The Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical is awarded to librettists of the spoken, non-sung dialogue, and storyline of a musical play. Eligibility is restricted to works with original narrative framework; plotless revues and revivals are ineligible. This award was originally called the Tony Award for Best Author, until musicals were split off from dramas. Winners and nominees 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Award records 3 Wins Hugh Wheeler (2 consecutive) Thomas Meehan James Lapine 2 Wins Terrence McNally Larry Gelbart Peter Stone Nomination records 5 Nominations Michael Stewart 4 Nominations Douglas Carter Beane James Lapine Terrence McNally Peter Stone Hugh Wheeler 3 Nominations Chad Beguelin Harvey Fierstein Michael John LaChiusa George C. Wolfe 2 Nominations Walter Bobbie Alain Boublil Mark Bramble Leslie Bricusse Betty Comden Joe DiPietro Bob Fosse Larry Gelbart Adolph Green John Guare Rupert Holmes Jim Lewis Craig Lucas Bob Martin Thomas Meehan Marsha Norman Tim Rice Dick Scanlan Claude-Michel Schönberg Neil Simon Joseph Stein David Thompson Melvin Van Peebles Andrew Lloyd Webber External links Tony Awards Official site Tony Awards at Internet Broadway database Listing Tony Awards at broadwayworld.com Tony Awards Awards established in 1949 1949 establishments in the United States