Elizabeth Swados
Latest News on Elizabeth Swados:
READY FOR COMPANY AND OTHER FAMILY TALES Comes to La MaMa (Oct 9, 2025)
OH, MARY! Sets West End Transfer Starring Mason Alexander Park (Oct 2, 2025)
Meet the Cast of PUNCH, Now on Broadway (Sep 9, 2025)
READY FOR COMPANY AND OTHER FAMILY TALES Comes to La MaMa (Oct 9, 2025)
OH, MARY! Sets West End Transfer Starring Mason Alexander Park (Oct 2, 2025)
Meet the Cast of PUNCH, Now on Broadway (Sep 9, 2025)
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.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Adaptation
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Additional Music
Adaptation
Adaptation
Lyricist
Composer
Music
Composer
Conceiver
Lyricist
Music
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
winner
- 2016 - Hall of Fame Awards
Elizabeth Swados
IT Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Original Music
Elizabeth SwadosUrban Odyssey
Helen Hayes Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Director, Resident Production
Elizabeth SwadosThe Beautiful Lady
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Elizabeth Swados, Runaways
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Lyrics
Elizabeth Swados, Runaways
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Music
Elizabeth Swados, Runaways
winner
Obie Awards - 1978 - Direction
Elizabeth Swados, Runaways
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Book of a Musical
Elizabeth Swados, Runaways
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Choreography
Elizabeth Swados , Runaways
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Direction of a Musical
Elizabeth Swados, Runaways
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Elizabeth Swados, Runaways
Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Outstanding Music
Elizabeth Swados, Nightclub Cantata
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best Musical Contribution
Elizabeth Swados, The Cherry Orchard
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best Musical Contribution
Elizabeth Swados, Nightclub Cantata
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best Musical Contribution
Elizabeth Swados, Agamemnon
Videos
TV: Watch Highlights from the Public Theater's Gala Performance of RUNAWAYS!
by Nicole Rosky - 2018-06-12 16:31:32
TV: RUNAWAYS Takes Over the NY City Center Stage for Encores! Off-Center- Watch Highlights!
by Nicole Rosky - 2016-07-06 09:23:27
STAGE TUBE: Meet the Diverse 'Wolfpack' of Encores! Off-Center's RUNAWAYS - MJ Rodriguez, Sophia Anne Caruso & More!
by Tyler Peterson - 2016-05-25 15:53:19
VIDEO: The Bats Are Looking Vicious For Adam Rapp's WOLF IN THE RIVER
by Michael Dale - 2016-03-03 20:18:06
News
READY FOR COMPANY AND OTHER FAMILY TALES Comes to La MaMa
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
Ready For Company and Other Family Tales is a one-woman play about family and legacy. An inheritance of stories and unfinished quests from this Jewish-Japanese-American family tree.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
Ready For Company and Other Family Tales is a one-woman play about family and legacy. An inheritance of stories and unfinished quests from this Jewish-Japanese-American family tree.
OH, MARY! Sets West End Transfer Starring Mason Alexander Park
by Michael Major - Oct 2, 2025
The Tony Award-winning smash hit comedy OH, MARY! will premiere in London at the Trafalgar Theatre This December! The West End premiere will see Mason Alexander Park star as Mary Todd Lincoln.
by Michael Major - Oct 2, 2025
The Tony Award-winning smash hit comedy OH, MARY! will premiere in London at the Trafalgar Theatre This December! The West End premiere will see Mason Alexander Park star as Mary Todd Lincoln.
Meet the Cast of PUNCH, Now on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2025
Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Punch, by James Graham is now playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Meet the cast of Punch here and learn all about the show's stars!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2025
Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Punch, by James Graham is now playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Meet the cast of Punch here and learn all about the show's stars!
Matthew LaBanca to Present COMMUNION at The Cutting Room
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 29, 2025
Following its Off-Broadway run at the cell theatre, Matthew LaBanca's COMMUNION will make its debut in a cabaret venue, The Cutting Room. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 29, 2025
Following its Off-Broadway run at the cell theatre, Matthew LaBanca's COMMUNION will make its debut in a cabaret venue, The Cutting Room. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Josh Sharp's TA-DA! Extends Run By Three Weeks
by Stephi Wild - Jul 28, 2025
A three-week extension has been announced for Josh Sharp’s ta-da!, written by and starring Josh Sharp and directed by 2025 Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 28, 2025
A three-week extension has been announced for Josh Sharp’s ta-da!, written by and starring Josh Sharp and directed by 2025 Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton.
Nancy Manocherian's The Cell Theatre Announces New Artists-in-Residence
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 20, 2025
Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre has announced a brand new cohort of resident artists who will be presenting a plethora of developmental readings, workshops, and fully staged productions as part of their 2025-26 season.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 20, 2025
Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre has announced a brand new cohort of resident artists who will be presenting a plethora of developmental readings, workshops, and fully staged productions as part of their 2025-26 season.
CAN I BE FRANK? by Morgan Bassichis is Coming to SoHo Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 16, 2025
Producers Mike Lavoie and Carlee Briglia will present Can I Be Frank?, written by and starring comedian, artist, and writer Morgan Bassichis Off-Broadway. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 16, 2025
Producers Mike Lavoie and Carlee Briglia will present Can I Be Frank?, written by and starring comedian, artist, and writer Morgan Bassichis Off-Broadway. Learn more!
La MaMa Names EXPERIMENTS IN PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP After The Late Morgan Jenness
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 13, 2025
La MaMa ETC has announced it is renaming its Experiments in Playwriting Fellowship the MORGAN JENNESS EXPERIMENTS IN PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP after the late, revered dramaturg Morgan Jenness, who died last year following an illustrious career as a champion of young playwrights.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 13, 2025
La MaMa ETC has announced it is renaming its Experiments in Playwriting Fellowship the MORGAN JENNESS EXPERIMENTS IN PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP after the late, revered dramaturg Morgan Jenness, who died last year following an illustrious career as a champion of young playwrights.
What is the History of New Musicals at the Public Theater?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 20, 2025
The new musical Goddess can currently be seen in its New York premiere production at the Public Theater on Lafayette Street. Directed by the Public’s associate artistic director and resident director Saheem Ali, who is currently Tony Award-nominated for directing Buena Vista Social Club, Goddess is playing at the Public’s largest space by capacity, the Newman Theatre.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 20, 2025
The new musical Goddess can currently be seen in its New York premiere production at the Public Theater on Lafayette Street. Directed by the Public’s associate artistic director and resident director Saheem Ali, who is currently Tony Award-nominated for directing Buena Vista Social Club, Goddess is playing at the Public’s largest space by capacity, the Newman Theatre.
La MaMa To Present ABOVE GROUND - NOT EXACTLY A COMEDY, A Reflection On Aging By Ten Actors Age 74-98
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2025
In 'Above Ground - Not Exactly a Comedy,' ten senior actors reflect on how they deal with the undeniable fact of getting old, regaling the audience with improvised personal experiences of maturity, illness and loss mixed with childhood memories.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2025
In 'Above Ground - Not Exactly a Comedy,' ten senior actors reflect on how they deal with the undeniable fact of getting old, regaling the audience with improvised personal experiences of maturity, illness and loss mixed with childhood memories.
Teatro Público de Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre Partner On EL COQUÍ ESPECTACULAR AND THE BOTTLE OF DOOM
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025
Teatro Público de Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre will present El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom by Matt Barbot. Featuring: Roxana Bell, Nathalie Bermudez, Alisha Caraballo, Angelluis Centeno, Alejandro Martinez Jr., Elena Grace Thomson (Understudy).
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025
Teatro Público de Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre will present El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom by Matt Barbot. Featuring: Roxana Bell, Nathalie Bermudez, Alisha Caraballo, Angelluis Centeno, Alejandro Martinez Jr., Elena Grace Thomson (Understudy).
the cell theatre Will Host Talkback With Part of the Solution Following Performance of SHELTERED
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025
Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre will host a special talkback event with Part of the Solution (POTS), a Bronx based organization which provides services to to low-income families and individuals.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025
Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre will host a special talkback event with Part of the Solution (POTS), a Bronx based organization which provides services to to low-income families and individuals.
Cast & Design Team Set For World Premiere Of THE TROJANS At The Cell Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 16, 2025
Two-time Drama Desk Award-nominated Loading Dock Theatre and Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre will present the World Premiere of The Trojans, an 80s synthwave musical adaptation of The Iliad, with Book & Original Music by Leegrid Stevens. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 16, 2025
Two-time Drama Desk Award-nominated Loading Dock Theatre and Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre will present the World Premiere of The Trojans, an 80s synthwave musical adaptation of The Iliad, with Book & Original Music by Leegrid Stevens. Learn more!
Sophia Anne Caruso Joins Netflix's ONE PIECE Series
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 14, 2025
Beetlejuice star Sophie Anne Caruso is set to appear in Season 2 of Netflix's live-action One Piece series, based on the popular manga of the same name.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 14, 2025
Beetlejuice star Sophie Anne Caruso is set to appear in Season 2 of Netflix's live-action One Piece series, based on the popular manga of the same name.
WHERE WE MEET To Play Limited Run At The Cell
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2024
Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre announced the limited run of WHERE WE MEET, a solo musical by Kate Eberstadt, exploring quantum physics and human experience through music, from September 27-29, 2024.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2024
Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre announced the limited run of WHERE WE MEET, a solo musical by Kate Eberstadt, exploring quantum physics and human experience through music, from September 27-29, 2024.
Recap the 2024 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 16, 2024
The 77th Annual Tony Awards have officially begun! As winners take the stage this evening, stay tuned to BroadwayWorld as we bring you full text of all of the acceptance speeches; from the emotional to the humorous, and everything in between.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 16, 2024
The 77th Annual Tony Awards have officially begun! As winners take the stage this evening, stay tuned to BroadwayWorld as we bring you full text of all of the acceptance speeches; from the emotional to the humorous, and everything in between.
Photos: La MaMa ETC's Great Jones Repertory Company Presents MEDEA
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2024
La MaMa ETC’s Great Jones Repertory Company joins forces with Director Zishan Ugurlu and experimental media and technology designers CultureHub to tell the story of MEDEA – a refugee whose reality is shattered when she learns of her and her children's looming exile. See photos from tge production here.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2024
La MaMa ETC’s Great Jones Repertory Company joins forces with Director Zishan Ugurlu and experimental media and technology designers CultureHub to tell the story of MEDEA – a refugee whose reality is shattered when she learns of her and her children's looming exile. See photos from tge production here.
2024 ESTROGENIUS FESTIVAL Announces Dance and Theatre Events
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 14, 2024
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.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 14, 2024
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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2024
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.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2024
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
by Stephi Wild - Feb 15, 2024
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.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 15, 2024
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Elizabeth Swados written?
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).
What awards has Elizabeth Swados been nominated for?
Hall of Fame Awards (), Outstanding Original Music (IT Awards) for Urban Odyssey, Outstanding Director, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Beautiful Lady, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Runaways, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Runaways, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Runaways, Direction (Obie Awards) for Runaways, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Runaways, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Runaways, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Runaways, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Runaways, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Nightclub Cantata, Best Musical Contribution (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Cherry Orchard, Best Musical Contribution (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nightclub Cantata and Best Musical Contribution (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Agamemnon.
What awards has Elizabeth Swados won?
Elizabeth Swados has won several prestigious awards, including Hall of Fame Awards, the Direction Obie Award for Runaways, and the Best Musical Contribution Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Cherry Orchard, Nightclub Cantata, and Agamemnon.
Videos