By Strouse - Off-Broadway Creative Team

... read more Martin Charnin is perhaps best known for conceiving, directing, and writing the lyrics for the hit Broadway musical Annie. Charnin began his career as an actor, playing the role of "Big Deal" in the original production of West Side Story, both on Broadway and on tour. He then began writing music and lyrics for Off-Broadway and cabaret revues, as well as nightclub performances for the likes of Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, Leslie Uggams, and more. His first time writing lyrics for a Broadway musical was Hot Spot in 1963, which starred Judy Holliday. In the 1970s, Charnin worked in television where he conceived, produced, ... read more ... read more Charles Strouse is a Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist whose contributions to the world of musical theater have left an indelible mark. Born in New York City in 1928, Strouse began playing piano at an early age and went on to study composition at the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School. Strouse's first Broadway credit came in 1960 with the musical "Bye Bye Birdie," which he co-wrote with lyricist Lee Adams. The show was a smash hit, running for over 600 performances and earning Strouse his first Tony Award for Best Musical. "Bye Bye Birdie" tells the story of ... read more