Charles Strouse

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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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 a rock and roll singer who is drafted into the army, and features such memorable songs as "Put On a Happy Face" and "The Telephone Hour."

In the years that followed, Strouse continued to make his mark on Broadway with a string of successful shows. In 1970, he teamed up with librettist Thomas Meehan to write "Annie," a musical based on the popular comic strip. The show was an instant hit, running for over six years and earning Strouse his second Tony Award for Best Musical. "Annie" tells the story of a spunky orphan who is adopted by a wealthy businessman, and features such beloved songs as "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard-Knock Life."

Strouse's other Broadway credits include "Applause," a musical adaptation of the film "All About Eve," which earned him his third Tony Award for Best Musical; "Golden Boy," a musical adaptation of the Clifford Odets play; and "Rags," a musical about Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side.

In addition to his work in the theater, Strouse has also made a name for himself in film and television. He composed the music for the 1982 film "Annie," as well as the theme song for the television series "All in the Family." He has also written music for a number of other films and television shows, including "The Night They Raided Minsky's," "Bonnie and Clyde," and "The Love Boat."

Despite his many accomplishments, Strouse remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He has said that his goal as a composer is to "write music that people will remember and that will make them happy." His music has certainly achieved that goal, and has left an enduring legacy in the world of musical theater.

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Strouse has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. In addition to his three Tony Awards, he has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theater Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dramatists Guild.

At 93 years old, Strouse continues to write and compose music, and remains an active member of the theater community. His dedication to his craft and his passion for creating memorable music have made him one of the most beloved and respected figures in the world of musical theater.

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[US Tour, 2014]
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[Broadway, 1975]
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Charles Strouse Movies

[1963]Bye Bye Birdie music by

[1967]Bonnie and Clyde music composed by

[1980]Just Tell Me What You Want orchestrator

[1982]Annie music by

Charles Strouse Videos

Charles Strouse News


Kathryn Kilger From SIX Heads A List Broadway Personalities In FINDING HELENA

Kathryn Kilger from the hit Broadway show SIX is set to star in FINDING HELENA. The New York debut is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, at OPEN JAR STUDIOS.

WAITRESS, MARY POPPINS, and More Set For 5th Avenue Theatre 2024-25 Season

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced its 2024/25 season. The six-show lineup includes five productions brand new to The 5th Avenue Theatre stage. Learn more about the full season lineup here!

Review: BYE BYE BIRDIE at the Haines City Theatre

HCT is a small theatre with a big heart, and their production spotlights the show's strengths and weaknesses.

WICKED, ANNIE, and More Set For Broadway in Peoria 2024-25 Season

The American Theatre Guild has announced its 24–25 Season for the Peoria Civic Center. The Broadway in Peoria Series will include several Broadway touring productions. Learn more here!

Feature: BROADWAY BOUND Shares Rare Songs & Behind-the-Scenes Tales at 54 Below

Not every musical setting sails for Broadway finds a smooth trip or arrives at its destination. Some sink. But why? Was it the wrong captain or just stormy seas? Many carried marvelous musical cargo. Robert W. Schneider explores the reasons in his BROADWAY BOUND podcast. His next live edition of Broadway Bound is March 5th at 54 Below.

Previews: BYE BYE BIRDIE at Haines City Theatre

Directed by Chris Walsh and choreographed by Zan Raynor, the colossal cast features Michael DeWolf, Annaliese Bradford, Kristina Marier, Jeremiah Pyle, Kyle Carothers, Teralyn Mergillano, Arlene Pijuan, Ben Tague, Stephanie Ackley Taylor, Tucker Martinez, Wayne Kober, and the ensemble of Madeline Abbott, Madilyn Reed Brown, Mickey Brown, Michelle Dissler, Miles Dissler, Krystalyn Drown, Dare Higgins, Kirstie Kelly, Cheri Kober, Andrew Martinez, Alicia Raulerson, Varaylas Smith, Emma Sparks, Bri Stuart, Max Legendary Wells.

The Cell Theatre Unveils 2024-2025 Season Featuring Over 20 Resident Artists

Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre has revealed its 2024-25 season featuring over 20 resident artists, as well as the official Off-Broadway premiere of Matthew LaBanca's Communion.

Bart Shatto, Daniel Z. Miller & More to Star in FINDING HELENA Industry Presentation

Broadway alumni, Bart Shatto, Daniel Z. Miller, Brian Baldwin and Emily Marshall will join original cast member, John Stillwaggon for the New York industry debut of Finding Helena.

Lied Center Announces BEETLEJUICE, BACK TO THE FUTURE And More for the 2024-2025 Glenn Korff Broadway Series

Back to the Future, Beetlejuice, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dear Evan Hansen, and a two-week run of huge show yet to be announced will make up the 2024-2025 Glenn Korff Broadway Series! New season packages go on sale to the public on February 27, 2024 at 11am

Christian Borle, Krysta Rodriguez, & Ephraim Sykes Will Lead Kennedy Center's BYE BYE BIRDIE

Christian Borlw, Krysta Rodrigues, and Ephraim Sykes will lead The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts's Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie. With direction by Marc Bruni, the production runs from June 7th through June 15th, 2024.

Review: WOMAN OF THE YEAR at Théâtre Firmin Gémier

Finally, this Kander and Ebb masterpiece has been done in France, with French dialogue and lyrics to boot

Spotlight: ANNIE at Charleston Gaillard Center

Annie comes to Charleston, SC

CHARLOTTE'S WEB THE MUSICAL Comes to National Youth Theater in May

This May, National Youth Theater will present Charlotte's Web, The Musical. at Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball.

SIX, BEETLEJUICE, and More Headline Broadway in Birmingham 2024-25 Season

Broadway in Birmingham has announced its 2024-2025 season, including Chicago, Annie, Six, Les Miserables, Beetlejuice, and Tina - The Tina Turner Musical.

Craig Rubano to Present TAKE THE MOMENT at The Laurie Beechman Theatre This Spring

CRAIG RUBANO will return to the New York concert stage in the new show “Take the Moment” at The Laurie Beechman Theatre for three performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Interview: Stefanie Londino talks playing Miss Hannigan in ANNIE

By telephone recently from a tour stop in her hometown of New Brunswick, N.J., Londino talked about Miss Hannigan and more.

Lea Salonga, Gavin Creel, Vanessa Williams, Brian d'Arcy James & More Set for MISCAST24

MCC Theater has revealed that Miscast24 will take place on Monday April 15, 2024 at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Learn additional details!

What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America For The 2024/2025 Season? - A Complete Guide

Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production.

& JULIET, MJ THE MUSICAL and More Set for Hippodrome Theatre 2024/2025 Broadway Series

The new 2024/2025 Hippodrome Broadway Series has been revealed! See which shows are featured, and learn how to purchase tickets.

The Winter Park Playhouse Reveals New 2024 - 2025 Series of Professional Musicals

The Winter Park Playhouse, Central Florida's professional musical theatre, has revealed their 2024-2025 Mainstage Series of musical productions! 

Charles Strouse FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Charles Strouse has written 32 shows including Real Men (Composer/Lyricist), Shoestring Revue (Composer), The Littlest Revue (Lyricist), Sixth Finger in a Five Finger Glove (Composer), Bye Bye Birdie (Composer), All American (Composer), Hello, Dolly! (Composer/Lyricist), Golden Boy (Composer), It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman (Composer), Applause (Composer), Six (Bookwriter), Six (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), I and Albert (Composer), Bojangles (Composer), Annie (Composer), By Strouse (Composer), A Broadway Musical (Composer), Charlie and Algernon (Composer), Bring Back Birdie (Composer), Nightingale (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Dance a Little Closer (Composer), Mayor (Composer/Lyricist), Rags (Composer), Lyle The Crocodile (Bookwriter), Annie 2 (Composer), Rags:Children of the Wind (Composer), Nick & Nora (Composer), Annie Warbucks (Composer), The Night They Raided Minsky's (Composer), Marty (Composer), You Never Know (Bookwriter), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer).

Charles Strouse has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Musical Production at the Olivier Awards for Annie, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for Nick and Nora, Rags, and Charlie and Algernon, Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for Annie, Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Annie, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for Annie, Best Musical at the Tony Awards for Applause, and Best Musical at the Tony Awards for Bye Bye Birdie.

Charles Strouse has won several awards for his work in musical theater. He won the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Annie," the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award from the Tony Awards for "Annie," the Best Musical award from the Tony Awards for "Applause," and the Best Musical award from the Tony Awards for "Bye Bye Birdie."

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