News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Ed Kleban Headshot

Ed Kleban

Also Credited As: Edward Kleban

Get Ed Kleban Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Ed Kleban was an American composer and lyricist, best known for his work on the Tony Award-winning musical "A Chorus Line." Born on April 30, 1939, in the Bronx, New York, Kleban grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan and went on to study at the Columbia University School of General Studies.


Kleban's career in theater began in the 1960s, when he worked as a rehearsal pianist for various Broadway productions. He later transitioned to writing his own material, and in 1975, he began collaborating with composer Marvin Hamlisch on a new musical called "A Chorus Line." The show, which explored the lives of Broadway dancers auditioning for a spot in a chorus line, was a critical and commercial success and won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Kleban's work on "A Chorus Line" earned him a Tony Award for Best Original Score and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He went on to write the music and lyrics for several other musicals, including "Gallery" and "The Madwoman of Central Park West." In 1987, he released a solo album called "A Class Act," which featured songs from his unproduced musicals.
Despite his success on Broadway, Kleban struggled with personal demons throughout his life. He was known for his sharp wit and acerbic personality, which often alienated those around him. He was also plagued by health problems, including a heart condition that required him to undergo multiple surgeries.
Kleban died on October 28, 1987, at the age of 48, due to complications from surgery. In 2001, his life and work were celebrated in the musical "A Class Act," which was co-written by Linda Kline and Lonny Price and featured music and lyrics by Kleban. The show received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical and was later adapted into a film.

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Lyrics

Ed Kleban, A Class Act


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Music

Ed Kleban , A Class Act


winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Music and Lyrics

Ed Kleban, A Class Act

News


Video: Disabled Performer Makenzie Morgan Gomez Releases 'Music and the Mirror (& Mobility Aids)' A CHORUS LINE Performance

Dynamically disabled performer Makenzie Morgan Gomez has released an all new A Chorus Line-inspired performance video, 'Music and the Mirror (& Mobility Aids).' Watch the video here!
Critics' Choice: Cheryl Markosky's Best Shows of 2024

Grand dame Sian Phillips stealing the show, Adam Cooper giving an unexpected twirl and smaller theatre spaces punching above their weight. These are some of BroadwayWorld reviewer Cheryl Markosky's favourite theatre moments of 2024.
Video: Mr. Joe Iconis Is Riding the Wave of 'Wavesong'

In this video, we welcome welcome Broadway composer, singer, writer- He Does It All- Mr. Joe Iconis! This is his first time swinging by the Roundtable, and we had a lot to talk about, including his new single, 'Wavesong'.
Previews: Tony Nominees ANN HAMPTON CALLOWAY AND JOE ICONIS to Perform at Blue Strawberry Showroom and Lounge

Tony nominees Ann Hampton Calloway and Joe Iconis are bringing their cabaret shows to Blue Strawberry Showroom and Lounge. Calloway will perform two shows on September 27 - 28, 2024. Iconis will visit the midtown showroom for two performances on October 18 - 19, 2024.  
Broadway's Most Unique Musical Origin Stories

This time, the reader question was: What are some of the most unique ways that Broadway shows have originated?
Video: Watch Noah J. Ricketts, Sandra Mae Frank & More in Magnus Riise's Pride-Themed Music Video

Magnus Riise released a new pride-themed music video, 'My Heart Can Beat Again,' featuring a diverse cast and exploring LGBTQ+ solidarity and community. The video includes messages of support from around the world including from several Broadway alums.
Joe Iconis Will Perform at NextStop Theatre This Summer

NextStop Theatre has announced that Joe Iconis, the Tony-nominated composer and lyricist of the cult-hit Broadway musical Be More Chill, will perform his solo concert/cabaret at the company's black-box theater in Herndon on Monday, July 15th.
Gingold Theatrical Group To Present Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. As Part Of Project Shaw

Gingold Theatrical Group will present Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. as part of Project Shaw, showcasing a unique exploration of Wilde's intriguing mystery. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: LOVE IS NEVER GONE Spotlights Marvin Hamlisch at Green Room 42

MARVIN HAMLISCH: LOVE IS NEVER GONE recalls the ups and downs and talents of the late man of music in advance of his 80th birthday in June. The much-admired composer and conductor's life story gets the musical biography jukebox treatment. The May 10th show shone a warm spotlight on Hamlisch, best known for writing the music to A CHORUS LINE.
Joe Iconis and Lauren Marcus Welcome Their First Child

Be More Chill composer Joe Iconis and writer/actress Lauren Marcus have welcomed their first child!
Ford And Campbell Join Workshop Of New Edward Kleban Musical GALLERY

Join the Weathervane Theatre for a workshop presentation of the new Edward Kleban musical, GALLERY, starring Sara Jean Ford and Ta’Rea Campbell.
Sara Jean Ford and Ta'Rea Campbell Join Workshop of Ed Kleban's GALLERY

The Weathervane Theatre will offer a workshop presentation of GALLERY by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Kleban. We have all the details!
WHISPER DARKLY Concept Album Featuring Brad Oscar, Alli Mauzey & More Out Now

The concept album of the new immersive electro-swing musical Whisper Darkly is available in digial and streaming formats now.
Mary Testa to Star in GALLERY Workshop Presentation at The Weathervane Theatre

The Weathervane Theatre will offer a Workshop presentation of GALLERY by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Kleban (A Chorus Line). Learn more about Gallery and see who is starring!
World Premiere Musical GALLERY & More Set for Weathervane Theatre 59th Season

The Weathervane Theatre will present ten productions on its Mainstage between June 13 and October 13, 2024. Learn about the productions and see additional details about the company's 59th season!
Review: AN EVENING WITH ARI AXELROD Presents a Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man at Birdland

If you were asked to describe yourself in 14 songs, what would they be? That is the challenge that singer Ari Axelrod set for himself in his show which opened at Birdland last night entitled simply enough, AN EVENING WITH ARI AXELROD. What emerged from that question is a portrait of an artist who is intelligent, sensitive, somewhat anxious, and remarkably contemplative for someone just on the cusp of 30.
Danny Burstein, Andrea Martin & More to Join 34th Annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre Ceremony

The Kleban Foundation will present the 34th annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre on Monday, February 5 at 4PM in a private ceremony (by invitation only) hosted by ASCAP and BMI at New World Stages.
Rona Siddiqui and Lisa Loomer Receive 2024 Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre

The Kleban Foundation has announced the recipients of the 34th annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre. The 2024 Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theatre lyricist has been awarded to Rona Siddiqui. The 2024 Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theatre librettist has been awarded to  Lisa Loomer.
Brad Oscar, Alli Mauzey & More to Star in Immersive Musical WHISPER DARKLY Concept Cast Album

The new immersive electro-swing musical Whisper Darkly – the first musical written in the retro-inspired genre – will release a concept cast album on Friday, February 23. Learn more about how to pre-save the music here!
The Drama Book Shop Announces Upcoming Author Events

The Drama Book Shop presents a series of events featuring new theatrical literary works by authors and playwrights. Join them for inspiring discussions and celebrations of the power of American theater. Reserve your seat on their website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Ed Kleban written?

Ed Kleban has written 2 shows including Gallery (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist).

What awards has Ed Kleban been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for A Class Act, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for A Class Act and Music and Lyrics (Obie Awards) for A Class Act.

What awards has Ed Kleban won?

Ed Kleban has won the following awards: Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for A Class Act, Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for A Class Act, and Music and Lyrics at the Obie Awards for A Class Act.

Get Ed Kleban Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos