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Stephen Flaherty

Birth Place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

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BIO

Stephen Flaherty writes music for theater, film, recordings and the concert stage. He is perhaps best known as the composer of the Broadway musicals Ragtime (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Grammy nominations), Seussical (Grammy and Drama Desk nominations), Once on This Island (Tony nomination, Olivier Award for London's Best Musical), and also contributed music to Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (original songs) and Neil Simon's Proposals (incidental music). He has also written four musicals produced at Lincoln Center Theatre: The Glorious Ones (Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations), Dessa Rose (Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations), A Man of No Importanc (Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, Drama Desk nomination) and My Favorite Year. Other theater scores include Lucky Stiff and Loving Repeating: A Musical of Gertrude Stein (Chicago's Jefferson Award for Best New Musical). Film credits include Anastasia (Academy Award nominations for Best Score and Best Song, two Golden Globe nominations and a gold record for its soundtrack), Bartok the Magnificent (original score and songs) and the upcoming After The Storm. Concert work includes commissions from the Boston Pops, Carnegie Hall and the Guggenheim Museum. "The Ahrens and Flaherty Songbook," a print anthology, is available through Alfred Music. His songs have been recorded by Aaliyah, Johnny Mathis, Richard Marx and Donna Lewis, Renee Fleming and Bryn Terfel, Donny Osmond, Thalia and Deana Carter, among others. Mr. Flaherty serves on the Dramatists Guild Council, where he co-chairs the Dramatists Guild Fellows Program for emerging writers with Lynn Ahrens, his longtime writing partner.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Chef's Theater: A Musical Feast
[Off-Broadway]
2004
Performer

Productions

Ragtime
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Composer
RagtimeRagtime
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Composer
A Journey to the PastA Journey to the Past
 
[West End, 2022]
MUSIC AND LYRICS
AnastasiaAnastasia
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Music & Vocal Arrangements[Replacement]
AnastasiaAnastasia
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Vocal Arrangements
RockyRocky
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Composer
The Glorious Ones
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Vocal Music Arranger
Dessa Rose
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Vocal Music Arranger
Vocal Music Arranger
A Man of No Importance
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Vocal Music Arranger
Vocal Music Arranger
Once On This Island
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
Seussical
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Vocal Music Arranger
Ragtime
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Vocal Music Arranger
Proposals
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Composer
Once On This Island
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Vocal Music Arranger
Dance Music Arranger
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
Dames at Sea
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Piano

Writing

Knoxville
Composer
Anastasia
Composer
Dessa Rose
Composer
The Glorious Ones
Composer
Composer
Lucky Stiff
Composer
Composer
Once On This Island
Composer
Composer
Ragtime
Composer
Seussical
Bookwriter
Composer
Conceiver
Composer
Bookwriter
Conceiver

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, The Glorious Ones

Olivier Awards - 2004 - Best New Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, A Man of No Importance


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Seussical the Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Olivier Awards - 1995 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Once On This Island

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Flaherty, Once on this Island

Videos

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News


ANASTASIA Comes to Moonlight Stage Productions in July Photo
ANASTASIA Comes to Moonlight Stage Productions in July
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2025

Moonlight Stage Productions’ 44th season will continue with Anastasia, the second of three regional premieres. Based on the 20th Century Fox Animation 1997 film of the same name.
Theatre Now Will Host Master Class With Rachel Sheinkin Photo
Theatre Now Will Host Master Class With Rachel Sheinkin
by Stephi Wild - Jun 16, 2025

​​​​​​​Theatre Now New York will host a Master Class with Tony Award-winning writer Rachel Sheinkin (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) next week.
A FORTY SECOND STREET STORY: The Extraordinary Career of Kevin Stites Photo
A FORTY SECOND STREET STORY: The Extraordinary Career of Kevin Stites
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 14, 2025

As soon as the orchestra launches into the opening bars of Maine State Music Theatre’s current production of Anastasia, there is a frisson of electricity that runs through the house.
Interview: MSMT Panel Explores ANASTASIA and the World of the Romanovs Photo
Interview: MSMT Panel Explores ANASTASIA and the World of the Romanovs
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 12, 2025

MSMT resumed its 11th season of the popular series, Peek Behind the Curtain, on June 11, 2025, presenting a panel of stars from the current production of ANASTASIA together with MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and BWW moderator Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold. Held at  Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, the event drew through an enthusiastic crowd. Among the panelists were a Mary Ernster (Broadway WAR PAINT, THE NOTEBOOK, Winner 2 Jeff Awards), who portrays the Dowager Empress; Amanda Rose (Broadway MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, WICKED, National Tours of OKLAHOMA, WICKED,HOLIDAY INN), who plays Countess Lily; and Christopher Page-Sanders (THE FROGS, THE WIZ, DREAMGIRLS), who serves as Associate Choreographer and Dance Captain of the show.
Jason Danieley Will Direct Ahrens and Flaherty Revue at Barrington Stage Company Photo
Jason Danieley Will Direct Ahrens and Flaherty Revue at Barrington Stage Company
by Joshua Wright - Jun 12, 2025

Barrington Stage Company has announced the world premiere of Something Beautiful: The Songs of Ahrens and Flaherty, an exhilarating new concert event celebrating the music of Tony Award-winning songwriting team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL: THE SONGS OF AHRENS AND FLAHERTY Comes To Barrington Stage Compa Photo
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL: THE SONGS OF AHRENS AND FLAHERTY Comes To Barrington Stage Company
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2025

Barrington Stage Company has announced the world premiere of Something Beautiful: The Songs of Ahrens and Flaherty, an exhilarating new concert event celebrating the music of Tony Award-winning songwriting team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
Review: A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE at Players' Ring Photo
Review: A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE at Players' Ring
by Dan Marois - Jun 11, 2025

The Players' Ring in Portsmouth, in its latest offering, invites audiences into the unassuming yet profoundly resonant world of “A Man of No Importance.” This 2002 musical, with its tender book by Terrence McNally and the soaring melodies of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, (They wrote the musical, “Ragtime.”) gently peels back the layers of common day life into a universe of heartfelt human connection and quiet courage.
Review: Orville Peck Celebrated PRIDE NIGHT AT POPS Photo
Review: Orville Peck Celebrated PRIDE NIGHT AT POPS
by R. Scott Reedy - Jun 10, 2025

Orville Peck didn’t put his feet up on a recent night off from “Cabaret” – instead he planted them firmly onstage with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall, to headline the orchestra’s second annual Pride Night.
Photos: ROCKY at Tacoma Little Theatre Photo
Photos: ROCKY at Tacoma Little Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Jun 8, 2025

Tacoma Little Theatre closes out its 106 th season with a knockout of a show, Rocky, beginning in June. Rocky is directed by Chris Serface, co-directed and choreographed by Ashley Roy-Simpson, and musically directed by Lindsay Delmarter, with fights choreographed by J. Carter.
Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at DreamWrights Photo
Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at DreamWrights
by Sandra Harberger - Jun 7, 2025

Once on this Island is a Caribbean story about an orphan peasant girl, Ti Moune, who rescues a wealthy boy, Daniel, after a car accident. It is a story about the complicated nature of love. Jasmine Graham voice was perfect for the character Ti Moune.
Video: Watch New Clips From RAGTIME At Goodspeed Opera House Photo
Video: Watch New Clips From RAGTIME At Goodspeed Opera House
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 7, 2025

Watch brand new video from Ragtime at Goodspeed Opera House as Mamie Parris and Behr Marshall perform, 'The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square' and 'Journey On'. 
Applications For BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Songwriting Workshop Are Now Open Photo
Applications For BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Songwriting Workshop Are Now Open
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2025

BMI is currently accepting applications to the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop for its Musical Theatre Songwriting Workshop. Learn more and see how to apply!
SEUSSICAL JR. Comes to Theatre West Virginia Photo
SEUSSICAL JR. Comes to Theatre West Virginia
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2025

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
Kerry Washington and Kara Young in THE WHOOPI MONOLOGUES and More Set for LCT 25-26 S Photo
Kerry Washington and Kara Young in THE WHOOPI MONOLOGUES and More Set for LCT 25-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater has revealed its 2025-2026 season of productions in the Vivian Beaumont, Mitzi E. Newhouse, and Claire Tow Theaters. See the full lineup here!
Video: Broadway Celebrates the Unveiling of Terrence McNally Way Photo
Video: Broadway Celebrates the Unveiling of Terrence McNally Way
by Joey Mervis - Jun 2, 2025

Just last week, East 9th street between Broadway and University Place was officially co-named Terrence McNally Way in honor of the late legendary playwright Terrence McNally, who proudly lived on East 9th Street for 24 years. Watch highlights from the special day in this video. 
Photos: East 9th Street is Officially Renamed Terrence McNally Way Photo
Photos: East 9th Street is Officially Renamed Terrence McNally Way
by Emmy Rice - Jun 2, 2025

On Friday, May 30, East 9th street between Broadway and University Place was officially co-named Terrence McNally Way in honor of the late legendary playwright Terrence McNally, who proudly lived on East 9th Street for 24 years. See the photos here!
FROZEN & More Lead Los Angeles's June 2025 Top Theatre Shows Photo
FROZEN & More Lead Los Angeles's June 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - May 30, 2025

Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for June 2025 include La Mirada's FROZEN & more!
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND to be Presented at DreamWrights Center for Community Arts Photo
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND to be Presented at DreamWrights Center for Community Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts, in partnership with Weary Arts Group, will present Once on This Island. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
Video: Watch the RAGTIME Cast Perform the Title Song at Lincoln Center Photo
Video: Watch the RAGTIME Cast Perform the Title Song at Lincoln Center
by Michael Major - May 28, 2025

Watch a video of the cast of Ragtime performing the title song, including Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz, along with the newly-announced Nichelle Lewis, Colin Donnell, Ben Levi Ross, Shaina Taub, and Rodd Cyrus.
Opera Montana Unveils 2025-26 Season Including RAGTIME Directed By Francesca Zambello Photo
Opera Montana Unveils 2025-26 Season Including RAGTIME Directed By Francesca Zambello
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2025

Opera Montana - the state's oldest professional opera company -  has revealed its 2025-2026 season, the company's 48th. See the full season and learn how to purchase tickets.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Stephen Flaherty written?

Stephen Flaherty has written 17 shows including Lucky Stiff (Composer), Once On This Island (Composer), My Favorite Year (Composer), Ragtime (Composer), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Composer), Seussical (Conceiver), A Man of No Importance (Composer), Dessa Rose (Composer), Chef's Theater: A Musical Feast (Songs), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), Loving Repeating (Composer), The Glorious Ones (Composer), Rocky (Composer), In Your Arms (Music), Anastasia (Composer), Marie, Dancing Still (Composer), Knoxville (Composer).

What awards has Stephen Flaherty been nominated for?

Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Glorious Ones, Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for A Man of No Importance, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Seussical the Musical, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Once On This Island and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island.

What awards has Stephen Flaherty won?

Stephen Flaherty has won several prestigious awards for his work in musical theater. He received the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music for A Man of No Importance, Seussical the Musical, and Ragtime. Additionally, he earned the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics for Ragtime. Flaherty also won the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Ragtime. Furthermore, he was honored with The American Express Award for Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards for Once On This Island.

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