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John McDaniel

Birth Place: St. Louis, MO, USA

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BIO

John McDaniel is a Tony and Grammy award-winning musician, conductor, and composer with an impressive career in both Broadway and television. Born on September 2, 1961, in Quincy, Illinois, McDaniel grew up in a musical family and started playing the piano at the age of five. He went on to study at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and later moved to New York City to pursue his career in the entertainment industry.


McDaniel made his Broadway debut in 1990 as the conductor and pianist for the musical "Grease." He went on to work on several other Broadway productions, including "Miss Saigon," "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Taboo." In 2004, he won a Tony Award for Best Orchestrations for the Broadway revival of "Annie Get Your Gun."
In addition to his work on Broadway, McDaniel has also made a name for himself in the television industry. He served as the musical director and composer for "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" from 1996 to 2002, earning three Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on the show. He also worked on several other television programs, including "The Martin Short Show," "The Wayne Brady Show," and "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
McDaniel has also worked as a composer and arranger for several recording artists, including Bette Midler, Patti LuPone, and Audra McDonald. He won a Grammy Award in 1998 for producing the cast recording of "Annie Get Your Gun."
In recent years, McDaniel has continued to work as a conductor and composer for both Broadway and television. He served as the conductor and music supervisor for the 2017 Broadway revival of "Miss Saigon" and the 2019 Broadway production of "The Prom." He also composed the score for the 2018 Off-Broadway production of "Midnight at The Never Get."
McDaniel has also continued to work in television, serving as the musical director for several episodes of "The Tony Awards" and "The Kennedy Center Honors." He has also worked as a composer and arranger for several television specials, including "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving" and "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz."
Throughout his career, McDaniel has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry. In addition to his Tony and Grammy Awards, he has also received several Emmy nominations for his work on television. He was also inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 2018.
In conclusion, John McDaniel is a highly accomplished musician, conductor, and composer with an impressive career in both Broadway and television. He has worked on several hit Broadway productions, won a Tony Award for Best Orchestrations, and served as the musical director for several television programs, earning three Daytime Emmy Awards. McDaniel continues to work in the entertainment industry, composing and arranging music for both Broadway and television productions.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2011]
Music Arranger
Orchestrator
Music Supervisor
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Musical Director
Conductor
 
[New York, 2009] [Replacement]
Musical Director[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2007]
Musical Supervision
Music Arranger
Orchestrator
Concept
Orchestrations/Arrangements/Musical Supervision
 
[East Haddam, CT (Regional), 2006]
Concept
Music Supervisor/Arrangements
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Musical Supervisor
Music Arranger
Producer
Orchestrator
Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Dance/Incidental/Vocal Arrangements
Musical Supervisor
 
[Regional (US), 2003]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Supervising Musical Director
Vocal Music Arranger
Vocal/Incidental Arrangements
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Music Arrangements
Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Musical Director
Vocal Music Arranger
Dance Music Arranger
Conductor
Dance Arrangements
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Musical Director
 
[Los Angeles, 1993]
Musical Director
 
[Los Angeles, 1992]
Musical Director

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Orchestrations

John McDaniel, Bonnie & Clyde

Videos

News


Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Welcomes new Jr. Fellows Director, Jeremiah Downes
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center announced the appointment of Jeremiah Downes to the role of Director of the Junior Cabaret Fellows program which is a part of the O'Neill's annual Cabaret and Performance Conference. 
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2025

Give your Valentine the gift of Broadway with tickets to Legacy Theatre's Valentine's Day Weekend Sunday Broadway Concert featuring J. Harrison Ghee. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Single Tickets on Sale for SWEENEY TODD & More at Legacy Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2025

Single tickets are on sale now for Legacy Theatre's 5th milestone season, featuring Sweeney Todd and more. Learn more about the programming for Legacy Theatre's season and see how to purchase tickets.
Norbert Leo Butz, Donna McKechnie, J. Harrison Ghee And More Come To Legacy Theatre In 2025
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 5, 2024

Branford's Legacy Theatre has announced a star-studden lineup for the 2025 Sunday Broadway Concert Series lineup for the historic theatre's 5th anniversary season.
SWEENEY TODD & More Set for Legacy Theatre 2025 Mainstage Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 18, 2024

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.
Gulfshore Playhouse Celebrates Grand Unveiling of the Baker Theatre and Education Center
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 25, 2024

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Gulfshore Playhouse hosted the highly anticipated unveiling of its state-of-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center.
Exclusive: Karen Mason Mashes Up Kander and Ebb Classics On KAREN MASON AND ALL THAT JAZZ!
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 24, 2024

Karen Mason debuts a track from her upcoming Kander & Ebb album, featuring rare songs. Discover the latest addition to her celebrated discography, exclusively on BroadwayWorld.
Billy Porter to Join Jason Robert Brown in Concert at Carnegie Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2024

Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning performer Billy Porter will join three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown for his Carnegie Hall solo concert debut. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Karen Mason Celebrates Kander & Ebb With New Album KAREN MASON AND ALL THAT JAZZ!
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 18, 2024

Karen Mason has announced a new album, KAREN MASON AND ALL THAT JAZZ, celebrating the works of Kander & Ebb.
Laura Hodos To Premiere Her Newest Cabaret At The Winter Park Playhouse In October
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 26, 2024

Laura Hodos returns to the cabaret stage at The Winter Park Playhouse on October 16 and 17, 2024 to premiere her latest solo cabaret - Bewitched! Love and Other Enchantments - in the theatre's popular Spotlight Cabaret Series. Playhouse Music Director Christopher Leavy will accompany on piano. 
Myron's at The Smith Center To Present Betsy Wolfe, Alice Ripley And More
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 12, 2024

The Smith Center has announced a series of intimate performances at Myron's featuring Broadway stars.
M. Can Yasar's TURKISH RHAPSODY Comes to Don't Tell Mama
by Stephi Wild - Aug 27, 2024

Following his critically acclaimed cabaret debut, M. Can Yasar is coming back with his show “Turkish Rhapsody” to Don't Tell Mama for a one-night-only encore performance on October 1 at 7 pm.
Theater For The New City to Present ADULTING FOR IDIOTS Starring Nikki MacCallum This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 3, 2024

After winning 'Best Musical' at the 2023 United Solo Festival after a sold out limited engagement at Theatre Row, Nikki MacCallum is coming to the rescue again with Adulting for Idiots, a mix of standup and original comedy songs that will teach you everything you'd wish you'd known before reaching adulthood
Theater for the New City Unveils 2024 Dream Up Festival Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 29, 2024

Theater for the New City will present its twelfth  Dream Up Festival in August. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Interview: WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED? Mary Callanan returns to Provincetown with new cabaret show
by R. Scott Reedy - Jul 11, 2024

Mary Callanan has long been a fixture on Boston area stages and in piano bars and cabaret rooms in Provincetown. A dozen years ago, however, Broadway beckoned and the Brighton, Massachusetts, native relocated to New York. Now back home and busier than ever in local productions, Callanan will be at the Post Office Café and Cabaret in Provincetown on July 23, accompanied by composer, conductor, pianist, and three-time Emmy Award winner John McDaniel.
Interview: Sam Gravitte Talks SONGS THAT RAISED ME at Post Office Cafe and Cabaret and BEAUTIFUL at Cape Playhouse
by R. Scott Reedy - Jul 2, 2024

Singer, actor, and writer Sam Gravitte will not only be making his performance debut in Provincetown when he appears in John McDaniel’s Broadway Series, at the Post Office Café and Cabaret on July 6, it will be his first visit to the town.
Video: Kate Baldwin Previews SING PRETTY, DON'T FALL DOWN at Tennessee Performing Arts Center
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 30, 2024

Watch Kate Baldwin discuss her show Sing Pretty, Don't Fall Down, coming to Tennessee Performing Arts Center July 13, 2024, in the video here!
Boston Summer 2024 Arts Offerings Include Musicals, Plays, Concerts and More!
by R. Scott Reedy - Jun 26, 2024

Helping keep that moniker as accurate today as ever are a vibrant theater district presenting pre-Broadway productions and national tours, award-winning regional theaters, and a host of other theater companies focused on everything from Shakespeare to contemporary plays and musicals. Boston audiences have much to look forward to this summer.
Betty Buckley to Headline PROVINCETOWN BROADWAY SERIES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 20, 2024

Tony Award-winning, stage and screen actress Betty Buckly will headline year’s Provincetown’s Broadway Series. Learn more about the series and see how to purchase tickets.
Interview: John McDaniel and Betty Buckley Talk Playing Provincetown in JOHN MCDANIEL'S BROADWAY SERIES
by R. Scott Reedy - Jun 18, 2024

Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley will headline the opening night of this year’s John McDaniel’s Broadway Series, at Provincetown Town Hall on June 23, and McDaniel, the Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning music director, composer, arranger, and producer wouldn’t have it any other way.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has John McDaniel been nominated for?

and Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Bonnie & Clyde.

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