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John Kander

Birth Place: USA

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BIO

American composer John Kander (b. Kansas City, MO, March 18, 1927) is the musical partner of the songwriting team of Kander and Ebb, who together created at least sixteen Broadway shows, Flora the Red Menace (1965), Cabaret (1966), Chicago (1975), and Curtains (2007) among them. They also contributed material to fourteen films and television specials over their forty-year association. Independently John Kander supplied the scores to many films, including Something For Everyone (1970), Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Places in the Heart (1984), and Billy Bathgate (1991).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Off-Broadway], 1973
Performer

Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Music
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2014]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[West End, 2006] [Replacement]
Music[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Composer
 
[US Tour, 1962]
Dance Music
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Dance Music
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Rehearsal Pianist
Dance Music Arranger
 
[West End, 1958]
Dance Music

Writing

Music, Story
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Author
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding New Score

John Kander, New York, New York

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

John Kander, Curtains

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, Curtains


winner
Drama League Awards - 2007 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

John Kander

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Musical Production

John Kander, Cabaret

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Curtains


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - The American Express Tribute

John Kander


winner
Olivier Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Musical Production

John Kander, Chicago

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, Steel Pier

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Steel Pier

Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Musical Revival

John Kander, Cabaret

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music

John Kander , Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Musical

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Olivier Awards - 1993 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

John Kander, Kiss Of The Spider Woman


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Rink


winner
Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Woman of the Year

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Musical of the Year

John Kander, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Act

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Happy Time


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Musical

John Kander, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Cabaret

Videos

News


SHREK and More Set for StoryBook Theatre Upcoming 'Season To Be Brave'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 7, 2025

StoryBook Theatre has revealed its 49th Season of Shows, themed 'Season to be Brave.' Audiences of all ages are invited to experience these upcoming family-friendly productions including Shrek and more!
INTERVIEW: Hablamos con Abril Zamora, Amanda Digón y Pepe Nufrio sobre CABARET
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - May 5, 2025

El musical, protagonizado por Abril Zamora, Amanda Digón y Pepe Nufrio, se estrena el próximo 24 de septiembre.
Video: Highlights of Eva Noblezada & Orville Peck in CABART AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Nicole Rosky - May 2, 2025

Watch in this video as country music star Orville Peck and two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada perform 'Money' and 'Mein Herr'. Peck and Noblezada will star in the Tony Award-winning production for a limited 16-week engagement through Sunday, July 20. 
CASTING CALL: Let's Go convoca audiciones para CABARET
by Lorena Pastor Romero - May 1, 2025

La productora Let’s Go ha abierto el proceso de audiciones para seleccionar el elenco de la próxima producción del musical CABARET.
Photos: Dramatists Guild Awards Honor David Henry Hwang, Shaina Taub and More
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025

Last night, the Dramatists Guild of America honored the recipients of their 2025 Awards with a ceremony at Green Fig at which playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists celebrated their fellow theatre writers. Check out photos here!
Kate Baldwin, Heidi Blickenstaff and More to Join SING HAPPY! at 92NY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 29, 2025

Music director David Loud is leading a celebration of Kander and Ebb's remarkable partnership and the music it gave us at 92NY. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.
PHOTOS: Así fue la presentación de CABARET en el UMusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz
by Lorena Pastor Romero - Apr 29, 2025

A partir del 24 de septiembre, LetsGo, productora de EL FANTASMA DE LA ÓPERA, presentará en el UMusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz una versión inmersiva del musical CABARET, de Kander y Ebb.
Hannah Dodd and Rob Madge Will Lead CABARET at the Kit Kat Club in London
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025

The West End production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB has announced new casting! From 29 May 2025, Bridgerton star Hannah Dodd will play Sally Bowles and Olivier nominee Rob Madge will play The Emcee. 
BREAKING: Abril Zamora, Amanda Digón y Pepe Nufrio protagonizarán CABARET en el Albéniz
by Juan Cano - Apr 28, 2025

La productora LetsGo transformará el UMUSIC Hotel Madrid Teatro Albéniz en el legendario Kit Kat Klub a partir del 24 de septiembre.
Photos: Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada In CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 25, 2025

You can now check out new photos of Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada in Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club on Broadway. Learn more about the production here and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND Opens At The Pompano Beach Cultural Center
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2025

The Pompano Players fifth production of their inaugural season, The World Goes ‘Round – a musical retrospective of the work of the award-winning composer and lyricist duo John Kander and Fred Ebb. See photos from the show.
Harvey Fierstein Will Receive a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025

The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that legendary actor and writer, and four-time Tony Award winner, Harvey Fierstein will receive the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
Review: A FABULOUS 50TH Celebrates CHICAGO and A CHORUS LINE Golden Anniversary
by Michael Quintos - Apr 23, 2025

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of two groundbreaking, iconic musicals CHICAGO and A CHORUS LINE, Segerstrom Center for the Arts in association with Spot-On Entertainment presented a one-nigh-only star-studded concert featuring the music of John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Marvin Hamlisch. The lineup included Tony Award nominees Tony Yazbeck and OC native Eden Espinosa, plus Max Clayton, Jason Graae, and original A CHORUS LINE cast member Kay Cole. The event was hosted by Scott Coulter and featured pianist John Boswell and the Fabulous 50 orchestra under the direction of Rob Istad.
CABARET regresa a Madrid el próximo septiembre
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Apr 22, 2025

El próximo mes de septiembre el Umusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz de Madrid se convertirá en el Kit Kat Klub​​​​​​​ para acoger el estreno de CABARET, una nueva producción inmersiva de mano de LETSGO.
Hot Tickets of the Week: BOOP!, FLOYD COLLINS, and More
by Team BWW - Apr 21, 2025

Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, starting April 21, 2025. Check out five Broadway shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to right now!
Renée Fleming Set to Make Tulsa Opera Debut in May
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 18, 2025

Operatic soprano and arts and health advocate Renée Fleming, one of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time, will make her debut with Tulsa Opera when she brings her popular Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene concert to town. Learn more!
Video: Watch Eva Noblezada as 'Sally Bowles' in New CABARET Footage
by Michael Major - Apr 17, 2025

Watch new footage of Eva Noblezada in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway. The new video features the production's new 'Sally Bowles' performing 'Mein Herr,' while she discusses taking on the iconic character.
Photos: Ashley Graham's Opening Night in CHICAGO on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 16, 2025

Supermodel and entrepreneur Ashley Graham is currently making her Broadway debut the role of “Roxie Hart” in Chicago! Check out photos from Graham's opening night here! 
Video: CHICAGO Star Ashley Graham Takes Her First Broadway Bow
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 16, 2025

Supermodel and entrepreneur Ashley Graham took her first Broadway bow this evening as she makes her debut in the role of “Roxie Hart” in Chicago! watch the video!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 15, 2025
by - Apr 15, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 15, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has John Kander written?

John Kander has written 33 shows including A Family Affair (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Flora, the Red Menace (Composer), Go Fly a Kite (Composer), Cabaret (Composer), The Happy Time (Composer), Zorba (Composer), 70, Girls, 70 (Composer), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Composer), Liza (Composer), Chicago (Composer), 2 by 5 (Composer), The Act (Composer), Joe Masiell Not at the Palace (Material), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Composer), Woman of the Year (Composer), The Rink (Composer), Diamonds (Composer), How Lucky Can You Get? (Composer), And the World Goes 'Round (Composer), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Composer), Steel Pier (Composer), Over and Over (Composer), Fosse (Composer), The Visit (Composer), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Composer), The Scottsboro Boys (Composer), Come Fly Away (Composer), The Landing (Composer), Kid Victory (Music, Story), The Beast in the Jungle (Composer), New York, New York (Music).

What awards has John Kander been nominated for?

Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for New York, New York, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Scottsboro Boys, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Curtains, The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Chicago, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Steel Pier, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Steel Pier, Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Rink, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Woman of the Year, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Chicago, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Act, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Chicago, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Happy Time, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Cabaret and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.

What awards has John Kander won?

John Kander has received several prestigious awards, including: - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) - Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Chicago - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Woman of the Year - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Cabaret - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.

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Videos