Elizabeth Swados

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Elizabeth Swados BIO

Elizabeth Swados was a multi-talented artist who made a significant impact on the world of theater. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1951, Swados began her career in the arts at a young age. She attended Bennington College in Vermont, where she studied music and theater, and later went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
Swados made her Broadway debut as a composer and lyricist for the musical "Runaways" in 1978. The show was a critical and commercial success, earning Swados a Tony nomination for Best Score. "Runaways" explored the lives of runaway children and featured a diverse cast of performers, many of whom had experienced homelessness themselves. The show's unconventional structure and use of punk rock music made it a groundbreaking work of theater.
Swados continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1980s, contributing music and lyrics to productions like "Alice in Concert" and "Doonesbury." She also wrote and directed her own shows, including "The Haggadah" and "Jerusalem."
In addition to her work on stage, Swados was also a prolific writer and composer for film and television. She wrote the score for the 1982 film "Soup for One" and contributed music to the television series "The Electric Company" and "Sesame Street."
Throughout her career, Swados was known for her commitment to social justice and activism. She used her art to explore issues like homelessness, mental illness, and political oppression. In 1989, she traveled to South Africa to work with young artists and activists as part of a cultural exchange program.
Swados continued to work in the arts until her death in 2016. In 2015, she created a musical adaptation of the novel "The 27th Man" by Nathan Englander, which premiered at The Public Theater in New York City. The show explored the experiences of Jewish writers during the Holocaust and featured an ensemble cast of actors.

Elizabeth Swados STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1977
Performer

Elizabeth Swados Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Music
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Composer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1985]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Conductor
Musical Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Music Arranger
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Choreographer
Director
Guitar
 
[Off-Broadway, 1978]
Director
Guitar
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Composer

Writing

Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Additional Music
Adaptation
Adaptation
Composer
Conceiver
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist

Elizabeth Swados Videos

Elizabeth Swados News


2024 ESTROGENIUS FESTIVAL Announces Dance and Theatre Events

Join the 2024 EstroGenius Festival: EXPAND, presented by FRIGID New York and Manhattan Theatre Source. Celebrating womxn, trans and gender non-conforming artists from March 14-30 at various New York venues.

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.

2024 EstroGenius Festival: EXPAND Set For Next Month

FRIGID New York and Manhattan Theatre Source will present the 2024 EstroGenius Festival: EXPAND, a theatre festival celebrating womxn, trans and gender non-conforming artists, March 14-30.

Jason Gotay, Alyse Alan Louis & More to Star in Michael R. Jackson and Anna K. Jacobs's TEETH

Playwrights Horizons has revealed the cast for the world premiere of TEETH, a new musical by Michael R. Jackson and Anna K. Jacobs. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Tickets On Sale For Tiresias' CRYPTOCHROME At The Cell

Tickets are now on sale for Evan Silver's latest performance piece, cryptochrome, at the cell theatre in New York City. Described as a mesmerizing sonic odyssey, this unique theatrical experience explores the extraordinary world of the animal kingdom and encourages viewers to immerse themselves in the sensory realms of other living beings.

The Cell Theater Extends Sold Out COMMUNION Again

COMMUNION, written and performed by Matthew LaBanca has been extended for the second time at the Cell Theater. Based on a true story, the play explores themes of faith, discrimination, and love.

Interview: Noah Pyzik Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS is 'Church, Group Therapy, Community & Family'

Get an inside look at Noah Pyzik's Broadway debut in Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. Discover his thoughts on landing the role and what audiences can expect from this hilarious and relevant show.

The Cell Theater Extends COMMUNION for Additional Week

After selling out all initially scheduled performances, Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre in association with Spin Cycle will present an additional week of performances of their developmental production of COMMUNION, written and performed by Matthew LaBanca and directed by Kira Simring.

COMMUNION Developmental Production to be Presented at The Cell Theatre

Experience the powerful one-man show COMMUNION at the cell theatre. Based on a true story, this developmental production delves into the journey of a gay Catholic school teacher facing discrimination and a crisis of faith. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of love, spirituality, and the fight against LGBTQ discrimination. Get your tickets now!

Meet the Cast of PURLIE VICTORIOUS, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!

The first Broadway revival of the American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by legendary Ossie Davis will officially open on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at The Music Box Theatre. Meet the cast of Purlie Victorious here!

A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE Extends Through Late August

Discover the immersive theater experience of A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE, where history and celebrity culture collide. Explore Lady Gaga's Lower East Side and uncover hidden gems in this unique journey through time.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS Starring Leslie Odom, Jr. Sets September Opening Night Date on Broadway

The first Broadway revival of the American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by legendary Ossie Davis will officially open in September. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Photos: Spin Cycle & JCS Theater Company Present The World Premiere of TRY FOR THE KINGDOM

Spin Cycle & JCS Theater Company present the World Premiere of TRY FOR THE KINGDOM, a new play by Jake Shore (Holy Moly at The Flea), at The Vino Theater in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. See photos from the production. 

Immersive A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE Extends Through July 30

Spin Cycle continues the World Premiere of A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE, a unique immersive theater experience that blends actual historical walking tour, theatrical character monologue and current celebrity worship culture. Performances, which began on Lady Gaga's birthday (March 28) will continue through July 30.

INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP to be Presented at Penguin Rep Theatre This Month

Penguin Rep Theatre will present Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a new comedy set in the era of bell bottoms, cassette tapes and landline phones by Katie Forgette, directed by Thomas Caruso, June 23 through July 16.

TRY FOR THE KINGDOM World Premiere to Begin Performances at the Vino Theater in July

Spin Cycle & JCS Theater Company will present the World Premiere of TRY FOR THE KINGDOM, a new play by Jake Shore (Holy Moly at The Flea).

Immersive A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE Extends Through Late June

Spin Cycle has announced an extension of the World Premiere of A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE, a unique immersive theater experience that blends actual historical walking tour, theatrical character monologue and current celebrity worship culture.

AMID FALLING WALLS (TSVISHN FALNDIKE VENT) & More Set for National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene's 109th Season

National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene is raising the curtain on a dynamic 109th season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets!

Broadway Buying Guide: May 1, 2023

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, May 1, 2023.

Meet the Cast of GREY HOUSE, Beginning Previews Tonight!

Grey House begins performances tonight, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Meet the cast of Grey House here!

Elizabeth Swados FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Elizabeth Swados has written 22 shows including Nightclub Cantata (Composer/Lyricist), Runaways (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Dispatches (Adaptation), Dispatches (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), The Haggadah (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Alice in Concert (Composer/Lyricist), The Haggadah, a Passover Cantata (Adaptation), Lullabye and Goodnight (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Doonesbury (Composer), Rap Master Ronnie (Lyricist), Rap Master Ronnie (Composer), Agamemnon (Conceiver), Hannah Senesh (Additional Music), The Beautiful Lady (Bookwriter), Phaedra Britannica (Composer), Don Juan of Seville (Composer), The Red Sneaks (Bookwriter), Jonah (Adaptation), The Tower of Evil (Composer), Groundhog (Bookwriter), Cymbeline (Composer), The Seagull (Music).

Elizabeth Swados has been nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Hall of Fame Awards, Outstanding Original Music for "Urban Odyssey" at the IT Awards, Outstanding Director for Resident Production for "The Beautiful Lady" at the Helen Hayes Awards, Outstanding Director - Musical for "Runaways" at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Lyrics for "Runaways" at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Music for "Runaways" at the Drama Desk Awards, Direction for "Runaways" at the Obie Awards, Best Book of a Musical for "Runaways" at the Tony Awards, Best Choreography for "Runaways" at the Tony Awards, Best Direction of a Musical for "Runaways" at the Tony Awards, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for "Runaways" at the Tony Awards, Outstanding Music for "Nightclub Cantata" at the Drama Desk Awards, Best Musical Contribution for "The Cherry Orchard" at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical Contribution for "Nightclub Cantata" at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Best Musical Contribution for "Agamemnon" at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Elizabeth Swados has won several awards, including Hall of Fame Awards, Direction (Obie Awards) for "Runaways," Best Musical Contribution (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "The Cherry Orchard," "Nightclub Cantata," and "Agamemnon."

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