Fred Ebb
Birth Place: USA
Dawn Derow's SING HAPPY to Return to The Triad After MAC Award Win (May 8, 2026)
SHUCKED, HELL'S KITCHEN, and More Come to The Smith Center In Summer 2026 (May 8, 2026)
Photos: CURTAINS! At Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center (May 7, 2026)
BIO
As a writer, lyricist, composer and director, Fred Ebb made incalculable contributions to the New York theatrical community. Mr. Ebb is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy, Olivier and Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award winning recipient. Fred Ebb's first professional songwriting assignment came in 1953 when he and Phil Springer were hired by Columbia Records to write a song for Judy Garland called "Heartbroken." Mr. Ebb was introduced to composer John Kander in 1964 by music publisher Tommy Valando and became one of the most legendary songwriting teams in American history. The first successful collaboration was on the song "My Coloring Book," recorded by Barbra Streisand. Their second theatrical collaboration, Flora, the Red Menace, created a star out of Liza Minnelli in her Tony Award-winning Broadway debut. In 1966, their collaboration Cabaret, opened and received seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score. A 1972 movie version of Cabaret starring Liza Minnelli was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won eight awards and was nominated for nine Golden Globe Awards and won three including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy. The same year, the songwriting team wrote a number of songs for Minnelli's television special "Liza With a Z," which received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Program - Variety or Popular Music. In 1975, the two wrote the Broadway musical Chicago, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach. The musical was successfully revived 20 years later at City Center ENCORES! and subsequently transferred to Broadway where it is currently the longest running revival in Broadway history. In 1977, the team collaborated with Martin Scorsese on the movie New York, New York; the title song was introduced by Minnelli and later recorded by Frank Sinatra becoming the unofficial theme song of New York City. The Minnelli Broadway vehicle The Act also opened that year. After a four-year absence, Mr. Ebb and Mr. Kander returned with Woman of the Year (1981), The Rink (1984), Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1985) and Steel Pier (1997). They were honored by the Kennedy Center with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. Miramax's 2002 feature film Chicago was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture and was nominated for eight Golden Globe Awards and won three, including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
Fred Ebb, The Visit
Fred Ebb, The Visit
Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys
winner
Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys
Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys
Fred Ebb, Curtains
winner
Fred Ebb
Fred Ebb, Curtains
winner
Fred Ebb
Fred Ebb, Steel Pier
winner
Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman
winner
Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Fred Ebb, The Rink
winner
Fred Ebb, Woman of the Year
Fred Ebb, Chicago
Fred Ebb, The Act
Fred Ebb , Chicago
Fred Ebb, Chicago
winner
Fred Ebb, Zorba
Fred Ebb, The Happy Time
winner
Fred Ebb, Cabaret
winner
Fred Ebb, Cabaret
Videos
Video: Whitney Leavitt Gets Tattoo to Celebrate Breaking CHICAGO Ticket Record
by Michael Major - 2026-03-18 16:25:40
Video: Watch Alex Newell Sing 'When You're Good to Mama' in CHICAGO
by Michael Major - 2025-11-25 13:40:31
Video: Jennifer Lopez New Musical Clip from KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-08 11:12:13
Video: Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Seeing Her First Broadway Show
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-06 13:44:57
Video: Jennifer Lopez Talks Lifelong Love of Musicals on CBS SUNDAY MORNING, Previews KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-29 11:43:08
Listen: Tonatiuh Sings 'She's a Woman' From KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-26 11:49:34
Video: Jennifer Lopez, Tonatiuh, & More on Bringing KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN to Life
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-22 15:43:17
Video: Watch CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Take Its Final Bow on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-09-22 09:48:28
Video: Jennifer Lopez Sings Title Song From KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Stephi Wild - 2025-09-05 07:51:03
Video: Watch Jacqueline B. Arnold Sing 'When You're Good to Mama' in CHICAGO
by Michael Major - 2025-08-28 14:01:40
Video: KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Film Trailer, Starring Jennifer Lopez
by Stephi Wild - 2025-08-20 09:34:10
Video: Billy Porter on the Difference Between His Directing and Performance Styles: 'I'm About Love'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-25 10:25:23
Video: Billy Porter Says He is Returning to a 'Better' Broadway in CABARET
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-23 10:20:16
Video: Billy Porter Talks Fulfilling Dream Role as Emcee in Broadway’s CABARET
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-21 12:00:41
Video: Look Back on Chita Rivera Singing 'Buenos Aires' From EVITA in Throwback Performance
by Michael Major - 2025-07-07 15:11:33
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2026
Dawn Derow will bring her MAC Award-winning cabaret show Sing Happy back to The Triad in New York City, celebrating Broadway's iconic women through the music of Kander & Ebb.
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 2026
The Smith Center in Las Vegas announced its upcoming season lineup, including Broadway productions SHUCKED and Alicia Keys' HELL'S KITCHEN, plus concerts from Natalia Lafourcade, Boney James, and others.
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026
O’Connell & Company will present the Tony Award–winning musical comedy mystery Curtains, running through May 19 at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center. Check out photos of the production.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2026
Chicago is currently playing at The Auditorium in Chicago now through May 10. With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history,
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2026
Atlanta-based entertainment lawyer James Walker, an investor in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, has filed a second lawsuit against several of the show’s producers. Learn more here!
by Gary Naylor - May 5, 2026
Even 400 pages or more cannot contain whole life, nor the personality
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 29, 2026
NEW YORK CITY CENTER announced programing for the 2026 –2027 Season—the largest in the institution’s history. It will include Encores! productions of Kiss of the Spider Woman, Hallelujah Baby, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and more.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2026
TheatreZone and Florida Gulf Coast University will co-produce CABARET, the Tony Award-winning Kander and Ebb musical, at the FGCU TheatreLab in Fort Myers, with FGCU students performing alongside Actors' Equity professionals.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 28, 2026
Chicago will welcome back Rachel Schur in the role of “Roxie Hart” and will welcome to the cell block for the first time Nik Walker as “Billy Flynn” at the Ambassador Theatre. Learn more here!
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2026
O'Connell & Company will present CURTAINS, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy mystery by Kander & Ebb, at Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center in Williamsville, NY.
by Michael Major - Apr 24, 2026
Mark Ballas has made his return to Chicago on Broadway after facing an illness that kept him out of performances. The Dancing With the Stars pro took to his Instagram Story to thank audiences for their support after he was cleared to resume.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 23, 2026
Transport Group announced tickets on sale for LIZA! AT 80: A CELEBRATION IN SONG AND DANCE, a one-night-only tribute at Carnegie Hall featuring Kristin Chenoweth, Donna Murphy, Andrew Rannells, and more honoring Liza Minnelli's 60-year career.
by Charlie Thomas - Apr 22, 2026
Palm Springs' vibrant theatre scene is abuzz with anticipation as 'Kiss of the Spiderwoman' takes center stage at the Palm Canyon Theatre. Running through April 26, this compelling production invites audiences into a world of fantasy and harsh reality, brilliantly brought to life by a stellar creative team and cast.
by Michael Major - Apr 21, 2026
Mark Ballas was forced to step out of Monday's performance of Chicago on Broadway mid-show due to illness. After missing performances over the weekend due to illness, Ballas that after trying to return for act one, he apologized for having to leave.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Apr 19, 2026
The Tony Award-winning musical CHICAGO will return to Philadelphia's Forrest Theatre for the first time since 2009, presented by Ensemble Arts Philly and The Shubert Organization.
by Michael Major - Apr 14, 2026
Chicago has released the first footage of Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt performing together on Broadway! Watch a video of the pair performing 'We Both Reached For the Gun' during their first week together at the iconic musical.
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 14, 2026
Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt have reunited and are now starring together in Chicago on Broadway. Their Dancing with the Stars friend, Julianne Hough, paid a visit to the show. Check out photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2026
TheatreZone announced its 2026–2027 season featuring six musicals and four concerts, including a world premiere by Naples-based playwright Mike Ruffolo and one of the first regional productions of HARMONY following its Broadway run.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
Elvira Tortora will bring her Bistro Award-winning and MAC Award-nominated show The Bookmaker's Daughter to Josephine's Cabaret at Club Café in Boston.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2026
New casting has been announced for the West End production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB. West End star and Olivier Award nominee Jamie Muscato will play Emcee and Tony and Grammy Award nominated Broadway star Joy Woods will play Sally Bowles.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fred Ebb has written 34 shows including By Jupiter (Additional Material), Put It in Writing (Material), Morning Sun (Bookwriter), Flora, the Red Menace (Lyricist), Go Fly a Kite (Lyricist), Cabaret (Lyricist), The Happy Time (Lyricist), Zorba (Lyricist), 70, Girls, 70 (Bookwriter), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Lyricist), Liza (Bookwriter), Chicago (Bookwriter), Shirley MacLaine (Bookwriter), 2 by 5 (Lyricist), The Act (Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist), Woman of the Year (Lyricist), The Rink (Lyricist), Diamonds (Lyricist), How Lucky Can You Get? (Lyricist), And the World Goes 'Round (Lyricist), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Lyricist), Steel Pier (Lyricist), Over and Over (Lyricist), Fosse (Lyricist), Minnelli on Minnelli (Bookwriter), The Visit (Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Lyricist), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Lyricist), The Scottsboro Boys (Lyricist), Come Fly Away (Lyricist), New York, New York (Lyrics).
Fred Ebb has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Visit" and "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Music and Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Curtains," Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Curtains," The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Steel Pier," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Rink," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Woman of the Year," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Act," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Zorba," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Happy Time," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Cabaret," and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Cabaret."
Fred Ebb has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on The Scottsboro Boys. He was also honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award at the Drama League Awards. The Helen Hayes Awards presented him with The American Express Tribute. Ebb's musical Kiss of the Spider Woman won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was also recognized with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production. Additionally, Ebb won the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for Woman of the Year. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for Zorba. Lastly, Ebb's musical Cabaret won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was honored with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production as well.
Videos
