peabody Award, and multiple Emmy nominations. His screenwriting credits include acclaimed adaptations such as Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997), and What Makes a Family.

In theatre, Freedman made a major impact with A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (2013), for which he wrote the book. Teaming up with composer and lyricist Steven Lutvak, Freedman adapted the story from the 1907 novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal by Roy Horniman. The musical was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its clever structure, period charm, and dark humor. The show won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical for Freedman.

Freedman is known for his ability to blend traditional musical theatre forms with contemporary storytelling, crafting work that is at once classic and fresh. His writing is marked by precise character work, sophisticated language, and a strong sense of narrative architecture.

In addition to his creative work, Freedman is also a mentor and teacher, sharing his expertise in musical theatre and dramatic writing with emerging artists.

Robert L. Freedman continues to develop new stage and screen projects, celebrated for his sharp humor, literary depth, and contributions to modern musical theatre.