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Stephen Flaherty

Birth Place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

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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

Chef's Theater: A Musical Feast
[Off-Broadway]
2004
Performer

Productions

Ragtime
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Composer
RagtimeRagtime
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Composer
A Journey to the PastA Journey to the Past
 
[West End, 2022]
MUSIC AND LYRICS
AnastasiaAnastasia
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Music & Vocal Arrangements[Replacement]
AnastasiaAnastasia
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Vocal Arrangements
RockyRocky
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Composer
The Glorious Ones
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Vocal Music Arranger
Dessa Rose
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Vocal Music Arranger
Vocal Music Arranger
A Man of No Importance
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Vocal Music Arranger
Vocal Music Arranger
Once On This Island
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
Seussical
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Vocal Music Arranger
Ragtime
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Vocal Music Arranger
Proposals
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Composer
Once On This Island
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Vocal Music Arranger
Dance Music Arranger
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
Dames at Sea
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Piano

Writing

Knoxville
Composer
Anastasia
Composer
Dessa Rose
Composer
The Glorious Ones
Composer
Composer
Lucky Stiff
Composer
Composer
Once On This Island
Composer
Composer
Ragtime
Composer
Seussical
Bookwriter
Composer
Conceiver
Composer
Bookwriter
Conceiver

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Stephen Flaherty, Anastasia

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, The Glorious Ones

Olivier Awards - 2004 - Best New Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, A Man of No Importance


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Seussical the Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Flaherty, Ragtime


winner
Olivier Awards - 1995 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

Stephen Flaherty, Once On This Island

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Flaherty, Once on this Island

Videos

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News


Video: RAGTIME Cast Performs Opening Number on GOOD MORNING AMERICA Photo
Video: RAGTIME Cast Performs Opening Number on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 4, 2025

To celebrate the hit revival of Broadway's Ragtime, Good Morning America visited the Vivian Beaumont Theatre for an exclusive performance of the musical's opening number. Watch as the company, including Joshua Henry, Nichelle Lewis, Brandon Uranowitz, and Caissie Levy, takes the stage for the rousing number.
Photos: Danny Burstein, Gray Coleman and Donna McKechnie Honored at Gingold Gala Photo
Photos: Danny Burstein, Gray Coleman and Donna McKechnie Honored at Gingold Gala
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Dec 2, 2025

xGingold Theatrical Group celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a Gala, honoring Tony Award winner Danny Burstein, Gray Coleman, and Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie with the Golden Shamrock Award. See photos!
Mainstage Production LUCKY STIFF Extended at Florida Studio Theatre Photo
Mainstage Production LUCKY STIFF Extended at Florida Studio Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 1, 2025

Florida Studio Theatre's opening Winter Mainstage production, Lucky Stiff, has been extended. The musical features book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Music by Stephen Flaherty.
Video: Watch RAGTIME Perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Photo
Video: Watch RAGTIME Perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 27, 2025

Earlier this morning, the cast of Ragtime, currently running on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, hit the stage on 34th Street to perform at the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Led by Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis, the cast performed 'Wheels of a Dream' and the musical's title number. Watch the full performance here.
RAGTIME 2025 Broadway Cast Recording Will Be Released in January Photo
RAGTIME 2025 Broadway Cast Recording Will Be Released in January
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025

The 2025 Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, will be released digitally on January 9, 2026.
Review: Theatre Raleigh's ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Photo
Review: Theatre Raleigh's ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
by Jeffrey Kare - Nov 14, 2025

Based on Rosa Guy’s 1985 novel, My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl, a Caribbean-set retelling of the original fairy tale of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen.
Adam Gwon Will Offer Master Class Through Theatre Now Photo
Adam Gwon Will Offer Master Class Through Theatre Now
by Stephi Wild - Nov 10, 2025

Award-winning musical theatre writer Adam Gwon will offer a Master Class next week as part of Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights. Learn more here!
Danny Burstein, Gray Coleman, and Donna McKechnie to be Honored at Gingold Theatrical Photo
Danny Burstein, Gray Coleman, and Donna McKechnie to be Honored at Gingold Theatrical Group Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025

Gingold Theatrical Group will host a one-night-only gala fundraiser, which will honor Tony Award winner Danny Burstein, Gray Coleman, and Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie with the Golden Shamrock Award. 
RAGTIME Extends on Broadway Due to Demand Photo
RAGTIME Extends on Broadway Due to Demand
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater’s 2025 revival of Ragtime, directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, has extended performances by popular demand through June 14, 2026.
Conundrum Theatre Company To Present RAGTIME At The Broadwater Theater Photo
Conundrum Theatre Company To Present RAGTIME At The Broadwater Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2025

Conundrum Theatre Company will continue its tradition of community-driven, high-quality theatre with a new production of Ragtime, running December 5–14, 2025, at the Broadwater Theater in Hollywood.
Video: Amaya White Sings 'Waiting for Life' from ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Theatre Ralei Photo
Video: Amaya White Sings 'Waiting for Life' from ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Theatre Raleigh
by Joshua Wright - Oct 30, 2025

Watch Amaya White sing 'Waiting for Life' from Theatre Raleigh's Once On This Island accompanied by Brian Whitted. The production runs November 12th through November 23rd, 2025.
ANASTASIA The Musical at the Regent Theatre Casts Four Youth Performers In the Title Photo
ANASTASIA The Musical at the Regent Theatre Casts Four Youth Performers In the Title Role
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 25, 2025

Producers of Anastasia The Musical have announced the young Melbourne actors sharing the role of Little Anastasia in the upcoming Australian production.
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and More Set for Little Theatre Of Manchester 2026 Season Photo
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and More Set for Little Theatre Of Manchester 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025

Little Theatre of Manchester has revealed the complete lineup for its 2026 Season, five productions centering around the theme of 'The Search for Truth.' Learn more!
Video: RAGTIME Cast Discusses Show’s Modern Relevance on GOOD MORNING AMERICA Photo
Video: RAGTIME Cast Discusses Show’s Modern Relevance on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 23, 2025

On Thursday morning, Ragtime stars Caissie Levy, Joshua Henry, and Brandon Uranowitz joined Good Morning America to discuss the new revival of the beloved Broadway musical. Watch their conversation now.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala Photo
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 21, 2025

The Dramatists Guild Foundation hosted its annual Gala  at Ziegfeld Ballroom. This year’s Gala celebrated 25 years of the DGF Fellows program, fostering emerging dramatists through mentorship and collaboration to prepare their next great story for the stage. Check out photos here!
Video: SEUSSICAL Original Broadway Cast Reunites For 54 Below Concert Rehearsals Photo
Video: SEUSSICAL Original Broadway Cast Reunites For 54 Below Concert Rehearsals
by Michael Major - Oct 20, 2025

Members of the original cast of Seussical, the Musical will celebrate its 25th Anniversary at 54 Below tonight! Ahead of the 54 Below reunion concert, watch videos from rehearsals, including'Alone in the Universe,' 'Notice Me Horton,' and more.
Joshua Henry Receives Emotional Note From Brian Stokes Mitchell on RAGTIME Opening Photo
Joshua Henry Receives Emotional Note From Brian Stokes Mitchell on RAGTIME Opening
by Michael Major - Oct 20, 2025

Just minutes before Joshua Henry took the stage on opening night of Ragtime, he received a special delivery from the musical's original Coalhouse Walker, Brian Stokes Mitchell. Watch the video now!
Cabaret Roundup: October 20-26- Jackie Cox, Cabaret Convention & More Photo
Cabaret Roundup: October 20-26- Jackie Cox, Cabaret Convention & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 20, 2025

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week
Photos: RAGTIME Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway Photo
Photos: RAGTIME Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 20, 2025

The second Broadway revival of Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. In attendance were Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Hillary Clinton, and more! Check out the photos here!
SEUSSICAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT and More Set for 54 Below Next Week Photo
SEUSSICAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT and More Set for 54 Below Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 17, 2025

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Andew Keenan-Bolger, Ann Harada and more. Learn more!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Stephen Flaherty written?

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).

What awards has Stephen Flaherty been nominated for?

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.

What awards has Stephen Flaherty won?

Stephen Flaherty has won several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for A Man of No Importance, Seussical the Musical, and Ragtime. He also received Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Ragtime. Additionally, he won the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Ragtime. Furthermore, Flaherty earned The American Express Award for Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards for Once On This Island.

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