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Ed Kleban

Also Credited As: Edward Kleban

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Ed Kleban was an American composer and lyricist, best known for his work on the Tony Award-winning musical "A Chorus Line." Born on April 30, 1939, in the Bronx, New York, Kleban grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan and went on to study at the Columbia University School of General Studies.
Kleban's career in theater began in the 1960s, when he worked as a rehearsal pianist for various Broadway productions. He later transitioned to writing his own material, and in 1975, he began collaborating with composer Marvin Hamlisch on a new musical called "A Chorus Line." The show, which explored the lives of Broadway dancers auditioning for a spot in a chorus line, was a critical and commercial success and won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Kleban's work on "A Chorus Line" earned him a Tony Award for Best Original Score and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He went on to write the music and lyrics for several other musicals, including "Gallery" and "The Madwoman of Central Park West." In 1987, he released a solo album called "A Class Act," which featured songs from his unproduced musicals.
Despite his success on Broadway, Kleban struggled with personal demons throughout his life. He was known for his sharp wit and acerbic personality, which often alienated those around him. He was also plagued by health problems, including a heart condition that required him to undergo multiple surgeries.
Kleban died on October 28, 1987, at the age of 48, due to complications from surgery. In 2001, his life and work were celebrated in the musical "A Class Act," which was co-written by Linda Kline and Lonny Price and featured music and lyrics by Kleban. The show received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical and was later adapted into a film.

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Ford And Campbell Join Workshop Of New Edward Kleban Musical GALLERY

Join the Weathervane Theatre for a workshop presentation of the new Edward Kleban musical, GALLERY, starring Sara Jean Ford and Ta’Rea Campbell.

Sara Jean Ford and Ta'Rea Campbell Join Workshop of Ed Kleban's GALLERY

The Weathervane Theatre will offer a workshop presentation of GALLERY by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Kleban. We have all the details!

WHISPER DARKLY Concept Album Featuring Brad Oscar, Alli Mauzey & More Out Now

The concept album of the new immersive electro-swing musical Whisper Darkly is available in digial and streaming formats now.

Mary Testa to Star in GALLERY Workshop Presentation at The Weathervane Theatre

The Weathervane Theatre will offer a Workshop presentation of GALLERY by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Kleban (A Chorus Line). Learn more about Gallery and see who is starring!

World Premiere Musical GALLERY & More Set for Weathervane Theatre 59th Season

The Weathervane Theatre will present ten productions on its Mainstage between June 13 and October 13, 2024. Learn about the productions and see additional details about the company's 59th season!

Review: AN EVENING WITH ARI AXELROD Presents a Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man at Birdland

If you were asked to describe yourself in 14 songs, what would they be? That is the challenge that singer Ari Axelrod set for himself in his show which opened at Birdland last night entitled simply enough, AN EVENING WITH ARI AXELROD. What emerged from that question is a portrait of an artist who is intelligent, sensitive, somewhat anxious, and remarkably contemplative for someone just on the cusp of 30.

Danny Burstein, Andrea Martin & More to Join 34th Annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre Ceremony

The Kleban Foundation will present the 34th annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre on Monday, February 5 at 4PM in a private ceremony (by invitation only) hosted by ASCAP and BMI at New World Stages.

Rona Siddiqui and Lisa Loomer Receive 2024 Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre

The Kleban Foundation has announced the recipients of the 34th annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre. The 2024 Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theatre lyricist has been awarded to Rona Siddiqui. The 2024 Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theatre librettist has been awarded to  Lisa Loomer.

Brad Oscar, Alli Mauzey & More to Star in Immersive Musical WHISPER DARKLY Concept Cast Album

The new immersive electro-swing musical Whisper Darkly – the first musical written in the retro-inspired genre – will release a concept cast album on Friday, February 23. Learn more about how to pre-save the music here!

The Drama Book Shop Announces Upcoming Author Events

The Drama Book Shop presents a series of events featuring new theatrical literary works by authors and playwrights. Join them for inspiring discussions and celebrations of the power of American theater. Reserve your seat on their website.

Photos: Wendy Scherl Encores THE SWEETNESS AND THE SORROW at Chelsea Table + Stage

Returning to the New York stage with her popular Marvin Hamlisch tribute show, Wendy Scherl gets captured in Conor Weiss's magical lens.

Andy Karl, Orfeh, Javier Muñoz & More to Join Primary Stages 39th Anniversary Gala

Get all the details about the upcoming Primary Stages 39th Anniversary Gala, where Kate Hamill and Beth Blickers will be honored. Find out when and where this star-studded event will take place. Plus, catch performances by Judy Gold, Andy Karl, and Orfeh.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 22, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 22, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Joe Iconis' ALBUM 5 LP Box Set Out Now

Discover the latest release from composer Joe Iconis, featuring a star-studded lineup including Aaron Tveit, Andrew Rannells, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. Stream or purchase this highly anticipated album now and immerse yourself in the world of musical theater brilliance.

Listen: Joe Iconis Chats THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL On BREAKING THE CURTAIN

Join Breaking the Curtain as they interview Joe Iconis about his upcoming musical, 'The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical'. Learn about the creative process, the fan response to 'Be More Chill', and much more in this exciting episode.

See Joe Iconis Featuring George Salazar & More Next Week at 54 Below

Next week will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Joe Iconis' ALBUM to be Released in a Special 5-LP Vinyl Box Set

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS announced that Album, the acclaimed recording by musical theater virtuoso Joe Iconis, will be released in a special vinyl box set on Friday, August 18.

See HANDS ON A HARDBODY Reunion Concert, Jenn Colella, Shaun Cassidy & More at 54 Below in June

This month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

JOE ICONIS & FAMILY to Return to 54 Below for a Summer Celebration

54 BELOW will welcome back Joe Iconis as he brings his beloved friends and eclectic catalogue for another round of Joe Iconis & Family from June 12 – 17 at 7:00pm.

Magnus Riise to Debut New Album UNTIL TOMORROW at The Cutting Room

On Sunday April 30th at 7pm, Queer Norwegian/American artist Magnus Riise will release his debut EP, Until Tomorrow, with a blow-out concert at The Cutting Room in New York City.

Ed Kleban FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ed Kleban has written 2 shows including Gallery (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist).

Ed Kleban has been nominated for several awards for his work on the Broadway show A Class Act. These nominations include Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards, and Music and Lyrics at the Obie Awards for A Class Act.

Ed Kleban has won the following awards for "A Class Act": Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards, and Music and Lyrics at the Obie Awards.

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