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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 (Incidental Music)
 
[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


FLORA THE RED MENACE Will Come to Lakewood Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2026

Lakewood Theatre Company will present FLORA THE RED MENACE on April 10 and 11 as part of its Lost Treasures Collection series, featuring the first Broadway collaboration of Kander and Ebb in a concert-style production in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Review: CHICAGO at the Kennedy Center
by Mary Lincer - Apr 2, 2026

When the original production of Chicago opened on Broadway in 1975, its subtitle read “A Musical Vaudeville.” And as distinctively Bob Fosse-style as it was (and is in this excellent touring production of the 1996 revival), Chicago has always been a slight history of vaudeville.
TV: CABARET celebra 200 funciones en el UMusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz
by Adela González Pérez - Mar 27, 2026

El elenco y equipo técnico del musical festejaron este hito con tarta y globos antes de subir el telón de la noche.
Oberlin Music Theater Students Wowed NYC Pros
by Kerry Trautman - Mar 27, 2026

On March 24, the nine graduating seniors from Oberlin's Music Theater program performed for industry professionals at New York’s Alvin Ailey Studios and to a sold-out crowd at the iconic 54 Below, booking over 100 appointments with agents.
Photos: Inside The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus HARMONY Benefit
by Stephi Wild - Mar 26, 2026

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus  held its annual gala fundraising benefit Harmony on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street). Check out photos here!
CHICAGO Will Return to Toronto in April
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2026

The Tony Award-winning musical CHICAGO will return to Toronto, captivating audiences with its classic tale of fame and fortune. Learn more about the show here!
WITCHES OF EASTWICK, MISS SAIGON, and More Set For OFC's 2026-27 Broadway In Brighton Series
by Stephi Wild - Mar 23, 2026

OFC Creations Theatre Center in Rochester, NY, will present its 2026-2027 Broadway in Brighton Series featuring shows like HAIRSPRAY, MISS SAIGON, and the regional premiere of THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK.
Exclusive: Two Unheard Sondheim Songs Debut in New Episode of LOVING YOU: THE UNTOLD SONDHEIM
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 19, 2026

BroadwayWorld can exclusively reveal new details of two previously unknown Stephen Sondheim songs, which debut on Thursday's episode of the podcast series Loving You: The Untold Sondheim.
Video: Whitney Leavitt Gets Tattoo to Celebrate Breaking CHICAGO Ticket Record
by Michael Major - Mar 18, 2026

Whitney Leavitt is celebrating her Chicago box office milestone in a big way! The tattoo comes after she and her husband, Conner Leavitt, decided she would get a tattoo if she broke the ticket sale record in Chicago. Watch the video!
USM Theatre To Present CABARET And Host Fundraising Gala In April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2026

The USM Department of Theatre will present CABARET this spring in Gorham, Maine. The production will include a fundraising gala performance. Tickets are available now.
Photos: KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN UK Tour In Rehearsal
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 17, 2026

Rehearsal photos have been released for the upcoming UK revival of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, opening at Curve in Leicester before touring to Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton Studios.
Whitney Leavitt Breaks CHICAGO Box Office Records For Biggest Weekly Gross In 29-Year History
by Michael Major - Mar 17, 2026

Whitney Leavitt, who has extended her run as 'Roxie Hart' through May 3, 2026 continues to break box office records at the Ambassador Theatre and has garnered audience and critical acclaim. 
The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus Sets Cast For HARMONY Benefit Gala
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus has announced the starry lineup for Harmony, the organization’s annual gala fundraising benefit, which will be held on Monday, March 23, starting at 6:00 PM at the Edison Ballroom.
Interview: Director Victoria Bussert Re-Awakened SPRING AWAKENING in Recent Run at The Beck Center
by Kerry Trautman - Mar 6, 2026

I checked in with director Victoria Bussert, for a conversation about her run of Spring Awakening which wrapped March 1st at The Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, OH. The show was presented in collaboration with the Oberlin College department of Music Theater, in Oberlin, OH, where Bussert is a longtime instructor.
CHICAGO to Offer $20 Rush Tickets for This Thursday's Added Matinee Performance
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 2, 2026

Chicago on Broadway, currently starring Whitney Leavitt as 'Roxie Hart' will offer $20 rush tickets to the added matinee performance. $20 RUSH tickets will be available in person day of beginning at 10AM.
Elvira Tortora Reprises THE BOOKMAKER'S DAUGHTER At Chelsea Table + Stage
by Stephi Wild - Mar 2, 2026

Elvira Tortora will reprise her 2024 Bistro Award-winning and MAC Award-nominated show The Bookmaker's Daughter at Chelsea Table + Stage on Saturday, April 11, at 7:00 PM.
Stage Door Foundation Launches NEW NEXT NOW for Musical Development
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026

The Stage Door Foundation revealed the artists and productions who will debut NEW NEXT NOW, a ground-breaking pipeline for the development of new musicals.
Transport Group To Present LIZA! AT 80: A CELEBRATION IN SONG AND DANCE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026

Transport Group will present Liza! at 80: A Celebration in Song and Dance, celebrating the legendary performer’s extraordinary career and 80th birthday.
TADA Theatre to Hold Auditions for CHICAGO in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2026

The TADA Theatre will be holding auditions for the production of Chicago in March!  This award-winning musical, features book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse and music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
GUYS AND DOLLS, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and More Set for Gulfshore Playhouse 2026-2027 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 24, 2026

Gulfshore Playhouse has announced its 2026–2027 season at the Baker Theatre and Education Center. The lineup includes THE WORLD GOES ’ROUND, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, HEIST, FUNDRAISER: A PLAY, GUYS AND DOLLS, JOB, and TARTUFFE.

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) for , 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 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's awards include: - 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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