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Hugh Wheeler

Date of Death: July 26, 1987 (75)

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BIO

Hugh Callingham Wheeler (19 March 1912 – 26 July 1987) was a British-American novelist, screenwriter, librettist, poet and translator. He resided in the United States from 1934 until his death and became a naturalized citizen in 1942. He had attended London University.



Under the nom de plume Patrick Quentin, Q. Patrick and Jonathan Stagge, Wheeler was the author or co-author of many mystery novels and short stories. In 1963, his 1961 collection, The Ordeal of Mrs. Snow was given a Special Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America. He won the Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical in 1973 and 1974 for his books for the musicals A Little Night Music and Candide, and won both again in 1979 for his book for Sweeney Todd.

Wheeler is credited as "research consultant" for the film Cabaret, though numerous sources list him as co-writer of the screenplay.

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Adaptation
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Adaptation
 
[West End, 1999]
Adaptation
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Adaptation
Bookwriter
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Book Revisions
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Adaptation
 
[West End, 1976]
Book Revisions
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Adaptation
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Book Revisions

Writing

Bookwriter
Additional Material
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Book of a Musical

Hugh Wheeler, Meet Me in St. Louis


winner
Olivier Awards - 1988 - Musical of the Year

Hugh Wheeler, Candide


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Book

Hughe Wheeler, Sweeney Todd


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1979 - Best Musical

Hugh Wheeler, Sweeney Todd


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Book of a Musical

Hugh Wheeler, Sweeney Todd


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1976 - Best Musical

Hugh Wheeler, Pacific Overtures


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Hugh Wheeler, Candide


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1974 - Best Musical

Hugh Wheeler, Candide


winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Book of a Musical

Hugh Wheeler, Candide


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Book

Hugh Wheeler, A Little Night Music


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Hugh Wheeler, A Little Night Music

Videos

News


SWEENEY TODD & More Set for Legacy Theatre 2025 Mainstage Season

Legacy Theatre in Branford has revealed its 2025 Mainstage season, celebrating its 5th anniversary with a diverse lineup including Sweeney Todd and more. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
SWEENEY TODD 2023 Revival is Now Available at the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive

The 2023 revival of Sweeney Todd is now available at the New York Public Library For the Performing Arts as part of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. Learn more about the show and how to view it here!
Review: SWEENEY TODD at Georgetown Palace

Georgetown Palace’s production of Sweeney Todd masterfully captures the dark, unsettling themes of Sondheim’s iconic musical, offering a chilling yet entertaining experience. With standout performances by Damon Brown (Sweeney) and Sarah Jordan (Mrs. Lovett), the show balances moments of horror with twisted humor. Perfect show for the spooky season!
Entr'Acte Theatrix To Present SWEENEY TODD In October

Entr'Acte Theatrix in collaboration with Theatre of Collaborative Arts is deep into rehearsals for the Stephen Sondheim classic Sweeney Todd ~ The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 
Video: SWEENEY TODD at San Diego Musical Theatre

San Diego Musical Theatre is presenting the third production of their 2024 season, SWEENEY TODD, through Oct 20, 2024 at the SDMT Stage in Kearny Mesa. See footage from the production in the video here!
Kokandy Productions To Present SWEENEY TODD IN CONCERT At GSU's Center For Performing Arts

Kokandy Productions, in partnership with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, will present SWEENEY TODD IN CONCERT, a one-night event on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 7:30 pm at Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts.
Cape Ann Symphony Kicks Off 73rd Season This Month

Cape Ann Symphony will kick off the 73rd season at 2:00 PM on September, 29 2024 with an Orchestral Spectacular featuring music from Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin and Ottorino Respighi.
SWEENEY TODD to be Presented at San Diego Musical Theatre

San Diego Musical Theatre will present SWEENEY TODD this fall. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
SWEENEY TODD to Open The Downtown Cabaret Theatre 24-25 Season

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT will present its 2024-2025 season opener Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
SWEENEY TODD Comes to Portland Center Stage Next Month

Portland Center Stage will open their 2024-25 season with the chilling and iconic musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 
Kathleen Turner Falls Ill During Performance of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

BroadwayWorld has learned that Kathleen Turner, who is currently playing Madame Armfeldt in Ogunquit Playhouse's production of A Little Night Music, fell ill during Friday, August 16 matinee performance.
Chance Theater Presents SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

Chance Theater in Anaheim extends its run of SWEENEY TODD through August 18th. Don't miss this thrilling production of the classic musical.
Video: First Look At Kathleen Turner & More In A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Ogunquit Playhouse

Stage and screen star Kathleen Turner is leading the cast of A Little Night Music at Ogunquit Playhouse as Madame Armfeldt. Directed by Hunter Foster, performances will run through August 17 at Ogunquit Playhouse. Check out the cast in action in all-new video!
Photos: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Ogunquit Playhouse Starring Kathleen Turner

Get a first look at photos of A Little Night Music at Ogunquit Playhouse. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Ogunquit Playhouse

The Ogunquit Playhouse is filling its summer nights with a little night music- literally. A Little Night Music is a sophisticated musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler set in early 20th century Sweden. The story revolves around a complex web of relationships and romantic entanglements among the privileged upper class.
Photos: First Look At SWEENEY TOOD At Chance Theater In Anaheim

Chance Theater has released production photos of 'Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street,' directed by Chance Theater Literary Manager, James Michael Mchale.
SWEENEY TODD, HOW TO SUCCEED & More Set for Penn State Centre Stage 2024-25 Season

Penn State Centre Stage announces its 2024-25 season featuring productions like SWEENEY TODD, HOW TO SUCCEED, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, MUCH ADO, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
Bergen County Players Reveal 2024-25 Season Lineup

The Bergen County Players has announced its 2024/25 season with a lineup of musicals and plays for its 92nd season. BCP will be celebrating 75 continuous years of operation at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell, and will kick off its new season in September with the Tony Award-winning comedy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Theatre444 to Present SWEENEY TODD in August

Theatre444 presents a new vision of the cultural favorite SWEENEY TODD, the thrilling story of an exiled barber seeking revenge in 19th-century London. Experience the dark tale of vengeance and unexpected success.
Are We In a Sondheim Renaissance?

This time, the reader question was: Have there been a lot of Sondheim productions in New York City since the legendary composer and lyricist passed away?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Hugh Wheeler written?

Hugh Wheeler has written 11 shows including Truckload (Bookwriter), Silverlake (Bookwriter), The Little Prince and the Aviator (Bookwriter), Irene (Bookwriter), Meet Me in St. Louis (Bookwriter), Big Fish, Little Fish (Playwright), Look, We've Come Through (Playwright), We Have Always Lived in the Castle (Playwright), A Little Night Music (Bookwriter), Pacific Overtures (Additional Material), Meet Me in St. Louis (Bookwriter).

What awards has Hugh Wheeler been nominated for?

Hugh Wheeler has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "Sweeney Todd." He also received nominations for Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Candide," Outstanding Book at the Drama Desk Awards for "Sweeney Todd," and Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Candide" and "A Little Night Music." Additionally, Wheeler's work on "Sweeney Todd" and "Candide" earned nominations for Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards.

What awards has Hugh Wheeler won?

Hugh Wheeler has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Candide," Outstanding Book at the Drama Desk Awards for "Sweeney Todd," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for both "Sweeney Todd" and "Pacific Overtures," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Sweeney Todd" and "Candide," Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Candide" and "A Little Night Music," and Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Candide" and "A Little Night Music."

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