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Charles Strouse

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Charles Strouse is a Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist whose contributions to the world of musical theater have left an indelible mark. Born in New York City in 1928, Strouse began playing piano at an early age and went on to study composition at the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School.



Strouse's first Broadway credit came in 1960 with the musical "Bye Bye Birdie," which he co-wrote with lyricist Lee Adams. The show was a smash hit, running for over 600 performances and earning Strouse his first Tony Award for Best Musical. "Bye Bye Birdie" tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is drafted into the army, and features such memorable songs as "Put On a Happy Face" and "The Telephone Hour."

In the years that followed, Strouse continued to make his mark on Broadway with a string of successful shows. In 1970, he teamed up with librettist Thomas Meehan to write "Annie," a musical based on the popular comic strip. The show was an instant hit, running for over six years and earning Strouse his second Tony Award for Best Musical. "Annie" tells the story of a spunky orphan who is adopted by a wealthy businessman, and features such beloved songs as "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard-Knock Life."

Strouse's other Broadway credits include "Applause," a musical adaptation of the film "All About Eve," which earned him his third Tony Award for Best Musical; "Golden Boy," a musical adaptation of the Clifford Odets play; and "Rags," a musical about Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side.

In addition to his work in the theater, Strouse has also made a name for himself in film and television. He composed the music for the 1982 film "Annie," as well as the theme song for the television series "All in the Family." He has also written music for a number of other films and television shows, including "The Night They Raided Minsky's," "Bonnie and Clyde," and "The Love Boat."

Despite his many accomplishments, Strouse remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He has said that his goal as a composer is to "write music that people will remember and that will make them happy." His music has certainly achieved that goal, and has left an enduring legacy in the world of musical theater.

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Strouse has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. In addition to his three Tony Awards, he has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theater Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dramatists Guild.

At 93 years old, Strouse continues to write and compose music, and remains an active member of the theater community. His dedication to his craft and his passion for creating memorable music have made him one of the most beloved and respected figures in the world of musical theater.

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Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
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[West End, 2017]
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[US Tour, 2014]
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[Broadway, 1981]
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[Broadway, 1975]
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Writing

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Movies

Bye Bye Birdie
[ 1963 ] music by
Bonnie and Clyde
[ 1967 ] music composed by
Just Tell Me What You Want
[ 1980 ] orchestrator
Annie
[ 1982 ] music by

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Musical Production

Charles Strouse, Annie

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Charles Strouse, Nick and Nora

Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Charles Strouse, Rags

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

Charles Strouse, Charlie and Algernon

Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Outstanding Music

Charles Strouse, Annie


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best Musical

Charles Strouse, Annie


winner
Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Charles Strouse, Annie


winner
Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Musical

Charles Strouse, Applause


winner
Tony Awards - 1961 - Best Musical

Charles Strouse, Bye Bye Birdie

Videos

News


Special Offer: ANNIE at Madison Square Garden

Last Chance to Save on ANNIE Tickets
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 17, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 17, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Why Whoopi Goldberg Isn't Reading Her ANNIE Reviews

Watch a video of Whoopi Goldberg explaining on The View why she won't read the reviews for her performance as Miss Hannigan in Annie. The production is currently playing at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
Photos: Whoopi Goldberg & ANNIE Cast Celebrate at Planet Hollywood NYC

Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg is currently starring as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in the National Tour of Annie's stop at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. See photos of the cast celebrating!
Video: Randy Rainbow Parodies ANNIE With 'I Think I'm Gonna Hate It Here'

Randy Rainbow has dropped his latest political parody, taking on Annie with 'I Think I'm Gonna Hate It Here.' The video takes on Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin's beloved song and pokes fun at Donald Trump's cabinet picks for his 2025 presidency.
Review Roundup: What Did Critics Think of Whoopi Goldberg in ANNIE?

Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg stars as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in the National Tour of Annie's stop at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden through January 5. See what the critics had to say here!
Photos/Video: Whoopi Goldberg Joins the Cast of ANNIE at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

All new photos and video clips have been released of Whoopi Goldberg in Annie, now in performances at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Check out the photos and video here!
ANNIE Takes the BJCC Concert Hall Stage in January

The American Theatre Guild will present the Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY IN BIRMINGHAM Series in January. Learn more here!
Video: ANNIE's Hazel Vogel Performs 'Tomorrow' on GMA3

Annie star Hazel Vogel joined GMA3 to discuss and perform from the musical Annie, playing this holiday season at Madison Square Garden. Watch the interview and performance now!  
Video: ANNIE Cast Performs 'Hard Knock Life' on GOOD MORNING AMERICA

The cast of Annie joined Good Morning America on Tuesday to treat viewers to a performance of Hard Knock Life. The classic musical plays in New York City this holiday season in a limited engagement at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Watch the performance now!
Review: ANNIE at The Studio Theatre

As one of their last main shows in their space that they have been inhabiting for about a decade, the Studio Theatre in Little Rock brings the timeless charm of ANNIE to life in a heartwarming production with songs that you know and love now through Sunday, Dec. 15. It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to their theatre at 320 W 7th St, in Little Rock, but Broadway World is intrigued on where we are going next.  
ANNIE Cast to Perform on GOOD MORNING AMERICA Next Week

Tune into Good Morning America on Tuesday, December 10 for a performance from the Broadway cast of Annie! The cast is set to appear on the morning news program, airing next Tuesday at 7:00-9:00 a.m. EST on ABC.
20 Great Audition Songs for Mezzos

If you’re a mezzo, it can feel overwhelming to find material you love that hasn’t already been sung to death. There’s so much great audition material for mezzos, and much of it is already in everyone’s audition book. Find great audition songs for mezzo-sopranos here!
Cast Revealed For Sydney Season Of ANNIE

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has revealed the talented children who will play Annie and the orphans in the upcoming Sydney season of the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie, as well as the adult cast who will perform alongside them.
ANNIE Set for Sullivan Rep This Month

Annie, the classic musical with Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin, and Book by Thomas Meehan will be presented by Sullivan Rep as the fourth and final show in their inaugural season.
Tickets For ANNIE at the Marcus Performing Arts Center to go on Sale This Week

Tickets for the beloved musical ANNIE will be available starting Friday at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Hazel Vogel Performs 'Tomorrow' from ANNIE on THE VIEW

The classic musical Annie will be playing Madison Square Garden this holiday season. Ahead of its limited engagement, Whoopi Goldberg brought her fellow cast members to The View to discuss and preview the production. Watch the interview and performance now!
ANNIE to be Presented at Milton Theatre This Holiday Season

Experience the timeless story of ANNIE: THE MUSICAL at Milton Theatre this December. Enjoy 17 performances of this award-winning classic, featuring iconic songs and heartwarming moments for the whole family. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Encore Musical Theatre Company Presents ANNIE

The Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter, Michigan, has announced the opening of ANNIE on the Maas Stage from December 5, 2024, to January 12, 2025, featuring Ellen Gruber as Annie and David Moan as Daddy Warbucks.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Charles Strouse written?

Charles Strouse has written 32 shows including Real Men (Composer/Lyricist), Shoestring Revue (Composer), The Littlest Revue (Lyricist), Sixth Finger in a Five Finger Glove (Composer), Bye Bye Birdie (Composer), All American (Composer), Hello, Dolly! (Composer/Lyricist), Golden Boy (Composer), It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman (Composer), Applause (Composer), Six (Bookwriter), Six (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), I and Albert (Composer), Bojangles (Composer), Annie (Composer), By Strouse (Composer), A Broadway Musical (Composer), Charlie and Algernon (Composer), Bring Back Birdie (Composer), Nightingale (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Dance a Little Closer (Composer), Mayor (Composer/Lyricist), Rags (Composer), Lyle The Crocodile (Bookwriter), Annie 2 (Composer), Rags:Children of the Wind (Composer), Nick & Nora (Composer), Annie Warbucks (Composer), The Night They Raided Minsky's (Composer), Marty (Composer), You Never Know (Bookwriter), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer).

What awards has Charles Strouse been nominated for?

Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Annie, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Nick and Nora, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Rags, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Charlie and Algernon, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Annie, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Annie, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Annie, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Applause and Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Bye Bye Birdie.

What awards has Charles Strouse won?

Charles Strouse has won the following awards: Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Annie; Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Annie; Best Musical at the Tony Awards for Applause; and Best Musical at the Tony Awards for Bye Bye Birdie.

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