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John Weidman

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BIO

John Weidman is an American librettist and television writer for Sesame Street. He has worked on stage musicals with Stephen Sondheim and Susan Stroman.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Book Revisions
 
[West End, 2002]
Book Revisions
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Adaptation
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Book Revisions
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Adaptation
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Adaptation
 
[US Tour, 1988]
Book Revisions
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Book Revisions

Writing

Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Conceiver
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Best Musical

John Weidman, Contact

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical

John Weidman, Contact


winner
- 1996 - Most promising musical theatre librettist

John Weidman

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

John Weidman, Big

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Book of a Musical

John Weidman, Big

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

John Weidman, Assassins

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

John Weidman, Pacific Overtures


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

John Weidman, Pacific Overtures

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Book of a Musical

John Weidman, Pacific Overtures

Videos

News


Signature Theatre to Honor Mandy Patinkin with 2025 Stephen Sondheim Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

Virginia’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Mandy Patinkin with the company’s fourteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Learn more!
Photos: Benjamin Velez & Madeline Myers Honored with 2025 Kleban Prize
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 4, 2025

ASCAP and BMI honored the winners of the 35th Annual Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theater lyricist and librettist- Benjamin Velez and Madeline Myers. Check out photos from inside the ceremony.
Photos: ROAD SHOW In Rehearsal At freeFALL
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2025

See photos from inside rehearsal for Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s much-traveled musical Road Show, directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis. The show is the fifth Sondheim musical produced by the company.
Cast Set For FreeFall's Production of Sondheim and Weidman's ROAD SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s much-traveled musical Road Show is directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis and is the fifth Sondheim musical produced by the company.
THE CAMP Comes to JACCC Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2025

A new American opera titled The Camp makes its world premiere, presented in partnership with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. Learn more here!
Benjamin Velez and Madeline Myers Are Recipients of the 2025 Kleban Prize For Musical Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2025

The 2025 Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theatre lyricist has been awarded to Benjamin Velez. The 2025 Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theatre librettist has been awarded to Madeline Myers.
Applications Open for Rhinebeck Writers Retreat's 15th Summer of Weeklong Residencies
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025

Applications are now open to all musical theatre writers for Rhinebeck Writers Retreat’s summer residencies. Learn more about the residencies and see how to apply.
Wayne Brady, J. Harrison Ghee, Harvey Guillén & More Join ANYTHING GOES at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2024

Additional cast members have been revealed for Anything Goes in Concert at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, featuring Jinkx Monsoon and more!
BroadwayCon Reveals First Slate of 2025 Panels and Programming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 11, 2024

BroadwayCon has unveiled a first look at its programming schedule for BroadwayCon 2025. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets and attend!
Previews: ANYTHING GOES at Stamford All-School Musical
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - Nov 30, 2024

The Stamford All-School Musical is back with its 17th semi-professional production. This year it’s the perennially popular show, Anything Goes, a musical that has not been performed for several years in Lower Fairfield County.
Meet the Cast of GYPSY, Now on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2024

GYPSY is coming back to Broadway, starring Audra McDonald! The production begins previews at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Meet the cast of GYPSY here!
Photos: Inside Classic Stage Company's 2024 Gala
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 20, 2024

Classic Stage Company presented their 2024 Gala, honoring Tony Award winner Nikki M. James and 11-time Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Directed by Daniel Goldstein, CSC’s 2024 Gala was hosted by Tony Award nominee Jenn Collela and Tony Award nominee Michael James Scott.
THE SABBATH GIRL Original Cast Recording is Now Available
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 16, 2024

Center Stage Records has announced the release of The Sabbath Girl: A New Musical (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording) on all digital platforms, with a CD to be issued in early 2025.
Interview: Logan Vaden of ASSASINS at The Garden Theatre
by Armando Urdiales - Oct 15, 2024

In the vibrant heart of Houston’s cultural landscape, the Garden Theatre stands out as a beacon of artistic innovation and community engagement. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with its esteemed artistic director, Logan Vaden, who is not only steering the theatre into exciting new territory but is also at the helm of a daring production of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. With a unique vision that marries classic storytelling with contemporary relevance, Logan Vaden is set to explore the complex themes of the musical, which delves into the minds of those who have attempted to assassinate American presidents. Join us as we discuss the artistic journey behind this production, the importance of Sondheim’s work in today’s society, and the future of the Garden Theatre.
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.
Review: ASSASSINS Offers Another National Anthem at THE GARDEN THEATRE
by Brett Cullum - Oct 14, 2024

When all is said and done, you have to applaud the bravery of this show. In an October where everyone else is offering safe fare such as British comedies, yet another take on Dracula, and an additional adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, this small company is daring you to face what might be wrong with America. It is a huge swing for the fences and remarkably well-performed and produced.
Photos: Kerry Butler, L Morgan Lee & More in FIORELLO! at Classic Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 10, 2024

Classic Stage Company presented a one-night-only benefit performance of Fiorello!, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical with a book by six-time Tony Award winner George Abbott and Jerome Weidman. See photos here!
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of YELLOW FACE
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 3, 2024

The stars aligned at the Todd Haimes Theatre to celebrate opening night of Roundabout Theatre Company's new production of Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang. BroadwayWorld was there to capture all of the stars and VIP guests.
Jon Jon Briones and Gedde Watanabe Lead PACIFIC OVERTURES At East West Players
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2024

East West Players announced the cast for the upcoming production of PACIFIC OVERTURES, set to return to the stage. The production will feature a talented ensemble bringing this classic musical to life.
Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson & More Join Audra McDonald in GYPSY
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 24, 2024

Joining Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald and Tony Award Winner Danny Burstein in GYPSY are Joy Woods as “Louise,” Jordan Tyson as “June,” Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita as “Tessie Tura,” Lili Thomas as “Miss Mazeppa,” and Mylinda Hull as “Miss Electra.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John Weidman been in?

John Weidman has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has John Weidman been in?

John Weidman has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has John Weidman been nominated for?

Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Contact, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Contact, Most promising musical theatre librettist () for , Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Big, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Big, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Assassins, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Pacific Overtures, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Pacific Overtures and Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Pacific Overtures.

What awards has John Weidman won?

John Weidman has won the Most Promising Musical Theatre Librettist award for Pacific Overtures and the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Pacific Overtures.

How many shows has John Weidman written?

John Weidman has written 9 shows including Anything Goes (Bookwriter), Pacific Overtures (Bookwriter), Assassins (Bookwriter), Big (Bookwriter), Contact (Conceiver), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Bookwriter), Bounce (Bookwriter), Road Show (Bookwriter), Happiness (Bookwriter).

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