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John Kander

Birth Place: USA

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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).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Off-Broadway], 1973
Performer

Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Music
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2014]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[West End, 2006] [Replacement]
Music[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Composer
 
[US Tour, 1962]
Dance Music
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Dance Music
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Rehearsal Pianist
Dance Music Arranger
 
[West End, 1958]
Dance Music

Writing

Music, Story
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Author
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer

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

News


CHICAGO To Play Limited Engagement At BroadwaySF's Golden Gate Theatre

BroadwaySF, an ATG Entertainment company, welcomes the return of Broadway's record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash, CHICAGO.
Review: EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN Revives Classics at Jazz at Lincoln Center

The Cabaret Convention's three multi-performer shows are done for this year. Concluding our recaps, here's the word on what we heard during the third night: EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, presented on October 24th. So many songs, so many singers, jammed into three nights, is the cornucopia of the Cabaret Convention concerts.
New Album KAREN MASON AND ALL THAT JAZZ! Out Now

Karen Mason And All That Jazz! – the singular album from acclaimed Broadway star and concert artist KAREN MASON – is now available on CD and in digital and streaming formats. Listen here.
CABARET Comes to Theatre Rhinoceros Next Month

Theatre Rhinoceros, in its third year of residence in San Francisco’s historically gay Castro neighborhood as the nation’s longest-running LGBTQ+ theatre, will produce Kander & Ebb’s timeless masterpiece Cabaret … in a retail building-turned-blackbox with a footprint smaller than the average two-bedroom apartment.
Broadway In Birmingham To Present CHICAGO In November

THE ILLUSIONISTS: MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS will perform at the BJCC on December 3-4, showcasing a lineup of magicians and illusionists.
Karen Mason Celebrates New Album Release at Chicago's Davenport's Next Month

Award-winning vocalist, Broadway star, and recording artist Karen Mason will return in concert to celebrate the release of her new CD, KAREN MASON...AND ALL THAT JAZZ!. at Chicago's premier cabaret Davenport's, Wednesday November 13 through Saturday, November 16th.
Exclusive: Karen Mason Mashes Up Kander and Ebb Classics On KAREN MASON AND ALL THAT JAZZ!

Karen Mason debuts a track from her upcoming Kander & Ebb album, featuring rare songs. Discover the latest addition to her celebrated discography, exclusively on BroadwayWorld.
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join

The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Bianca Marroquín Will Return to CHICAGO Next Month

Bianca Marroquín is headed back to Chicago! The Broadway company of the musical will welcome her back to the role of Roxie Hart beginning on Monday, November 25 at the Ambassador Theatre.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 21, 2024- SUNSET BOULEVARD Storms Back to Broadway

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 21, 2024.
Karen Mason Celebrates Kander & Ebb With New Album KAREN MASON AND ALL THAT JAZZ!

Karen Mason has announced a new album, KAREN MASON AND ALL THAT JAZZ, celebrating the works of Kander & Ebb.
CHICAGO is Coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in November

CHICAGO is BACK IN TOWN coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in November. There's never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway's razzle-dazzle smash. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Leslie Uggams to be Honored by Encompass New Opera Theatre

Encompass New Opera Theatre will honor Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams with a musical tribute on October 27, 2024. Learn more about Uggams and about the event.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 14, 2024- OUR TOWN, GYPSY, and More

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 14, 2024.
CHICAGO to Open 24-25 Broadway In Birmingham Series This November

The American Theatre Guild will present Broadway’s favorite razzle-dazzle smash hit musical, CHICAGO. This production will kick off the 24–25 BROADWAY IN BIRMINGHAM Series at the BJCC Concert Hall for eight performances Nov. 19–24, 2024.
Sinitta Will Join UK and Ireland Tour of CHICAGO as Mama Morton in Bradford and Stoke

International recording artist and pop star Sinitta will join the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO as Mama Morton for a strictly limited run, playing Bradford's Alhambra Theatre (21 – 26 October 2024) and Stoke's Regent Theatre (25 – 30 November 2024).
Kate Baldwin, Heidi Blickenstaff & More to Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB at Birdland

The Fred Ebb Foundation will present SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB, a special event celebrating the work of the renowned lyricist. Performers include Kate Baldwin, Heidi Blickenstaff, Telly Leung and more.
CABARET Now Playing at Weathervane Theatre Through Mid October

Experience an immersive production of CABARET at Weathervane Theatre, offering a fresh take on the groundbreaking classic. Discover the bold new presentation that redefines this iconic musical.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 7, 2024- ELF Arrives for the Holiday Season

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 7, 2024.
Photos: Faye Brookes, Djalenga Scott, and More in Rehearsal For the UK Tour of CHICAGO

Rehearsal photos have been released for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the multi-awarding winning CHICAGO, opening at Milton Keynes Theatre from 12 October 2024. Check out the photoshere!

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); 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 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.

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