Benj Pasek
Benj Pasek (born June 9, 1985) is an Oscar, Tony, Grammy, Golden Globe, and Olivier-award winning composer, lyricist, and producer best known for his works The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen, all of which he co-wrote with his songwriting partner, Justin Paul.[1]
Benj Pasek
Early life and education[edit]
Pasek was born into a Jewish[2] family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother is the renowned child psychologist, author, and Brookings scholar Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, whose work focuses on the importance of childhood play.[3] 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.