John Kander
Birth Place: USA
Latest News on John Kander:
Erika Jayne to Return to CHICAGO as 'Roxie Hart' in January (Dec 18, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: December 16, 2024- WICKED and HAMILTON Are on Top (Dec 16, 2024)
THE RINK is Now Available For Licensing From Concord Theatricals (Dec 13, 2024)
Erika Jayne to Return to CHICAGO as 'Roxie Hart' in January (Dec 18, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: December 16, 2024- WICKED and HAMILTON Are on Top (Dec 16, 2024)
THE RINK is Now Available For Licensing From Concord Theatricals (Dec 13, 2024)
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).
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STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Off-Broadway], 1973
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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
Video: John Kander Joins CABARET Cast to Celebrate 58th Anniversary of Original Broadway Production
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2024
VIDEO: First Look At Yes Theatre's Gender-Blind Production of CHICAGO
by Joshua Wright - Aug 8, 2024
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - May 13, 2024
Video: Go Inside the Kit Kat Club with the CABARET Cast and Creative Team
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 25, 2024
Video: Redmayne, Rankin, Neuwirth, and More Talk CABARET on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 21, 2024
Video: Joel Grey and Eddie Redmayne Talk CABARET and The 'Emcee' Legacy
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2024
Video: Jennifer Lopez Drops Trailer For New Musical Movie Event THIS IS ME...NOW
by Michael Major - Jan 17, 2024
Video: Watch the Trailer for MOMENT TO MOMENT: THE MAKING OF THE VIOLET HOUR STUDIO CAST RECORDING
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 15, 2023
Video: Get a First Look at the Teaser Trailer for CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2023
Video: New CHICAGO Exhibit At The Museum of Broadway Celebrates The Show's Legacy Of Razzle Dazzle
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 3, 2023
Video: Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda, John Kander, and More Discuss NEW YORK, NEW YORK's Story and Score
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 18, 2023
Video: Watch Maude Apatow Perform 'Don't Tell Mama' from CABARET at West End Live
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 17, 2023
News
Erika Jayne to Return to CHICAGO as 'Roxie Hart' in January
Chicago on Broadway will welcome back singer, actress and TV sensation Erika Jayne in the role of 'Roxie Hart'. Learn more about Jayne's return to Broadway and learn how to purchase tickets.
Chicago on Broadway will welcome back singer, actress and TV sensation Erika Jayne in the role of 'Roxie Hart'. Learn more about Jayne's return to Broadway and learn how to purchase tickets.
Broadway Buying Guide: December 16, 2024- WICKED and HAMILTON Are on Top
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 16, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 16, 2024.
THE RINK is Now Available For Licensing From Concord Theatricals
The Rink is now available for licensing from Concord Theatricals. The musical features a book by Terrence McNally, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
The Rink is now available for licensing from Concord Theatricals. The musical features a book by Terrence McNally, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
CHICAGO Comes to Toledo in January
The American Theatre Guild will present Broadway’s favorite razzle-dazzle smash hit musical, CHICAGO. This production will kick off the 24–25 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO Series at the Stranahan Theater.
The American Theatre Guild will present Broadway’s favorite razzle-dazzle smash hit musical, CHICAGO. This production will kick off the 24–25 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO Series at the Stranahan Theater.
Interview: Andrew Lippa of LIPPA @ 60: A BIRTHDAY BENEFIT FOR THEATREWORKS at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
BroadwayWorld chats with composer Andrew Lippa about 'Lippa @ 60' his one-night-only gala concert to benefit TheatreWorks Silicon Valley on December 16th
BroadwayWorld chats with composer Andrew Lippa about 'Lippa @ 60' his one-night-only gala concert to benefit TheatreWorks Silicon Valley on December 16th
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Sets World Premiere at 2025 Sundance Festival
Kiss of the Spider Woman has set its world premiere. The upcoming movie musical, based on the Broadway show of the same name, will make its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Kiss of the Spider Woman has set its world premiere. The upcoming movie musical, based on the Broadway show of the same name, will make its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Broadway Buying Guide: December 9, 2024- Give the Gift of Broadway This Holiday Season
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 9, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 9, 2024.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 9, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 9, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 9, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Video: Adam Lambert Performs 'I Don't Care Much' From CABARET
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club has released a music video and single of GRAMMY Award nominee Adam Lambert singing “I Don't Care Much” from the production, by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Watch here!
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club has released a music video and single of GRAMMY Award nominee Adam Lambert singing “I Don't Care Much” from the production, by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Watch here!
President Joe Biden to Attend Performance of THE EYES OF THE WORLD at The White House
On Friday, December 6, The White House will host a special live performance of American History Unbound’s The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, to be attended by President Joe Biden. Learn more!
On Friday, December 6, The White House will host a special live performance of American History Unbound’s The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, to be attended by President Joe Biden. Learn more!
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater
The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
CHICAGO Breaks Its All Time Gross Record For Thanksgiving
Chicago beat its prior Thanksgiving week gross record. Learn more about the show's grosses and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming performances, starring Sebastian Yatra.
Chicago beat its prior Thanksgiving week gross record. Learn more about the show's grosses and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming performances, starring Sebastian Yatra.
CHICAGO Will Take the Century II Concert Hall Stage in December
CHICAGO will be performed as part of the 24–25 Broadway in Wichita Series and will take the Century II Concert Hall stage this December. Learn more about when to catch the show here!
CHICAGO will be performed as part of the 24–25 Broadway in Wichita Series and will take the Century II Concert Hall stage this December. Learn more about when to catch the show here!
Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace Will Lead London Production of CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
The London production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club is getting a new cast! Beginning next month, Emmy, Tony and Grammy award winner Billy Porter will play The Emcee and double Olivier award nominee Marisha Wallace will play Sally Bowles
The London production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club is getting a new cast! Beginning next month, Emmy, Tony and Grammy award winner Billy Porter will play The Emcee and double Olivier award nominee Marisha Wallace will play Sally Bowles
Student Blog: Life is a Cabaret
Student Blogger Piper Greisl recently performed in a production of 'Cabaret' in Tallahassee, Florida. In this article, she reflects on her personal experience in the show, as well as the importance of pieces of art like 'Cabaret'.
Student Blogger Piper Greisl recently performed in a production of 'Cabaret' in Tallahassee, Florida. In this article, she reflects on her personal experience in the show, as well as the importance of pieces of art like 'Cabaret'.
Review: Roxie Has Moxy! CHICAGO at the Fox Theatre, St. Louis
The perfect synergy of sight, sound, song and dance, Chicago is gloriously glamourous, grimy and cheeky. Murder and mayhem has never been this much fun!
The perfect synergy of sight, sound, song and dance, Chicago is gloriously glamourous, grimy and cheeky. Murder and mayhem has never been this much fun!
Video: Sebastián Yatra Takes His First Bows In CHICAGO
Latin music sensation Sebastián Yatra (Encanto’s 'Dos Oruguitas”) took his first Broadway bows in the long-running revival of Chicago earlier tonight. Go inside his big debut in new video from the curtain call!
Latin music sensation Sebastián Yatra (Encanto’s 'Dos Oruguitas”) took his first Broadway bows in the long-running revival of Chicago earlier tonight. Go inside his big debut in new video from the curtain call!
CHICAGO's Sebastián Yatra to Perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
Chicago has announced that Latin music sensation Sebastián Yatra (Encanto’s 'Dos Oruguitas”) will perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC this year.
Chicago has announced that Latin music sensation Sebastián Yatra (Encanto’s 'Dos Oruguitas”) will perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC this year.
CABARET, THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, and More Set For New Jewish Theatre's 2025 Season
The New Jewish Theatre has announced its 27th season of producing professional plays and musicals at the J, beginning in March of 2025. Learn more about the season here!
The New Jewish Theatre has announced its 27th season of producing professional plays and musicals at the J, beginning in March of 2025. Learn more about the season here!
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.
Videos