Stephen Flaherty
Birth Place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Latest News on Stephen Flaherty:
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
Productions
Writing
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Conceiver
Composer
Bookwriter
Conceiver
Awards and Nominations
Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia
Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia
Stephen Flaherty, The Glorious Ones
Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime
winner
Stephen Flaherty, A Man of No Importance
winner
Stephen Flaherty, Seussical the Musical
winner
Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime
winner
Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime
Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime
winner
Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime
winner
Stephen Flaherty, Once On This Island
Stephen Flaherty, Once on this Island
Videos
Video: Watch 'One Upon A December' from ANASTASIA at La Mirada Theatre
by Michael Major - 2026-06-18 16:01:52
Video: Joshua Henry Is Living to Share His Tony Win with Caissie Levy and the RAGTIME Company
by Talking Tonys - 2026-06-08 00:02:59
Video: Caissie Levy Reacts to Tony Win- 'It's All I Ever Dreamed Of'
by Talking Tonys - 2026-06-07 23:59:45
Video: Kai Harada on His Tony Win- 'I Do Know What I'm Doing Sometimes!'
by Talking Tonys - 2026-06-07 22:34:11
Dillon Klena Takes on Dmitry in ANASTASIA at La Mirada Theatre
by Robert Diamond - 2026-06-07 11:31:52
Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'
by Michael Major - 2026-05-21 14:31:08
Video: Joshua Henry & Nichelle Lewis Perform 'Sarah Brown Eyes' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2026-05-20 10:29:12
Photos: MAN OF LA MANCHA Cast Takes Bows at Lincoln Center Theater Spring Gala
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-05-19 23:29:26
Video: Watch Caissie Levy Record 'Back to Before' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2026-04-28 11:23:11
Video: RAGTIME Stars Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More Perform at WNYC Event
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-17 16:02:37
Video: Brandon Uranowitz, Shaina Taub & More Record 'Success' From the RAGTIME Album
by Michael Major - 2026-04-15 12:18:26
Video: RAGTIME Stars Perform in the Union Square Subway Station
by Michael Major - 2026-04-10 17:00:04
Video: Watch the Cast of RAGTIME Record 'New Music' For Their Cast Album
by Michael Major - 2026-04-03 14:00:15
Video: Joshua Henry and RAGTIME Cast Perform 'Gettin' Ready Rag'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-03 11:33:52
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-16 14:10:05
Video: Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, & Ben Levi Ross Record 'He Wanted to Say' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2026-02-06 12:30:02
News
by Marissa Faith Curley - Jun 21, 2026
Los Altos Youth Theatre has announces its Summer 2026 production of “Anastasia: Youth Edition,” directed by Brittany “B” Harder. With a talented cast of 23 young performers, ages 10 to 17, this enchanting musical will transport audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the excitement of 1920s Paris.
by Theresa Bertram - Jun 19, 2026
Princess Anastasia has been found at the Royal Theatre in Benton. Seriously, I am a starry-heart eyes believer that Karis Martin is the real lost princess. There is no way you can tell me otherwise, and if you don't believe me, go see for yourself. This is your last weekend to catch Anastasia, and trust me, you do not want to miss it. Directed by Jeremy Clay, with Assistant Director Aubree Blankenship, Co-Music Directors Justin and Heidi McCartney, and Choreographer Jordyn Purtle, this sweeping musical adventure is filled with romance, humor, and enough theatrical magic to leave audiences completely enchanted.
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 20, 2026
Lincoln Center Theater's Broadway revival of Ragtime just welcomed a very special guest to the Vivian Beaumont Theatre! Earlier this week, the one and only Oprah saw the Tony-winning revival and visited the cast backstage. Check out photos here.
by Michael Major - Jun 18, 2026
Watch a 'One Upon A December' from Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre. The video features Lena Ceja as Anya, along with Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role originally originated on Broadway by his brother, Derek Klena.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2026
The Broadway revival of Ragtime, which recently won four 2026 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, will host a voter registration drive every Wednesday in July from 5:30-7:30pm in the Lincoln Center Theater Lobby.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 2026
Award-winning playwright and lyricist Gretchen Cryer, known for I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER AND TAKING IT ON THE ROAD, will lead a master class as part of Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights series in Midtown Manhattan.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 15, 2026
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts has named Jason Daunter as its new Theatre Director. Mr. Daunter’s responsibilities include planning, organizing, and managing all aspects of the theatre, its rehearsal hall, and the staff.
by Michael Quintos - Jun 11, 2026
I'll say this now: this Summer's most beguiling, most enchanting theatrical surprise is perhaps the brand new, gorgeously opulent regional production of ANASTASIA - THE MUSICAL, now on stage at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through June 20, 2026. A visual stunner punctuated by remarkable musicality and an impressive acting ensemble, this epically-staged, winningly triumphant local iteration is an impressive presentation, from its thrilling technical aspects and grandiose (yet still grounded) storytelling to its superb, talent-bursting cast led by a fierce star turn by Lena Ceja in the title role that audiences will remember for a long time.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 9, 2026
Lincoln Center Theater's four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of RAGTIME announced a final two-week extension at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, with a new block of tickets now on sale.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 9, 2026
Ragtime is returning to the New Stage Theatre. Based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime features a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 8, 2026
Ragtime celebrated their Tony Award wins for Best Sound Design of a Musical, Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. See photos!
by Joshua Wright - Jun 8, 2026
La Mirada Theatre released a new video offering a look inside its upcoming production of ANASTASIA The Musical, which is scheduled to run for several weeks in summer 2026.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 8, 2026
On Saturday night, WME hosted a pre-Tonys party in celebration of the agency’s Tony nominated clients at Le Jardin sur Madison in New York. Check out photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 8, 2026
Ahead of the Tony Awards, CBS Sunday Morning showcased the Broadway revival of Ragtime, with an interview with Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz, as well as lyricist Lynn Ahrens and composer Stephen Flaherty. Check out the videos here!
by Talking Tonys - Jun 8, 2026
Joshua Henry took home a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Ragtime. After leaving the stage at Radio City Music Hall, he checked in with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share his initial reaction! Watch in this video.
by Talking Tonys - Jun 7, 2026
Caissie Levy took home a Tony Award Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Ragtime. After leaving the stage at Radio City Music Hall, she checked in with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share her initial reaction!
by Talking Tonys - Jun 7, 2026
At the 79th Annual Tony Awards, Kai Harada took home a Tony Award for Best Sound Design of a Musical for Ragtime. After leaving the stage at Radio City Music Hall, he checked in with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share his initial reaction!
by Robert Diamond - Jun 7, 2026
Dillon Klena has been cast as Dmitry in La Mirada Theatre's upcoming production of ANASTASIA, the musical based on the beloved story of the Russian grand duchess.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Jun 6, 2026
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment started their preview performances of a gorgeous new production of ANASTASIA, book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Check out the photos!
by Luka Vonier - Jun 6, 2026
Watch as we talk to Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime), Kevin McCollum and Tim Johanson (Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)), Christ Jennings and Nicki Hunter (The Balusters), Daryl Roth and Rachel Sussman (Liberation), and Megan O'Keefe and Micah Frank (Schmigadoon!).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
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.
Stephen Flaherty has received several prestigious awards for his work, 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 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Once On This Island.
