Robert Russell Bennett
Also Credited As: Russell Bennett
Date of Death: August 18, 1981 (87)
Latest News on Robert Russell Bennett:
Interview: Give Credit Where Credit is Due When it Comes to The Orchestrator! (Jun 21, 2024)
Interview: Kennedy Center's Musical Director on Why BYE, BYE, BIRDIE's Orchestrations Sound Better Than Ever (Jun 10, 2024)
New Jersey Symphony to Present Daniil Trifonov Playing Gershwin's Piano Concerto In F (May 23, 2024)
Interview: Give Credit Where Credit is Due When it Comes to The Orchestrator! (Jun 21, 2024)
Interview: Kennedy Center's Musical Director on Why BYE, BYE, BIRDIE's Orchestrations Sound Better Than Ever (Jun 10, 2024)
New Jersey Symphony to Present Daniil Trifonov Playing Gershwin's Piano Concerto In F (May 23, 2024)
BIO
Robert Russell Bennett orchestrated more than 300 Broadway musical scores including Show Boat; No, No, Nanette; Of Thee I Sing; Face the Music; Oklahoma!; Carmen Jones; Finian's Rainbow; Kiss Me, Kate; South Pacific; The King and I; My Fair Lady; and Camelot. His arrangements for the 1955 film version of Oklahoma! earned him an Academy Award. He also orchestrated and arranged Richard Rodgers' TV documentary score for "Victory at Sea." A classically trained composer, Bennett's prolific output of original compositions includes symphonies, sonatas, a ballet, a concerto and an opera.
Productions
Writing
Composer
Composer
Awards and Nominations
winner
Tony Awards - 2008 - Special Tony Award
Robert Russell Bennett
winner
Tony Awards - 1957 - Special Tony Award
Robert Russell Bennett
Videos
PHOTO/VIDEO: Get A First Look At Shereen Ahmed, Laird Mackintosh & More In MY FAIR LADY
by Alan Henry - 12/18/2019
TV: Broadway Beat Special Sneak - In Rehearsal with Encores! MUSIC IN THE AIR
by Eddie Varley - 01/30/2009
News
Interview: Give Credit Where Credit is Due When it Comes to The Orchestrator!
Recently I wrote a Broadway World feature dealing with a partial restoration of Robert Ginzler’s original orchestrations for Bye, Bye, Birdie at the Kennedy Center by conductor John Bell with additional work by Joshua Clayton. When the piece was shared on social media, it started a bigger conversation about proper credit for the original orchestrator. Robert Ginzler was somehow never acknowledged in the Kennedy Center program.
Recently I wrote a Broadway World feature dealing with a partial restoration of Robert Ginzler’s original orchestrations for Bye, Bye, Birdie at the Kennedy Center by conductor John Bell with additional work by Joshua Clayton. When the piece was shared on social media, it started a bigger conversation about proper credit for the original orchestrator. Robert Ginzler was somehow never acknowledged in the Kennedy Center program.
Interview: Kennedy Center's Musical Director on Why BYE, BYE, BIRDIE's Orchestrations Sound Better Than Ever
Nowadays orchestra size has become more and more of an issue for me. Even when seeing productions of classic Broadway musicals, there is a tendency to reduce the size of the orchestra for more in the way of production elements. It’s even worse when a production “reimagines” the charts completely and wipes away the work of Robert Russell Bennett, Don Walker, and even Jonathan Tunick. The latter should be deemed sacrilege.
Nowadays orchestra size has become more and more of an issue for me. Even when seeing productions of classic Broadway musicals, there is a tendency to reduce the size of the orchestra for more in the way of production elements. It’s even worse when a production “reimagines” the charts completely and wipes away the work of Robert Russell Bennett, Don Walker, and even Jonathan Tunick. The latter should be deemed sacrilege.
New Jersey Symphony to Present Daniil Trifonov Playing Gershwin's Piano Concerto In F
Experience the New Jersey Symphony with Daniil Trifonov performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Learn more about the concert and see how to purchase tickets.
Experience the New Jersey Symphony with Daniil Trifonov performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Learn more about the concert and see how to purchase tickets.
Full Cast Set For RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA! in Concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Further casting has been announced for RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA! in Concert, which returns to its original West End home, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, on Monday 19 August and Tuesday 20 August.
Further casting has been announced for RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA! in Concert, which returns to its original West End home, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, on Monday 19 August and Tuesday 20 August.
Phil Dunster and Zizi Strallen Will Lead Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S OKLAHOMA! in Concert stars Emmy, Critics Choice & Olivier Award-nominated actor Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso) as Curly alongside West End star Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins) as Laurey.
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S OKLAHOMA! in Concert stars Emmy, Critics Choice & Olivier Award-nominated actor Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso) as Curly alongside West End star Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins) as Laurey.
MY FAIR LADY Comes To Popejoy Hall In March
The national tour of MY FAIR LADY has announced its cast for the 2023-2024 season.
The national tour of MY FAIR LADY has announced its cast for the 2023-2024 season.
MY FAIR LADY Comes to the Benedum Center in January
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has announced that the Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY is coming to Pittsburgh on January 30 to February 4, 2024, at the Benedum Center, 237 7th Street.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has announced that the Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY is coming to Pittsburgh on January 30 to February 4, 2024, at the Benedum Center, 237 7th Street.
MY FAIR LADY Comes to Popejoy Hall in March
Popejoy Presents Broadway in New Mexico is pleased to announce that the Lincoln Center Theater’s critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY is coming to Albuquerque March 21 – March 24, 2024 for six performances at Popejoy Hall.
Popejoy Presents Broadway in New Mexico is pleased to announce that the Lincoln Center Theater’s critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY is coming to Albuquerque March 21 – March 24, 2024 for six performances at Popejoy Hall.
Listen: Hear Christopher Plummers Vocals on 'Edelweiss' & More on THE SOUND OF MUSIC Super Deluxe Soundtrack
With an alternate version of “Edelweiss,” the Super Deluxe Edition offers never-before-heard alternate takes of the film’s iconic songs, including such favorites as “My Favorite Things” featuring Julie Andrews and cast, “The Sound of Music,” “Something Good,” “Sixteen Going On Seventeen,” “Maria,” and over 40 other previously unreleased tracks.
With an alternate version of “Edelweiss,” the Super Deluxe Edition offers never-before-heard alternate takes of the film’s iconic songs, including such favorites as “My Favorite Things” featuring Julie Andrews and cast, “The Sound of Music,” “Something Good,” “Sixteen Going On Seventeen,” “Maria,” and over 40 other previously unreleased tracks.
MY FAIR LADY Comes to Toledo in December
The American Theatre Guild is pleased to present the Lincoln Center Theater critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. This production is part of the 23–24 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO SERIES and will take the Stranahan Theater stage December 14–17, 2023.
The American Theatre Guild is pleased to present the Lincoln Center Theater critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. This production is part of the 23–24 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO SERIES and will take the Stranahan Theater stage December 14–17, 2023.
Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIRY LADY Comes to Madison This Month
Overture Center has announced that the Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY is coming to Madison. With eight performances, the show will run Tuesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 26 in Overture Hall.
Overture Center has announced that the Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY is coming to Madison. With eight performances, the show will run Tuesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 26 in Overture Hall.
Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY Comes to the North Charleston PAC in February
The Lincoln Center Theater’s critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY is coming to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center February 9 – 11, 2024. The show is part of the 2023 – 2024 Best of Broadway.
The Lincoln Center Theater’s critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY is coming to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center February 9 – 11, 2024. The show is part of the 2023 – 2024 Best of Broadway.
Full Cast Set For the 2023-24 Tour of MY FAIR LADY
Complete casting has been announced for the upcoming 2023-24 tour of Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. Find out who is starring in the show here!
Complete casting has been announced for the upcoming 2023-24 tour of Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. Find out who is starring in the show here!
MY FAIR LADY Tickets On Sale This Week at the Overture Center
Overture Center for the Arts has announced that the Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY, directed by Bartlett Sher, is coming to Madison with eight performances beginning Tuesday, Nov. 21 in Overture Hall. Learn more about the musical here!
Overture Center for the Arts has announced that the Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY, directed by Bartlett Sher, is coming to Madison with eight performances beginning Tuesday, Nov. 21 in Overture Hall. Learn more about the musical here!
Broadway Revival of MY FAIR LADY Comes To The Weidner March 2024; Tickets On Sale This Week
Don't miss the acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater production of My Fair Lady coming to The Weidner on Mar 8, 2024. Tickets on sale Friday Sept 29.
Don't miss the acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater production of My Fair Lady coming to The Weidner on Mar 8, 2024. Tickets on sale Friday Sept 29.
Album Review: Extra! Extra! Read All About It! The WORLD PREMIER COMPLETE RECORDING OF OKLAHOMA! Is An H-I-T All Over Again!
Sinfonia of London is indeed an exciting super-orchestra and John Wilson & CO have polished a diamond of the American Musical Theatre to a high gloss
Sinfonia of London is indeed an exciting super-orchestra and John Wilson & CO have polished a diamond of the American Musical Theatre to a high gloss
MY FAIR LADY Comes to Bass Concert Hall
Bass Concert Hall will host the Austin premiere of Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's My Fair Lady. Learn more about the musical and how to get tickets here!
Bass Concert Hall will host the Austin premiere of Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's My Fair Lady. Learn more about the musical and how to get tickets here!
Broadway Streaming Guide: September 2023 - Where to Stream THE LITTLE MERMAID & More
This September, Broadway fans can wind down from summer with a new lineup of television shows, movies, and albums to stream. From a new Prime Video film starring Bette Midler to the new cast recording of Sweeney Todd, check out what's coming to streaming services this month!
This September, Broadway fans can wind down from summer with a new lineup of television shows, movies, and albums to stream. From a new Prime Video film starring Bette Midler to the new cast recording of Sweeney Todd, check out what's coming to streaming services this month!
Sierra Boggess Will Lead New Cast Recording of OKLAHOMA!
An all new cast recording of Oklahoma!, featuring the musical's complete original score, will be released this September.
An all new cast recording of Oklahoma!, featuring the musical's complete original score, will be released this September.
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA! with Hugh Jackman to Play Cinemas Around The Globe This Month
The Olivier Award-winning 1998 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) as Curly, will screen in more than 840 cinemas around the globe for two days only on Sunday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 19.
The Olivier Award-winning 1998 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) as Curly, will screen in more than 840 cinemas around the globe for two days only on Sunday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 19.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Robert Russell Bennett written?
Robert Russell Bennett has written 2 shows including Hold Your Horses (Composer), Great to Be Alive! (Composer).
What awards has Robert Russell Bennett been nominated for?
Robert Russell Bennett has been nominated for two Special Tony Awards. These nominations were for his outstanding contributions to the Broadway industry. The Special Tony Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the theater community. Bennett's nominations highlight his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
What awards has Robert Russell Bennett won?
Robert Russell Bennett has won multiple awards throughout his career. He received the Special Tony Award from the Tony Awards for his contributions to the theater industry. He was honored with this prestigious award for his outstanding work in the field. Robert Russell Bennett's talent and dedication to his craft have been recognized and celebrated by the theater community.
Videos