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Barbara Cook

Birth Place: Atlanta, GA, USA

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BIO

Barbara Cook was an American actress and singer. She starred in the original Broadway musicals Plain and Fancy, Candide, and The Music Man among others. She won a Tony Award for The Music Man. She was particularly admired for her vocal agility, wide range, warm sound, and emotive interpretations. Cook was widely recognized as one of the "premier interpreters" of musical theatre songs and standards, in particular the songs of composer Stephen Sondheim.

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STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Roundabout Production, 2010
Performer

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Broadway], 2004
Performer

[West End]
Concert [West End], 2004
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2004
Performer

[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"It Might as Well Be Spring" Performer

"A Wonderful Guy" Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert (Lincoln Center Theater), 2001
Performer

[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Margaret White [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1987
Performer

[West End]
Concert [West End], 1986
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 1985
Sally Durant Plummer

[Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Broadway], 1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Broadway], 1975
Performer

[Broadway]
1972
Kleopatra

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1971
Dolly Talbo

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1971
Performer

[Broadway]
1967
Patsy Newquist

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1966
Magnolia

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Carol Deems

[Broadway]
1964
Ellen Gordon [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1963
Amalia Balash

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
Liesl Brandel

[Off-Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1960
Anna Leonowens

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Marian Paroo

[Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1957
Julie Jordan

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1956
Cunegonde

Scrub Lady

Cunegonde/Scrub Lady

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Hilda Miller

Hilda Miller

[Broadway]
Unknown, 1954
Carrie Pipperidge

[Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1953
Ado Annie Carnes

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1951
Sandy

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1972
Performer


Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Barbara Cook

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Barbara Coo, Sondheim on Sondheim

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Barbara Cook, Sondheim on Sondheim


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Barbara Cook, Barbara Cook's Broadway


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Special Citation

Barbara Cook

Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Barbara CookMostly Sondheim


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Barbara Cook, Mostly Sondheim

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Actress in a Musical or Entertainment

Barbara CookBarbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Entertainment

Barbara CookSings Mostly Sondheim


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding One Person Show

Barbara Cook, A Concert for the Theatre

Helen Hayes Awards - 1986 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Touring Production or Prior to New York

Barbara CookBarbara Cook -- A Broadway Evening

Olivier Awards - 1986 - The Observer Award for Outstanding Achievement

Barbara Cook


winner
Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Barbara Cook, The Music Man


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1955 - Performance

Barbara Cook, Plain and Fancy

Videos

News


Review: PATTI LUPONE: A LIFE IN NOTES at Strathmore
by Mary Lincer - Feb 7, 2025

In the late 1960s (in her late 60s), cabaret étoile Mabel Mercer added the utterly goofy 'Wait 'til We're 65' (by Lerner & Lane) to her sets; when she was well past 50, Barbara Cook began including Harper & Zippel's wildly funny 'The Ingenue' to her shows, simultaneously sending up her rivals and ageism.
Breaking Down the Different Stephen Sondheim Revues
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 2, 2025

This time, the reader question was: Other than Old Friends, what are the other Sondheim revues and what makes them different? This marks the theatre world’s fifth major Sondheim revue and the first since the theatre legend passed away in 2021. 
Review: Klea Blackhurst Triumphs Again at Birdland
by Rob Lester - Feb 1, 2025

That bundle of Broadway-centric bubbliness, Klea Blackhurst banished the winter blues at Birdland. Her thrillingly big voice and selection of joyful showtunes provided a firecracker evening of entertainment on 1/27.
Review: Hannah Jane's LADY LEGENDS OF BROADWAY Is a Fantastic Showcase at Green Room 42
by Analisa Bell - Jan 12, 2025

Hannah Jane shines in 'Lady Legends of Broadway' at Green Room 42. She had the audience captivated from the moment she stepped on stage. With her talent, charisma, and deep understanding of Broadway’s rich history, she’s certainly one to watch.
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 11, 2025

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.
What's Coming Up At Birdland, December 30th - January 12th
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 28, 2024

Check out what's coming up at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater, December 30th - January 12th.
Video: Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 22, 2024

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors are coming up and we are celebrating the special occasion with some of our favorite videos of past Broadway performances. Check out the full list!
See Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch in A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2024

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the 15th Annual “A Swinging Birdland Christmas” – starring vocalists Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
25 Great Audition Songs for Sopranos
by Sarah Lasko - Nov 20, 2024

Let us help you find some fresh audition material. These 25 soprano audition songs are a combination of greats and lesser knowns, so you can choose material that you love and knock that audition out of the park. Check out what made the list!
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Lottery Announced For THE MERRILY CHAPTERS NYC Presentation
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 7, 2024

The Stage Door Foundation and Pam Pariseau have announced a special lottery for live studio audience tickets to a special industry presentation showing how Stephen Sondheim created MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG through the eyes of original Broadway cast member, David Loud.
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2024

The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Leslie Uggams to be Honored by Encompass New Opera Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2024

Encompass New Opera Theatre will honor Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams with a musical tribute on October 27, 2024. Learn more about Uggams and about the event.
32 Theater Books for Your Fall 2024 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 6, 2024

We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
Feature: October Monthly Musical Birthday Tribute " It's a Quiz!
by Rob Lester - Oct 1, 2024

What star turned down CABARET? What two cabaret stars were born on Halloween? What cabaret club was named for a character in a musical? What Broadway lyricist turns 100 this month? Take the multiple-choice quiz and see what you know (or might guess correctly) about so many talented folks ALL born in October.
Review: Amanda McBroom Brings Christmas to September in WINTERSONG at Birdland
by Ricky Pope - Sep 30, 2024

Last week, Amanda McBroom unveiled highlights from her forthcoming album WINTERSONG at Birdland, a collection of mostly new songs on a holiday theme. It feels strangely incongruous on a sultry September evening to be listening to songs about hearth and family, but McBroom painted such vivid songscapes that you left ready for a vigorous sleigh ride
Karen Akers to Make Bucks County Playhouse Cabaret Debut in October
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2024

Tony nominated actress and legendary cabaret artist, Karen Akers, will make her Bucks County Playhouse debut in a special, intimate performance. Akers’ performance is part of a new cabaret series held in the Playhouse Barn just across the courtyard from the Playhouse. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Preview: Musical Gem SHE LOVES ME to Capture Hearts at Forte Theatre Company
by Kelsey Lawler - Sep 18, 2024

Forte Theatre Company is kicking off its main stage season with the classic musical She Loves Me, running October 4–13.
Liza Pulamn and Joe Stilgoe Bring A COUPLE OF SWELLS to London
by Stephi Wild - Sep 17, 2024

Following their sold-out 2024 debut performances at Chichester and Cadogan Hall and after a busy summer of festivals, including Aldeburgh, Lichfield and Petworth, A Couple of Swells arrive in London to showcase their new album in the intimate surroundings of The Other Palace Studio for one week only, from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 October.
Interview: Anya Turner & Robert Grusecki's New Album SECRET LOVERS Honors Trailblazers
by Rebecca Kaplan - Sep 15, 2024

Singer-songwriters Anya Turner and Robert Grusecki are back at it again with new album SECRET LOVERS releasing 9/16. The ASCAP Foundation and Bistro Award-winning off-Broadway composer/lyricist and performer duo wrote songs inspired by their own life experience and artists, musicians and writers who followed their own gut.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Barbara Cook been in?

Barbara Cook has appeared on Broadway in 24 shows.

How many West End shows has Barbara Cook been in?

Barbara Cook has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Barbara Cook's first West End show?

Barbara Cook's first West End show was Barbara Cook: Wait ‘Til You See Her which opened in 1986

What awards has Barbara Cook been nominated for?

Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sondheim on Sondheim, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sondheim on Sondheim, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Barbara Cook's Broadway, Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for , Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Mostly Sondheim, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Mostly Sondheim, Best Actress in a Musical or Entertainment (Olivier Awards) for Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim, Best Entertainment (Olivier Awards) for Sings Mostly Sondheim, Outstanding One Person Show (Drama Desk Awards) for A Concert for the Theatre, Outstanding Lead Actress, Touring Production or Prior to New York (Helen Hayes Awards) for Barbara Cook -- A Broadway Evening , The Observer Award for Outstanding Achievement (Olivier Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Music Man and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Plain and Fancy.

What awards has Barbara Cook won?

Barbara Cook has won several prestigious awards throughout her career. Her accolades include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, and she received the Outstanding Solo Performance award from the Drama Desk Awards for "Barbara Cook's Broadway." Additionally, she was honored with a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Cook also won the Outstanding Solo Performance award again from the Drama Desk Awards for "Mostly Sondheim," as well as the Outstanding One Person Show from the Drama Desk Awards for "A Concert for the Theatre." Furthermore, she received the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for "The Music Man," and the Performance Award from the Theatre World Awards for "Plain and Fancy."

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