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Sheldon Harnick

Birth Place: USA

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BIO

Sheldon Harnick is a legendary lyricist and composer who has made an indelible mark on Broadway. Born in Chicago in 1924, Harnick began writing songs at a young age, and went on to attend the Northwestern University School of Music. After serving in World War II, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater.



Harnick's first Broadway credit came in 1955, when he wrote the lyrics for the musical "The Body Beautiful." However, it was his collaboration with composer Jerry Bock that would prove to be his most successful partnership. The duo first worked together on the 1957 musical "The Body Beautiful," but it was their next project that would cement their place in Broadway history.

In 1960, Harnick and Bock's musical "Fiorello!" premiered on Broadway. The show, which told the story of New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, was a critical and commercial success, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The show's hit song, "Little Tin Box," became an instant classic.

Harnick and Bock went on to collaborate on several more successful musicals, including "She Loves Me" (1963), "Fiddler on the Roof" (1964), and "The Rothschilds" (1970). "Fiddler on the Roof" in particular became a cultural phenomenon, running for over 3,000 performances on Broadway and spawning numerous revivals and adaptations. The show's iconic songs, such as "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," and "Sunrise, Sunset," are still beloved by audiences today.

In addition to his work with Bock, Harnick has also collaborated with other composers throughout his career. He wrote the lyrics for the musical "Tenderloin" with composer Jerry Ross in 1960, and worked with Richard Rodgers on the musical "Rex" in 1976.

Harnick's contributions to musical theater have not gone unnoticed. He has won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical for "Fiorello!" and "Fiddler on the Roof," as well as Best Original Score for "Fiorello!" and Best Book of a Musical for "She Loves Me." In 2016, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award for his contributions to the theater.

Outside of his work in musical theater, Harnick has also written songs for television and film. He wrote the theme song for the popular TV show "Car 54, Where Are You?" and contributed songs to the animated film "The Point!" In addition, he has worked as a translator and adapter for several operas, including "The Merry Widow" and "The Mikado."

Harnick's most recent work includes the 2016 Off-Broadway musical "Rothschild & Sons," a revised version of "The Rothschilds" that he wrote with composer Jerry Bock shortly before Bock's death in 2010. The show received positive reviews and was nominated for several Drama Desk Awards.

Throughout his career, Sheldon Harnick has proven himself to be one of the most talented and versatile lyricists in the history of musical theater. His contributions to the art form have left an indelible mark on Broadway, and his songs continue to be beloved by audiences around the world.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Alice in Wonderland
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1975
Performer
Sondheim: A Musical Tribute
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Special Guest

Productions

She Loves MeShe Loves Me
 
[West End, 2016] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]
Fiddler on the RoofFiddler on the Roof
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lyrics
A Wonderful Life
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Vocal Music Arranger
Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952
 
[Broadway, 1952]
Lyrics
Music
Fiddler on the RoofFiddler on the Roof
 
[West End, ] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]

Writing

Wet Paint
Material
The Littlest Revue
Additional Music
Lyricist
The Apple Tree
Bookwriter
Lyricist
The Body Beautiful
Lyricist
Lyricist
Cyrano
Lyricist
Dragons
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Fiorello!
Lyricist
Joy Ride
Lyricist
Kaleidoscope
Lyricist
Music
Lyricist
Love in Two Countries
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Pinocchio
Lyricist
Portofino
Lyricist
Lyricist
Rex
Lyricist
The Rothschilds
Lyricist
Lyricist
She Loves Me
Lyricist
Lyricist
Tenderloin
Lyricist
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Bookwriter/Lyricist
A Wonderful Life
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Special Drama Desk Award

Sheldon Harnick


winner
Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Sheldon Harnick


winner
Tony Awards - 2016 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Sheldon Harnick

Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Sheldon Harnick, Cyrano: The Musical

Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Sheldon Harnick, The Rothschilds

Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Sheldon Harnick , The Apple Tree


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1965 - Best Musical

Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof


winner
Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1960 - Best Musical

Sheldon Harnick, Fiorello!

Videos

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News


Jennifer Roberts Will Celebrate Sheldon Harnick at the Green Room 42 Photo
Jennifer Roberts Will Celebrate Sheldon Harnick at the Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2025

The Green Room 42 will present MAC Award Nominee, Jennifer Roberts, who returns to Manhattan  to celebrate Broadway Legend Sheldon Harnick’s 101st Birthday, with a one night Encore of her Cabaret Show, 'Jennifer Roberts: She Loves….Sheldon!”
Skylight Music Theatre Announces FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, AMADEUS And More for 2025-26 Se Photo
Skylight Music Theatre Announces FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, AMADEUS And More for 2025-26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2025

Skylight Music Theatre has announced 2025-26 season, marking the company's 66th year of bringing exceptional music theatre to Milwaukee audiences.
Reimagined MOVIN' OUT To Open Asolo Repertory Theatre 2025 " 2026 Season Photo
Reimagined MOVIN' OUT To Open Asolo Repertory Theatre 2025 " 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 10, 2025

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced its new, expanded 2025-2026 season.
Video: Kate Baldwin sings 'When Did I Fall in Love' from Fiorello! at 54 Below! Photo
Video: Kate Baldwin sings 'When Did I Fall in Love' from Fiorello! at 54 Below!
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2025

In a new 54 Below flashback, Broadway leading lady Kate Baldwin performs the timeless tune, 'When Did I Fall In Love' from the musical Fiorello! Watch the video!
Charter Oak Cultural Center and Congregation Beth Israel Present A JEWISH JOURNEY THR Photo
Charter Oak Cultural Center and Congregation Beth Israel Present A JEWISH JOURNEY THROUGH BROADWAY: Part 1
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 6, 2025

Charter Oak Cultural Center and Congregation Beth Israel has announced a one-night-only performance of A Jewish Journey Through Broadway: Part 1 (1920-1980). This cabaret-style concert will feature songs by Jewish giants of the musical theatre including songs by Sondheim, Bernstein, Gershwin, Kern, and more performed by an accomplished cast.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GIANTS, THE YEARS, and More Nominated For 2025 Olivier Awards; F Photo
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GIANTS, THE YEARS, and More Nominated For 2025 Olivier Awards; Full List!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025

The nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2025. Among the nominees are Fiddler on the Roof, Giants, and The Years. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Opera Saratoga To Hold Local Auditions in March Photo
Opera Saratoga To Hold Local Auditions in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2025

For two days in March, Opera Saratoga will hold local auditions for the 2025 Summer Festival Season and beyond, in order to create a local roster of affiliated singers, actors and pianists.
Photos: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF At A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut Photo
Photos: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF At A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 20, 2025

A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut has released production photos of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, directed by A.C.T. of CT's Grammy nominated Artistic Directed Daniel C. Levine.
Photos: First look at Imagine Productions’ SHE LOVES ME Photo
Photos: First look at Imagine Productions’ SHE LOVES ME
by Jerri Shafer - Feb 14, 2025

Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, She Loves Me is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance. Set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don't see eye to eye. After both respond to a 'lonely hearts advertisement' in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves... and all the twists and turns along the way!
Review: Kelli O'Hara in Concert at LA Opera Photo
Review: Kelli O'Hara in Concert at LA Opera
by Andrew Child - Feb 2, 2025

O’Hara has approached the entire evening with such severe gravitas and humble respect that familiar messages seem to land fresh on even jaded ears. How else are we meant to keep singing right now?
Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Wichita Community Theatre Photo
Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Wichita Community Theatre
by Paula Makar - Jan 31, 2025

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Single Tickets for Music Theater Works' 2025 Season to go on Sale This Week Photo
Single Tickets for Music Theater Works' 2025 Season to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2025

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Playwright and Cartoonist Jules Feiffer Passes Away at 95 Photo
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Previews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Wichita Community Theatre Photo
Previews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Wichita Community Theatre
by Paula Makar - Jan 19, 2025

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Exclusive: Listen to 'Migratory V' From Ari Axelrod's Upcoming Album 'A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway'
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ANNIE to be Presented as Music Theater Works' Final Production of 2025 Season
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Feature: 11 of the Best Cabaret Tribute Shows of 2024 Photo
Feature: 11 of the Best Cabaret Tribute Shows of 2024
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Cast Set for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut Photo
Cast Set for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 26, 2024

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More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Sheldon Harnick been in?

Sheldon Harnick has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Sheldon Harnick been in?

Sheldon Harnick has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Sheldon Harnick been nominated for?

Special Drama Desk Award (Drama Desk Awards), Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) for , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Cyrano: The Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Rothschilds, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Apple Tree, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof and Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Fiorello!.

What awards has Sheldon Harnick won?

Sheldon Harnick has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Special Drama Desk Award (Drama Desk Awards), the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), and the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards). He won Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof, as well as Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof. Additionally, he received Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Fiorello!.

How many shows has Sheldon Harnick written?

Sheldon Harnick has written 37 shows including Love in Two Countries (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952 (Composer/Lyricist), Two's Company (Composer), Shoestring Revue (Sketches), The Littlest Revue (Lyricist), Kaleidoscope (Lyricist), The Body Beautiful (Lyricist), Portofino (Lyricist), Joy Ride (Lyricist), Fiorello! (Lyricist), Tenderloin (Lyricist), Smiling the Boy Fell Dead (Lyricist), Smiling, the Boy Fell Dead (Lyricist), Man in the Moon (Lyricist), She Loves Me (Lyricist), To Broadway with Love (Lyricist), Fiddler on the Roof (Lyricist), Wet Paint (Material), The Apple Tree (Bookwriter), Her First Roman (Lyricist), Pinocchio (Lyricist), Alice in Wonderland (Lyricist), Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines (Libretto), Rex (Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist), The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Bookwriter/Lyricist), A Christmas Carol (Lyricist), A Wonderful Life (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Lyricist), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Lyricist), The Rothschilds (Lyricist), Cyrano - The Musical (Lyricist), Mostly Sondheim (Lyricist), Dragons (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), Rothschild & Sons (Lyrics).

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