PETER SHAM, Author/Actor/Director/Educator

He is also the author of the musicals Sherlock Holmes and the Great Royal Goose Chase! (also with Brad Carroll), Blue Collar Musical (with Brandon Scott Grayson), Toyland, and It’s a Dog’s Life: Man’s Best Musical; and the plays, A Christmas Carol: On the Air, its sequel Frankenstein: On the Air, Shakespeare’s Moby Dick, a classical adaptation of Herman Melville’s American novel, and Twinkle, Twinkle, Killer Kane, adapted with William Peter Blatty (The Exorcist), from his Globe Award-winning Best Screenplay. Most recently, Peter wrote and directed his first feature film, Far Remote, which garnered an Honorable Mention at the 2021 HorrorFest International Film Festival.

Peter is currently at work on To Catch A Thief: The Musical, based on the David Dodge bestseller which was made into an Academy Award-winning, classic film by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Written with award-winning composer, Kevin Purcell, the musical plans a West End, London opening in 2026, with a Broadway premiere in 2027. The musical will be receiving its first staged-reading with a cast of 27 and an orchestra of 7 in March at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee, WI. Visit: tocatchathiefmusical.com. Also in the works is a new play to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, The Franklin Event, a fantasy about famed American founding father, Benjamin Franklin, who, through an extraordinary phenomenon, materializes before a live audience. Peter hopes to step out of acting retirement into the titular role, and premiere the play in Southern Utah in 2026.

Peter is in development for A Penny Urned, a nine-episode television series with award-winning, pre-eminent juke-box musical author, Roger Bean (The Marvelous Wonderettes series, Route 66, The Andrews Brothers, Summer of Love,​ Honky Tonk Laundry, Why Do Fools Fall in Love? and more.)

A regional actor for over 35 years, Peter was a principal member of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival for twelve seasons (from 1993-2015), and has performed at such places as Asolo Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Studio Arena Theatre, Artpark, Eastside Playhouse, Perry Street Theatre & The Neil Simon Festival, and more. Notable roles include, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Max Prince in Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Salieri in Amadeus, Benjamin Franklin in 1776, Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and Sancho in Man of LaMancha, starring Robert Peterson. Peter has directed over 85 productions throughout the Eastern United States and Utah and has served as artistic director of Bristol Valley Playhouse in Naples, NY, Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover, PA, and is currently producing artistic director for Buffalo Theatre Company, hosted at the world-famous Egyptian Theater in Park City, UT. 

Peter holds a Master’s of Arts Degree in Acting from the University of Delaware’s Professional Theatre Training Program. As an educator, Peter has served as professor of theatre at Southern Utah University for 19 years. His awards include: 2-SUU Thunderbird Awards for “Professor of the Year” (2011) & SUU “Outstanding Scholar of the Year Award” (2012-13), and he is the recipient of SUU’s Highest Honor, “The Board of Trustees Award for Excellence” (2011-12). Peter also received national recognition in 2013 as the recipient of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival’s “Excellence in Education Award.”

AS A WRITER, LYRICIST & COMPOSER

Currently in the works:

THE FRANKLIN EVENT (Original Play) Benjamin Franklin materializes every third night to entertain audiences and along the way gains the love and admiration of the event’s host, historian and author, Grace Weller. Looking to world premiere in 2026 as part of the 250th Anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence. 

A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS 2025: The Best of the Best (Book & Adapted Lyrics)An original holiday musical comedy production, commissioned by Richard Schulman, Executive Producer for the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton, NJ. Premieres November 3, 2025.

TO CATCH A THIEF: The Musical (Book & Lyrics) Music by Kevin Purcell. A musical based on the bestseller by David Dodge, which was made into the Academy Award-winning, classic film by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Pending West End, London premiere, 2026, with a Broadway premiere expected in 2027.

A PENNY URNED (Co-Series Creator & Writer) Written with Roger Bean. An Nine-Episode television series in development.

THE STAGE COACH (Series Creator & Writer) Written with Roger Bean. A Ten-Episode television series currently in development.

THE GHOST & MRS. MUIR: The Musical (Book, Music and Lyrics)Based on the novel by R.A. Dick and the 1947 film screenplay by Phillip Dunne. Pending a spring 2027 World Premiere at Hunterdon Hill Playhouse in Hampton, NJ.

CAPTORS (Original Play) A new play based on a famous FBI case.

Published and/or produced works:

FAR REMOTE (Screenplay & Direction) A feature horror film inspired by Moby Dick. Premiere: April 24, 2021. Award Winner: Honorable Mention, HorrorFest International Film Festival.

A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS 2021: The Greatest Gift of All (Book & Adapted Lyrics)An original holiday musical comedy production, commissioned by Richard Schulman, Executive Producer for the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton, NJ. Premiered, November 30, 2021. Ran for 32 performances.

SHERLOCK HOLMES & THE GREAT ROYAL GOOSE CHASE (Book & Lyrics) Music by Brad Carroll. An original immersive musical comedy mystery featuring characters created by Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle. The companion piece to Take Me Away. Commissioned by Richard Schulman, Executive Producer for the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, NJ. World Premiere: March 10, 2020. Published in the United States by Broadway Licensing, Amateur/Stock Rights available.

A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS 2019: The 3 Scrooges Save Christmas (Book & Adapted Lyrics) A holiday musical comedy production, commissioned by Richard Schulman, Executive Producer for the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, NJ. World Premiere: November 5, 2019. Ran for 50 performances.

TAKE ME AWAY: An Original Immersive Musical Comedy Mystery (Book & Lyrics) Additional Music by Brad Carroll. Commissioned by Richard Schulman, Executive Producer for the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, NJ. World Premiere: March 20, 2019. Ran for 45 performances.

A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS 2018: Christmas In the Air (Book & Adapted Lyrics) A holiday musical comedy production, commissioned by Richard Schulman, Executive Producer for the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, NJ. World Premiere: November 4, 2019. Ran for 54 Performances.

FRANKENSTEIN: On the Air (Play & Adapted Lyrics) The sequel to A Christmas Carol: On the Air. A new play with music, adapted from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Orson Welles’ adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds and other sci/fi horror film classics. World Premiere: October 2017. Heritage Center Theater, Cedar City, UT.

ONE NIGHT ONLY: Laughs, Love & a Bunch’a Tools (Book, Music & Lyrics)Originally titled, Under Construction: The Blue Collar Musical. Transcribed & Arranged by Brandon Scott Grayson; Orchestrations by Keith Merrill Bradshaw; Inspired from and idea by Kurt Baxter. World premiered, summer 2017 as part of the 15th Anniversary Season of The Neil Simon Festival. Pending publishing, 2025.

LEND ME A TENOR: The Musical (Book & Lyrics) Music by Brad Carroll. Based on the play by Ken Ludwig. World premiere: summer 2007 at the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, ran for 42 performances. UK premiere, Theatre Royal Plymouth, September 2010. West End, London premiere at the Gielgud Theatre, June 2011. Translated in German, Russian, Polish, and Spanish. Currently negotiating pre-Broadway premiere and London revival productions. Published in the UK by Music Theatre International. Published in the United States by Broadway Licensing, Amateur/Stock Rights available.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: On the Air (Original Play & Lyrics) Score & Music by Brad Carroll. The musical play is a “live” 1940s-style radio show version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Premiere, December 2004. Ran for 4 holiday seasons at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Ran for 2 seasons in the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance, Southern Utah University. Ran for 4 seasons as the annual fundraiser for The Neil Simon Festival. Published, 2016.

TWINKLE, TWINKLE, KILLER KANE (Co-Adaptation) Adapted for the stage with William Peter Blatty (The Exorcist), based on Mr. Blatty’s Golden Globe Award-winning screenplay, The Ninth Configuration, which starred Stacy Keach, Scott Wilson, Ed Flanders, and Jason Miller.

Pet & Kirsten Sham’s TOYLAND: The Holiday Family Musical Treat! (Original Book, Additional Music & Lyrics) A holiday song and dance musical, for all ages, was the annual Christmas event for Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in 2000 & 2001. It became the top grossing show in their history. Published, 2016.

SHAKESPEARE’S MOBY DICK (Play Adaptation) A Classical Stage Adaptation in prose & Shakespearean verse of the great American novel by Herman Melville. Received a reading at Milwaukee Rep in ‘97. Published, 2019.

WAXWORKS (Co-Book, Co-Music, & Lyrics) A musical comedy which premiered at Bristol Valley Playhouse, Naples, NY in 1984. It has subsequently been produced at the Lancaster Opera House, Lancaster, NY in 1985, Island Park Summer Rep, Williamsville, NY in 1987, and by the Network Theatre Company at the historic Alcazar Theatre in San Francisco, CA in 1998.

IT'S A DOG'S LIFE: Man's Best Musical (Book, Music & Lyrics) A musical comedy produced 2-3 times a year nationally. First Regional Premiere, Studio Arena Theatre, in Buffalo, NY in 1985; World Premiere, Hamlin Park Pavilion in East Aurora, NY (1984). The show has also played in numerous high schools throughout the Western NY area. Published by Steele Spring Stage Rights, 2014.

UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL’S – THE GREENSHOW (Sketch Writer/Lyricist) Wrote and/or adapted all comedy sketches, and wrote lyrics to numerous original songs, for 27 shows over a 9-year period from 2005-2015. The annual family show was created, directed, and choreographed by Kirsten Sham.

AFTER THE WIZARD (Screenplay) Fantasy-adventure film about Dorothy Gale’s final adventure in the Land of Oz. Based on characters created by L. Frank Baum.

HAG (Screenplay) Horror film based on the “Old Hag” Syndrome, a true night terror which renders its sufferers in a state of paralysis and suffocation. Optioned by Cine-Tel Films for The Sci-Fi Channel.

THE PLAYHOUSE (Screenplay) Comedy-mystery film about two Broadway losers, wrongfully accused of murdering the top three NY drama critics, who take refuge in a failing dinner-theatre in New Jersey.

TESTIMONIALS

“What Peter Sham managed to do with his book for the musical Lend Me A Tenor is to not only solidify the play's strengths, but he made the play sing as well. Not only are the ideas for the songs in the show original and smart, but Peter supplied clever, funny, first-rate lyrics, elevating the material to a new level. The superb reviews the show received in London are a testament to his achievement. The act of musicalizing a story is no easy task. Mr. Sham’s effort on Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical is a rare and singular accomplishment, which only a handful of artists not only in the country but also in the world can claim to have achieved. His work in the theatre has made me a life-long fan.”

– LONNY PRICE, Broadway & Emmy Award-winning Actor & Director 

“I have worked with Peter Sham in many capacities in the theater world, but I know him quite well as a playwright and creator. Peter has a great passion for theatre, and that comes across in every endeavor. He has an idea, he sets his mind on it, and sets out to accomplish the task at hand. Whether in a rehearsal room with many in attendance or working quietly on a script, Peter is inspiring to anyone who can learn from his work aesthetic. Peter is a true artist, with bountiful talents. There’s nobody I would rather have “in the room” than Peter Sham.

– ROGER BEAN, Award-winning Author, Director & Producer 

“Peter Sham is an artist whose flexibility ranges from Shakespeare to contemporary plays to musical comedies. I am not aware of another artist who is able to navigate so effortlessly, and with such a high level of excellence, through such a wide variety of genres and styles. Sham is one of the most generous and collaborative artists I have had the pleasure to witness. He creates an environment in which those who are mentored by his guidance, either in the rehearsal room or in the studio, find that their own creativity exceeds their own expectations. Indeed, I have learned a great deal from Professor Sham in my own work as a regional theatre artist and as an educator.”

– CHRISTOPHER DUVAL, Stage Combat Specialist, Actor, Author & Educator

“I can think of no individual with whom I have enjoyed working with more than Peter Sham. Apart from his brilliant mind, nimble wit, and a talent to write clever verses, he is, moreover, a beautiful and utterly generous person. Peter is smart. He understands how to craft a show and understands what is required and what is at stake in doing so. I would work with Peter again without a moment's notice. As a writer and a librettist, he is uniquely gifted.”

– DAVID ELLIOTT, New York Producer & Director

Being a top-drawer teacher while producing superb scholarly work is no easy feat. But Peter's contributions to his discipline are astounding. In fact, I believe he is the first person in the history of SUU’s College of Performing and Visual Arts to have received the award for Outstanding Scholar of the Year. Again, as book writer/lyricist for Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical and several other musical works I am familiar with, he is a student of the craft while always looking to continue to learn and grow in the field of narrative storytelling. Life and the human experience are about stories and Peter has grown and matured into a master storyteller.

– MICHAEL T. BENSON, President of Coastal Carolina University, SC

I met Peter when his theatre company was putting on a production of my play, Lend Me A Tenor. I never visit productions of my own plays - however, Peter talked me into it, and I was surprised and delighted to see a thoroughly first-rate version of my work, starring Peter Sham. Peter is a terrific actor, a skilled director and a gifted artistic director. I observed first-hand how he worked with his colleagues, and it was clear to me that everyone at the theatre, professionals and audience alike, adored and respected him. Since that time, I've gotten to know Peter even better and discovered that he is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of theatre, both practical and intellectual. In sum, I am a great admirer of Peter's enormous talent, knowledge, personal skills and artistic integrity.

– KEN LUDWIG, Broadway Playwright

AS AN ACTOR

REPRESENTATIVE REVIEWS

About Max Prince in Neil Simon’s LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR:

“LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR IS CONSTANTLY HILARIOUS...
...However, it is Peter Sham that anchors the show with his portrayal of Max. Sham effortlessly transitions from sincere affection to Napoleonic rage, making it easy to understand why his staff simultaneously fears and adores him. ...Max can’t bear the thought of firing one of his staff, and Sham does an excellent job of conveying that concern in a way that is comic yet believable. Sham’s acting experience is clear, and makes him a tent pole of this comedy.”

– Brighton Sloan, UTAH THEATRE BLOGGERS ASSOCIATION

About King Henry IV in HENRY IV, PART ONE:

Peter Sham is strong as the challenged king, an actual usurper of the throne.  He communicates well Henry's fears and frailties...

– Judith Reynolds, Durango Herald, CO

"How Shakespeare addresses the father-son relationship between King Henry IV and Hal is fascinating — thanks to terrific performances by Peter Sham..."

– Ivan M. Lincoln, DESERET MORNING NEWS

About Alfred P. Doolittle in MY FAIR LADY:

Peter Sham is a barnburner as Eliza's father, Alfred P. Doolittle...he engages the audience completely... Sham's Alfred helps the audience understand Eliza in both her poverty and her decisiveness. You have to love the selfish Alfred as Sham plays him, and you do.

– Barbara Stinson Lee, THE HERALD JOURNAL, UT

"Peter Sham's gift for connecting with audiences burnishes the plum role of dust-man Alfred P. Doolittle."

 – Celia R. Baker, THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

 About Benjamin Franklin in 1776:

“But who steals the show? Good ol' Benjamin Franklin.  As played by Peter Sham... He lends the show much of its humor and typifies its theme: that these men, above all else, were MEN, with foibles and weaknesses.”

– Eric D. Snider, THE DAIL HERALD, PROVO, UT 

"...notably Pennsylvania's avuncular Ben Franklin (the artfully antic Peter Sham)..."

– Carol Cling, LAS VEGAS REVIEW–JOURNAL

"Peter Sham's witty take on Benjamin Franklin reveals him as an incurable gadfly, and something of a dandy - utterly engaging."

– Celia Baker, THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

About Sancho in MAN OF LAMANCHA:

"...his servant (the endearing Peter Sham) as his faithful squire Sancho Panza..."

– Carol Cling, LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

"Sham's Sancho is a delight. He convinced the audience of his love for Cervantes and his willingness to do whatever he is asked. He balances the sadness and the tragedy of the play with sincere, uplifting animation."

– Barbara Stinson Lee, DRAMA CORRESPONDENT-UTAH

About Salieri in AMADEUS:

"A Tour-de-Force Performance. Sham delivers a richly textured Salieri...Brilliant"

– Herbert Simpson, THE ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE

About Pooh-Bah in THE MIKADO:

"Peter Sham as Pooh-Bah...deploys a devastating array of comedic weapons, from haughty accents to exaggerated facial expressions, to scene stealing effect."

– LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL

About Sister Mary in SISTER MARY IGNATIUS EXPLAINS IT ALL FOR YOU:

"A wily character actor, Sham is right on target as the knuckle-slapping, old school nun that many of us remember. He perfectly conveys the starched black and white dogma of those days."

– Jim Bisco, THE BUFFALO NEWS

"Sham's performance is never camp, he brings her off in the most understanding of all possible lights.  Should the show resurface it is recommended!"

– Tom Dooney, SECOND STORY, BUFFALO, NY

AS A DIRECTOR

SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY, Cedar City, UT

The Three Sisters (‘25), Allen & Eileen Anes Studio Theatre The Prom (’24), Randall L. Jones Theatre Macbeth (’22), Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre The Tempest (’21), Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre Far Remote (a feature-length horror film, ‘21), Honorable Mention HorrorFest International Film Festival Legally Blonde: The Musical (’20), Randall L. Jones Theatre Richard III (’19), Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre Die Fledermaus (’17), Randall L. Jones Theatre Toyland (’15), Randall L. Jones Theatre Hamlet (’15), The Final Production at Adams Shakespearean Theatre A Streetcar Named Desire (’15), Randall L. Jones Theatre A Christmas Carol: On the Air (13’-’14) starring Fred C. Adams, Randall L. Jones Theatre Romeo & Juliet (’13), Adams Shakespearean Theatre As You Like It (’12), Adams Shakespearean Theatre King Lear (’11), Adams Shakespearean Theatre The Mikado (’11), Music Dept. Production, Heritage Center Theater You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (’10), Auditorium Theatre The Wizard of Oz (’09), Auditorium Theatre Henry V (’07), Adams Shakespearean Theatre Shooting Stars (’07), Auditorium Theatre

BUFFALO THEATRE COMPANY, Egyptian Theatre, Park City, UT

Pump Boys & Dinettes (’22)

NEIL SIMON FESTIVAL, Heritage Center Theater, Cedar City, UT

A Christmas Carol: On the Air (starring Clarence Gilyard ‘19) Blue-Collar Musical (World Premiere ‘17) Frankenstein: On the Air (World Premiere ‘17) A Christmas Carol: On the Air (starring Tony Amendola ‘17) Hank Williams: Lost Highway (’16), Heritage Center Theater The Star-Spangled Girl (’14) Toured to the Egyptian Theatre, Park City, UT

UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, Cedar City, UT

A Christmas Carol: On the Air (starring Fred C. Adams, Co-Director/Utah Shakespeare Festival Annual Event ’04-‘08) Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical , Randall L. Jones Theatre (First Staged Reading ’06/World Premiere ‘07)

EICHELBERGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, Hanover, PA

Born Yesterday (’02) Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (’02) It’s A Dog’s Life: Man’s Best Musical (Regional Premiere ’02) Toyland (World Premiere ’00 & Revival ’01)Annie (’00)

HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE, Clinton, NJ

Goodnight, Mrs. Puffin (’99) Come Blow Your Horn (’98) Charley’s Aunt (’97)

BRISTOL VALLEY PLAYHOUSE, Naples, NY

The Hound of the Baskervilles (’90) Witness for the Prosecution (’89) Evita (’89)

ISLAND PARK SUMMER REP, Williamsville, NY

Little Shop of Horrors (First US Regional Premiere, ‘86) Side By Side By Sondheim (‘86)

THE CORE THEATRE GROUP, Buffalo, NY

’night Mother (First US Regional Premiere, ‘85), TheatreLoft

ARTPARK, Lewiston, NY

Grease (‘84) Bye, Bye, Birdie (’83)

 A forthright professor must protect her students against an obsessed colleague who has jeopardized the lives of all in order to seek revenge on a white vampire that murdered her sister many years before. (2021) PG-13. Director of Photography, William Cowser. Written & Directed by Peter Sham. Running time: 82 Minutes. 2021 HORRORFEST INTERNATIONAL HONORABLE MENTION !

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Far Remote was made as part of the 2020-21 season for Southern Utah University's Department of Theatre, Dance, & Arts Administration. It was a labor of love for my students. In the most challenging and difficult year of the pandemic, I felt it important that they be a part of something that could rekindle their imaginations and give them hope for a brighter future. But most importantly, I wanted them to have the time of their lives. After what they’d been through, they deserved it. During the year, while teaching various directing courses, I noticed that the claustrophobic nature of the Zoom platform could be a powerful element in the telling of stories of horror and suspense. And so with great friend and expert DP, Wil Cowser, a strong group of extraordinary young actors, and a little inspiration from Moby Dick of all things, I began to develop the vision and screenplay. Far Remote concerns a study abroad trip that gets hijacked by an obsessed, rogue professor hellbent on getting her revenge on a "white vampire." And yes, I believe we crushed The Bechdel Test several times over! The film was actually cast before a single word was written. The treatment was developed over Christmas break 2020, it was written in 13 days beginning on February 8, began filming on March 15, began post-production on April 16, and premiered for the university and community audiences on Friday, April 23, 2021. Far Remote to everyone's surprise and delight was a great success. It seemed to strike a nerve; its timeliness and relevance resonated in our community. I believe this was because it's a work that marks this moment in history. A moment the world will never forget. Needless to say, we ALL had the time of our lives.

AS AN ARTIST

CARICATURE DRAWINGS