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Stephen Flaherty

Birth Place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

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BIO

Stephen Flaherty writes music for theater, film, recordings and the concert stage. He is perhaps best known as the composer of the Broadway musicals Ragtime (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Grammy nominations), Seussical (Grammy and Drama Desk nominations), Once on This Island (Tony nomination, Olivier Award for London's Best Musical), and also contributed music to Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (original songs) and Neil Simon's Proposals (incidental music). He has also written four musicals produced at Lincoln Center Theatre: The Glorious Ones (Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations), Dessa Rose (Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations), A Man of No Importanc (Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, Drama Desk nomination) and My Favorite Year. Other theater scores include Lucky Stiff and Loving Repeating: A Musical of Gertrude Stein (Chicago's Jefferson Award for Best New Musical). Film credits include Anastasia (Academy Award nominations for Best Score and Best Song, two Golden Globe nominations and a gold record for its soundtrack), Bartok the Magnificent (original score and songs) and the upcoming After The Storm. Concert work includes commissions from the Boston Pops, Carnegie Hall and the Guggenheim Museum. "The Ahrens and Flaherty Songbook," a print anthology, is available through Alfred Music. His songs have been recorded by Aaliyah, Johnny Mathis, Richard Marx and Donna Lewis, Renee Fleming and Bryn Terfel, Donny Osmond, Thalia and Deana Carter, among others. Mr. Flaherty serves on the Dramatists Guild Council, where he co-chairs the Dramatists Guild Fellows Program for emerging writers with Lynn Ahrens, his longtime writing partner.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Chef's Theater: A Musical Feast
[Off-Broadway]
2004
Performer

Productions

RagtimeRagtime
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Composer
A Journey to the PastA Journey to the Past
 
[West End, 2022]
MUSIC AND LYRICS
AnastasiaAnastasia
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Music & Vocal Arrangements[Replacement]
AnastasiaAnastasia
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Vocal Arrangements
RockyRocky
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Composer
The Glorious Ones
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Vocal Music Arranger
Dessa Rose
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Vocal Music Arranger
Vocal Music Arranger
A Man of No Importance
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Vocal Music Arranger
Vocal Music Arranger
Once On This Island
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
Seussical
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Vocal Music Arranger
Ragtime
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Vocal Music Arranger
Proposals
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Composer
Once On This Island
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Vocal Music Arranger
Dance Music Arranger
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
Dames at Sea
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Piano

Writing

Knoxville
Composer
Anastasia
Composer
Dessa Rose
Composer
The Glorious Ones
Composer
Composer
Lucky Stiff
Composer
Composer
Once On This Island
Composer
Composer
Ragtime
Composer
Seussical
Bookwriter
Composer
Conceiver
Composer
Bookwriter
Conceiver

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, The Glorious Ones

Olivier Awards - 2004 - Best New Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, A Man of No Importance


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Seussical the Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Olivier Awards - 1995 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Once On This Island

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Flaherty, Once on this Island

Videos

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News


Joan Rivers Play, COME FROM AWAY, ANASTASIA & More Set for Cape Playhouse 2025 Summer Photo
Joan Rivers Play, COME FROM AWAY, ANASTASIA & More Set for Cape Playhouse 2025 Summer Season
by Joshua Wright - Feb 18, 2025

Discover the Cape Playhouse's 2025 'Season of Hope,' featuring productions like BUDDY, RENT, ANASTASIA, and more. The season will run June 4 to September 20 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA.
Review: ROCKY THE MUSICAL al TEATRO BRANCACCIO Photo
Review: ROCKY THE MUSICAL al TEATRO BRANCACCIO
by Ettore Farrattini - Feb 14, 2025

Continua con un’altra bella produzione la stagione ‘24/’25 del Teatro Brancaccio con la trasposizione in scena del celebre film Rocky che fece di Sylvester Stallone una delle più brillanti stelle di Hollywood nel 1976.
Oceanside Theatre Company Unveils ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Cast and Creative Team Photo
Oceanside Theatre Company Unveils ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Cast and Creative Team
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 13, 2025

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) has announced the cast of its first production of the 2025 season, Once on This Island, a breathtaking and deeply moving musical that tells a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and destiny.
Cast Set for LUCKY STIFF at Beyond August Productions Photo
Cast Set for LUCKY STIFF at Beyond August Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

Beyond August Productions has revealed the full cast for its production of Lucky Stiff, coming in June 2025 to The Rosette Theater in Hyde Park, Central Austin. Learn more!
Theatre Now to Host Master Class with Mindi Dickstein Photo
Theatre Now to Host Master Class with Mindi Dickstein
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2025

Theatre Now will host a Master Class with Jonathon Larson Award-winning writer Mindi Dickstein. The evening will include songs by Theatre Now Musical Writers Lab members Jonathan Keebler & Bob Kelly, plus more.
Review: SEUSSICAL at The Carnegie Photo
Review: SEUSSICAL at The Carnegie
by Ana-Brit Asplen - Feb 6, 2025

The Carnegie and CCM bring together an exceptional cast and creative team to demonstrate a unique interpretation of Seussical, focusing heavily on the importance of imagination, storytelling, and unconventional thinking.
A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE Comes To SpeakEasy Stage This Month Photo
A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE Comes To SpeakEasy Stage This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025

SpeakEasy Stage Company will present the award-winning musical A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, featuring a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.  
Video: Christy Altomare, John Bolton, Alex Joseph Greyson & More Are Bringing Back AN Photo
Video: Christy Altomare, John Bolton, Alex Joseph Greyson & More Are Bringing Back ANASTASIA
by Joey Mervis - Feb 5, 2025

Rumor has it that Anastasia will be back in NYC this winter when it arrives at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center. The one-night-only event arrives as a part of Manhattan Concert Productions' Broadway Series. Watch this video to find out more about how they are preparing for the event and what audiences can expect.
BroadwayCon 2025 Unveils Additional Programming & Moves to Marriott Marquis Photo
BroadwayCon 2025 Unveils Additional Programming & Moves to Marriott Marquis
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025

BroadwayCon has revealed a change of venue and additional programming for the 2025 event, taking place next week from February 7-9. Learn more about the upcoming events!
The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY Will Perform ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Photo
The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY Will Perform ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY has announced its first musical production, the second show in its 2024-2025 season 'Once On This Island” by Lynne Ahrens with music by Stephen Flaherty.
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND to be Presented at BTTUNY in February Photo
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND to be Presented at BTTUNY in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2025

The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY has revealed the second show in its 2024-2025 season will be 'Once On This Island” by Lynne Ahrens with music by Stephen Flaherty. Learn more about the production!
20 Great Audition Songs for Baritones & Basses Photo
20 Great Audition Songs for Baritones & Basses
by Sarah Lasko - Jan 22, 2025

If you’re a baritone or bass singer looking to refresh your go-to audition material, here’s a list of musical theatre songs to help you showcase your range and talent to the folks behind the audition table. 
Theatre Now Awarded NAMT Writers Residency Grant Photo
Theatre Now Awarded NAMT Writers Residency Grant
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025

Theatre Now New York has been awarded a Writers Residency Grant through the Frank Young Fund for New Musicals by the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT).
John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Rob Ruggiero & More Join The Muny 107th Season Photo
John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Rob Ruggiero & More Join The Muny 107th Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2025

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers, music directors and lead designers whose creative visions will bring the theatre’s bold 2025 season to life. Learn more about the upcoming season!
L Morgan Lee and Kate Baldwin Will Host MAESTRA MUSIC'S AMPLIFY 2025 Photo
L Morgan Lee and Kate Baldwin Will Host MAESTRA MUSIC'S AMPLIFY 2025
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2025

Maestra Music has announced Amplify 2025, directed by Jessica Ryan, hosted by L Morgan Lee, co-hosted by Kate Baldwin, and featuring special guests such as Jordan Fisher, Zeniba Now,  Jessica Vosk. 
Review: LUCKY STIFF at Florida Rep Photo
Review: LUCKY STIFF at Florida Rep
by Fran Thomas - Jan 15, 2025

If you can’t find something funny in the musical farce Lucky Stiff by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, you are as dead as poor Uncle Anthony. That gentleman has passed on in New Jersey, and he has willed six million dollars to his British nephew Harry Witherspoon, who has never even met him.
Photos: OUR TOWN's Jim Parsons Receives Sardi's Portrait Photo
Photos: OUR TOWN's Jim Parsons Receives Sardi's Portrait
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 8, 2025

Jim Parsons, who is currently starring on Broadway in Our Town and is most known for starring in the CBS hit The Big Bang Theory, recently received his portrait at Sardi's. BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling and you can check out photos here!
Review: RAGTIME Rides on the Wheels of a Dream at The Ruth Photo
Review: RAGTIME Rides on the Wheels of a Dream at The Ruth
by Tyler Hinton - Jan 6, 2025

RAGTIME rides on the wheels of a dream of founders, artists, and donors as it opens the brand-new home of the former Hale Center Theater Orem. The magnificent musical is the inaugural production in the Smith Grand Theater at the beautifully designed, spacious yet intimate Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater (The Ruth) on the dōTERRA campus in Pleasant Grove.
Photo: Lynn Ahrens Visits ANASTASIA Cast at the Bucks County Playhouse Photo
Photo: Lynn Ahrens Visits ANASTASIA Cast at the Bucks County Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 30, 2024

Tony award winning lyricist, Lynn Ahrens, visited the cast of Bucks County Playhouse’s production of “Anastasia: The Musical” after the matinee on Sunday, December 29. Check out a photo here!
Theatre Now Announces New Cabaret Series Beginning In 2025 Photo
Theatre Now Announces New Cabaret Series Beginning In 2025
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2024

Starting in 2025, Theatre Now will present a monthly cabaret series at SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St., NYC. Verse Intro Cabaret will feature performances of songs by 2 writing teams from Theatre Now's prestigious Musical Writers Lab.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Stephen Flaherty written?

Stephen Flaherty has written 17 shows including Lucky Stiff (Composer), Once On This Island (Composer), My Favorite Year (Composer), Ragtime (Composer), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Composer), Seussical (Conceiver), A Man of No Importance (Composer), Dessa Rose (Composer), Chef's Theater: A Musical Feast (Songs), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), Loving Repeating (Composer), The Glorious Ones (Composer), Rocky (Composer), In Your Arms (Music), Anastasia (Composer), Marie, Dancing Still (Composer), Knoxville (Composer).

What awards has Stephen Flaherty been nominated for?

Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Glorious Ones, Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for A Man of No Importance, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Seussical the Musical, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Once On This Island and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island.

What awards has Stephen Flaherty won?

Stephen Flaherty has won several prestigious awards, including: Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for A Man of No Importance, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Seussical the Musical, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, and The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Once On This Island.

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