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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


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!

Tom Nelis, Andrew Polec, and More Will Lead the Off-Broadway Premiere Of THE BEAUTIFUL LADY

Broadway actors Tom Nelis (INDECENT), Henry Stram (TITANIC), Ashley Perez Flanagan (FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME), Andrew Polec (BAT OUT OF HELL), Kate Fuglei (SPRING AWAKENING), George Abud (THE VISIT) and Drama Desk winner Starr Busby (OCTET) are among the 12-member cast of the new musical THE BEAUTIFUL LADY.

Metcalf, Maslany & Sparks Led GREY HOUSE Sets Complete Cast & Creative Team

Final casting has been revealed for the terrifying New York premiere of Grey House by Levi Holloway, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Clown Gym To Present TODAY'S MESS At The Cell

As a part of the cell's 2023 Residency Program, Clown Gym will present a new devised piece entitled Today's Mess with performances on April 6 and April 7 at 8:00 PM (EST) at the cell (338 W. 23rd St. New York, NY)

Elizabeth Swados' THE BEAUTIFUL LADY to Have NYC Debut at La MaMa in May

THE BEAUTIFUL LADY – a new musical work by the Tony nominated composer Elizabeth Swados (RUNAWAYS in 1978), with text translated by Paul Schmidt – will have its NYC debut at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre this spring.

Darren Criss, Brian d'Arcy James, Jessica Vosk & More to Take Part in Atlantic Theater Company Gala

Atlantic Theater Company will present their 2023 Gala on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. See who is performing, and how to purchase tickets!

Immersive Solo A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE Begins Performances March 28

Spin Cycle presents 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 begin on Lady Gaga's birthday - Tuesday, March 28.

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. She has 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.

Elizabeth Swados has won several awards throughout her career. She has been inducted into the Hall of Fame Awards. She has also received the Obie Awards for Direction for the show Runaways. Additionally, she has won the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical Contribution for three different shows: The Cherry Orchard, Nightclub Cantata, and Agamemnon.

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