John Kander
Birth Place: USA
Latest News on John Kander:
SUFFS Tour and More Set for 5th Avenue Theatre Company and STG 2025/26 Season (Mar 28, 2025)
Dan Burton, Darren Day and Sinitta to Join CHICAGO UK and Ireland Tour (Mar 26, 2025)
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Hitting Theaters This Fall (Mar 25, 2025)
SUFFS Tour and More Set for 5th Avenue Theatre Company and STG 2025/26 Season (Mar 28, 2025)
Dan Burton, Darren Day and Sinitta to Join CHICAGO UK and Ireland Tour (Mar 26, 2025)
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Hitting Theaters This Fall (Mar 25, 2025)
BIO
American composer John Kander (b. Kansas City, MO, March 18, 1927) is the musical partner of the songwriting team of Kander and Ebb, who together created at least sixteen Broadway shows, Flora the Red Menace (1965), Cabaret (1966), Chicago (1975), and Curtains (2007) among them. They also contributed material to fourteen films and television specials over their forty-year association. Independently John Kander supplied the scores to many films, including Something For Everyone (1970), Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Places in the Heart (1984), and Billy Bathgate (1991).
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STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Off-Broadway], 1973
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Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
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Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding New Score
John Kander, New York, New York
Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Music
John Kander, The Visit
Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, The Visit
Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, The Scottsboro Boys
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics
John Kander, Curtains
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music
John Kander, Curtains
winner
Drama League Awards - 2007 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre
John Kander
Olivier Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Musical Production
John Kander, Cabaret
Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, Curtains
winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - The American Express Tribute
John Kander
winner
Olivier Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Musical Production
John Kander, Chicago
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Music
John Kander, Steel Pier
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, Steel Pier
Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Musical Revival
John Kander, Cabaret
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music
John Kander , Kiss of the Spider Woman
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Musical
John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Olivier Awards - 1993 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical
John Kander, Kiss Of The Spider Woman
winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, The Rink
winner
Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, Woman of the Year
Olivier Awards - 1979 - Musical of the Year
John Kander, Chicago
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, The Act
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, Chicago
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, The Happy Time
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Musical
John Kander, Cabaret
winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
John Kander, Cabaret
Videos
Video: Adam Lambert Performs 'I Don't Care Much' From CABARET on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-02-17 14:38:55
Video: Adam Lambert Performs 'I Don't Care Much' From CABARET on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2025-02-11 09:06:18
Video: Adam Lambert Celebrates His Birthday at CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Stephi Wild - 2025-01-30 09:41:26
Video: John Kander Joins CABARET Cast to Celebrate 58th Anniversary of Original Broadway Production
by Stephi Wild - 2024-11-21 05:47:39
Video: Chita Rivera Remembers Iconic Disco in STUDIO ONE FOREVER Clip
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-10-01 10:07:35
Video: Alyssa Milano Takes Her First Bow In CHICAGO On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - 2024-09-16 22:38:59
VIDEO: First Look At Yes Theatre's Gender-Blind Production of CHICAGO
by Joshua Wright - 2024-08-08 11:50:41
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-13 12:03:14
Video: Go Inside the Kit Kat Club with the CABARET Cast and Creative Team
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-04-25 15:19:25
Video: Redmayne, Rankin, Neuwirth, and More Talk CABARET on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-21 12:04:53
Video: Joel Grey and Eddie Redmayne Talk CABARET and The 'Emcee' Legacy
by A.A. Cristi - 2024-04-12 14:54:44
Video: Jennifer Lopez Drops Trailer For New Musical Movie Event THIS IS ME...NOW
by Michael Major - 2024-01-17 11:27:35
Video: Watch the Trailer for MOMENT TO MOMENT: THE MAKING OF THE VIOLET HOUR STUDIO CAST RECORDING
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-12-15 11:41:19
News
SUFFS Tour and More Set for 5th Avenue Theatre Company and STG 2025/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2025
The 5th Avenue Theatre Company and Seattle Theatre Group are launching a new strategic alliance that will strengthen and preserve the musical company’s role in staging award-winning locally produced live theater. Learn more about the 25/26 season!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2025
The 5th Avenue Theatre Company and Seattle Theatre Group are launching a new strategic alliance that will strengthen and preserve the musical company’s role in staging award-winning locally produced live theater. Learn more about the 25/26 season!
Dan Burton, Darren Day and Sinitta to Join CHICAGO UK and Ireland Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025
West End leading man Dan Burton and West End and TV star Darren Day will return to share the role of Billy Flynn, alongside international recording artist and pop star Sinitta as Mama Morton, in the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO. Learn ore!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025
West End leading man Dan Burton and West End and TV star Darren Day will return to share the role of Billy Flynn, alongside international recording artist and pop star Sinitta as Mama Morton, in the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO. Learn ore!
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Hitting Theaters This Fall
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025
Kiss of the Spider Woman, the much-anticipated movie musical, has officially landed a distributor and release date. The film is expected to hit theaters this fall in conjunction with awards season.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025
Kiss of the Spider Woman, the much-anticipated movie musical, has officially landed a distributor and release date. The film is expected to hit theaters this fall in conjunction with awards season.
Chita Rivera's New York House Put on the Market
by Michael Major - Mar 25, 2025
The late Chita Rivera's house in Blauvelt, NY has been put on the market. In a new real estate listing, the property was 'lovingly maintained' by the Tony-winning Broadway legend.
by Michael Major - Mar 25, 2025
The late Chita Rivera's house in Blauvelt, NY has been put on the market. In a new real estate listing, the property was 'lovingly maintained' by the Tony-winning Broadway legend.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Nearing U. S. Theatrical Deal with Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 24, 2025
The Kiss of the Spider Woman film is in final talks to be distributed by Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment in the U.S. This news comes after the movie made its world premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 24, 2025
The Kiss of the Spider Woman film is in final talks to be distributed by Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment in the U.S. This news comes after the movie made its world premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival.
Kevin Csolak, Karli Dinardo, and Brandon Contreras Join CLASSICS GONE MAD! at Classic Stage Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025
Additional cast members have been revealed for the 2025 iteration of Classic Stage Company's Classics Gone Mad!, a benefit event hosted by stage and screen star Nina West. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025
Additional cast members have been revealed for the 2025 iteration of Classic Stage Company's Classics Gone Mad!, a benefit event hosted by stage and screen star Nina West. Learn more!
Photos: CABARET at 5-Star Theatricals
by Emmy Rice - Mar 16, 2025
Production photos for 5-Star Theatricals' first production of its 2025 season, Cabaret, have been released. Check here for the photos and more details.
by Emmy Rice - Mar 16, 2025
Production photos for 5-Star Theatricals' first production of its 2025 season, Cabaret, have been released. Check here for the photos and more details.
A Guide to Upcoming Movie Musicals- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, GUYS & DOLLS & More
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 14, 2025
Though many are eagerly awaiting Wicked: For Good, there are plenty of other upcoming movie musicals to get Broadway fans on their feet, some of which we will see before November. Take a look at our guide to all upcoming movie musicals!
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 14, 2025
Though many are eagerly awaiting Wicked: For Good, there are plenty of other upcoming movie musicals to get Broadway fans on their feet, some of which we will see before November. Take a look at our guide to all upcoming movie musicals!
Interview: Kim David Smith Celebrates New Album, MOSTLY MARLENE, at Joe's Pub
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 13, 2025
Kim David Smith, the provocative international singer and actor, will release the new album Mostly Marlene in digital and streaming platforms on 3/21. Smith will celebrate the album’s release with a special New York concert at Joe’s Pub that night.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 13, 2025
Kim David Smith, the provocative international singer and actor, will release the new album Mostly Marlene in digital and streaming platforms on 3/21. Smith will celebrate the album’s release with a special New York concert at Joe’s Pub that night.
Video: Marisha Wallace Performs 'Maybe This Time' From CABARET
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025
An all new video has been released of Marisha Wallace performing 'Maybe This Time' from Cabaret as part of the The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals. Check out the video here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025
An all new video has been released of Marisha Wallace performing 'Maybe This Time' from Cabaret as part of the The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals. Check out the video here!
Ashley Graham Will Make Her Broadway Debut as 'Roxie Hart' in CHICAGO
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025
Chicago will welcome supermodel, author, and entrepreneur Ashley Graham, making her Broadway debut in the role of “Roxie Hart” beginning next month. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025
Chicago will welcome supermodel, author, and entrepreneur Ashley Graham, making her Broadway debut in the role of “Roxie Hart” beginning next month. Learn more here!
Lynne Charnay to Celebrate 100th Birthday With Performance at Don't Tell Mama
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025
On the evening of her 100th birthday, legendary performer Lynne Charnay will take the stage at Don't Tell Mama. Learn more about the upcoming performance!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025
On the evening of her 100th birthday, legendary performer Lynne Charnay will take the stage at Don't Tell Mama. Learn more about the upcoming performance!
CHICAGO Comes to the Wharton Center
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025
CHICAGO is coming to East Lansing. Enjoy CHICAGO on Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall stage next month. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025
CHICAGO is coming to East Lansing. Enjoy CHICAGO on Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall stage next month. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
Photo: New Look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Michael Major - Mar 11, 2025
See a new look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The photo cuts off Peck's eyes, not yet making it clear if the country music singer will don one of his classic masks for his performance.
by Michael Major - Mar 11, 2025
See a new look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The photo cuts off Peck's eyes, not yet making it clear if the country music singer will don one of his classic masks for his performance.
CHICAGO Comes to the Washington Pavilion This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025
CHICAGO will arrive at the Washington Pavilion this month. Tickets are on sale now for four performances from March 27–29. Learn more about the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025
CHICAGO will arrive at the Washington Pavilion this month. Tickets are on sale now for four performances from March 27–29. Learn more about the show here!
5-Star Theatricals to Present LIFE IS A CABARET Fundraiser to Honor Harry Selvin
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2025
5-STAR THEATRICALS will present a special 30thAnniversary Gala Celebration, LIFE IS A CABARET, honoring the life of philanthropist Harry Selvin. Learn more and see how to attend.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2025
5-STAR THEATRICALS will present a special 30thAnniversary Gala Celebration, LIFE IS A CABARET, honoring the life of philanthropist Harry Selvin. Learn more and see how to attend.
Photos: CABARET At New Jewish Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2025
NJT will open its 27th season with the classic musical Cabaret, running March 20 through April 6. Check out photos from the production, directed by NJT's Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2025
NJT will open its 27th season with the classic musical Cabaret, running March 20 through April 6. Check out photos from the production, directed by NJT's Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet.
Photo: New Look at Eva Noblezada as 'Sally Bowles' in CABARET
by Michael Major - Mar 7, 2025
See a new look at Eva Noblezada in character as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The Great Gatsby alum joins the Broadway revival alongside Orville Peck. See new photos of her in in Sally Bowles' fuzzy green jacket and purple costume.
by Michael Major - Mar 7, 2025
See a new look at Eva Noblezada in character as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The Great Gatsby alum joins the Broadway revival alongside Orville Peck. See new photos of her in in Sally Bowles' fuzzy green jacket and purple costume.
Lakewood Theatre Company Reveals 73rd Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025
Lakewood Theatre Company will begin its 73rd season with six productions on its Mainstage and three productions on its Side Door Stage beginning July 11, 2025. Season tickets for the 2025-2026 season are now available for current subscribers.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025
Lakewood Theatre Company will begin its 73rd season with six productions on its Mainstage and three productions on its Side Door Stage beginning July 11, 2025. Season tickets for the 2025-2026 season are now available for current subscribers.
Ben Platt and More To Honor Mandy Patinkin At Signature Theatre Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025
On April 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. The Stephen Sondheim Award will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit at The Anthem and will benefit Signature Theatre's artistic, education, and community programs.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025
On April 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. The Stephen Sondheim Award will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit at The Anthem and will benefit Signature Theatre's artistic, education, and community programs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has John Kander written?
John Kander has written 33 shows including A Family Affair (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Flora, the Red Menace (Composer), Go Fly a Kite (Composer), Cabaret (Composer), The Happy Time (Composer), Zorba (Composer), 70, Girls, 70 (Composer), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Composer), Liza (Composer), Chicago (Composer), 2 by 5 (Composer), The Act (Composer), Joe Masiell Not at the Palace (Material), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Composer), Woman of the Year (Composer), The Rink (Composer), Diamonds (Composer), How Lucky Can You Get? (Composer), And the World Goes 'Round (Composer), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Composer), Steel Pier (Composer), Over and Over (Composer), Fosse (Composer), The Visit (Composer), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Composer), The Scottsboro Boys (Composer), Come Fly Away (Composer), The Landing (Composer), Kid Victory (Music, Story), The Beast in the Jungle (Composer), New York, New York (Music).
What awards has John Kander been nominated for?
Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for New York, New York, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Scottsboro Boys, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Curtains, The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Chicago, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Steel Pier, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Steel Pier, Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Rink, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Woman of the Year, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Chicago, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Act, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Chicago, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Happy Time, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Cabaret and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.
What awards has John Kander won?
John Kander has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including: - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) - Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Chicago - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Woman of the Year - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Cabaret - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.
Videos