Fred Ebb
Birth Place: USA
Stage Door Foundation Launches NEW NEXT NOW for Musical Development (Feb 27, 2026)
Transport Group To Present LIZA! AT 80: A CELEBRATION IN SONG AND DANCE (Feb 27, 2026)
TADA Theatre to Hold Auditions for CHICAGO in March (Feb 24, 2026)
BIO
As a writer, lyricist, composer and director, Fred Ebb made incalculable contributions to the New York theatrical community. Mr. Ebb is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy, Olivier and Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award winning recipient. Fred Ebb's first professional songwriting assignment came in 1953 when he and Phil Springer were hired by Columbia Records to write a song for Judy Garland called "Heartbroken." Mr. Ebb was introduced to composer John Kander in 1964 by music publisher Tommy Valando and became one of the most legendary songwriting teams in American history. The first successful collaboration was on the song "My Coloring Book," recorded by Barbra Streisand. Their second theatrical collaboration, Flora, the Red Menace, created a star out of Liza Minnelli in her Tony Award-winning Broadway debut. In 1966, their collaboration Cabaret, opened and received seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score. A 1972 movie version of Cabaret starring Liza Minnelli was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won eight awards and was nominated for nine Golden Globe Awards and won three including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy. The same year, the songwriting team wrote a number of songs for Minnelli's television special "Liza With a Z," which received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Program - Variety or Popular Music. In 1975, the two wrote the Broadway musical Chicago, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach. The musical was successfully revived 20 years later at City Center ENCORES! and subsequently transferred to Broadway where it is currently the longest running revival in Broadway history. In 1977, the team collaborated with Martin Scorsese on the movie New York, New York; the title song was introduced by Minnelli and later recorded by Frank Sinatra becoming the unofficial theme song of New York City. The Minnelli Broadway vehicle The Act also opened that year. After a four-year absence, Mr. Ebb and Mr. Kander returned with Woman of the Year (1981), The Rink (1984), Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1985) and Steel Pier (1997). They were honored by the Kennedy Center with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. Miramax's 2002 feature film Chicago was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture and was nominated for eight Golden Globe Awards and won three, including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
Fred Ebb, The Visit
Fred Ebb, The Visit
Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys
winner
Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys
Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys
Fred Ebb, Curtains
winner
Fred Ebb
Fred Ebb, Curtains
winner
Fred Ebb
Fred Ebb, Steel Pier
winner
Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman
winner
Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Fred Ebb, The Rink
winner
Fred Ebb, Woman of the Year
Fred Ebb, Chicago
Fred Ebb, The Act
Fred Ebb , Chicago
Fred Ebb, Chicago
winner
Fred Ebb, Zorba
Fred Ebb, The Happy Time
winner
Fred Ebb, Cabaret
winner
Fred Ebb, Cabaret
Videos
Video: Watch Alex Newell Sing 'When You're Good to Mama' in CHICAGO
by Michael Major - 2025-11-25 13:40:31
Video: Jennifer Lopez New Musical Clip from KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-08 11:12:13
Video: Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Seeing Her First Broadway Show
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-06 13:44:57
Video: Jennifer Lopez Talks Lifelong Love of Musicals on CBS SUNDAY MORNING, Previews KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-29 11:43:08
Listen: Tonatiuh Sings 'She's a Woman' From KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-26 11:49:34
Video: Jennifer Lopez, Tonatiuh, & More on Bringing KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN to Life
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-22 15:43:17
Video: Watch CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Take Its Final Bow on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-09-22 09:48:28
Video: Jennifer Lopez Sings Title Song From KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Stephi Wild - 2025-09-05 07:51:03
Video: Watch Jacqueline B. Arnold Sing 'When You're Good to Mama' in CHICAGO
by Michael Major - 2025-08-28 14:01:40
Video: KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Film Trailer, Starring Jennifer Lopez
by Stephi Wild - 2025-08-20 09:34:10
Video: Billy Porter on the Difference Between His Directing and Performance Styles: 'I'm About Love'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-25 10:25:23
Video: Billy Porter Says He is Returning to a 'Better' Broadway in CABARET
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-23 10:20:16
Video: Billy Porter Talks Fulfilling Dream Role as Emcee in Broadway’s CABARET
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-21 12:00:41
Video: Look Back on Chita Rivera Singing 'Buenos Aires' From EVITA in Throwback Performance
by Michael Major - 2025-07-07 15:11:33
Video: Watch Marisha Wallace Sing 'Maybe This Time' From CABARET
by Michael Major - 2025-06-23 16:59:39
News
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.
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.
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.
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.
by Paul Batterson - Feb 23, 2026
In the Columbus Children’s Theatre production of CABARET, nothing is what it appears to be. A line can be repeated but cast a completely different meaning and things that are commonplace in the first act take on a darker symbolic meaning by the second.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 22, 2026
Current star of Masquerade Telly Leung discusses with Jennifer Ashley Tepper playing the Phantom in the immersive production, the full circle from Rent fan to Rent actor, Gavin Creel’s leadership during a production that never was, and much more.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 20, 2026
Broadway In Chicago has announced that tickets for CHICAGO THE MUSICAL will go on sale for its upcoming tour engagement. The 2025–26 cast includes Ellie Roddy, Claire Marshall, and Max Cervantes.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2026
Joey Contreras' new musical In Pieces, will make its London premiere this spring, with an exclusive one night only concert at The Other Palace on Monday 30 March.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026
Whitney Leavitt (“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” “Dancing with the Stars”) will return as “Roxie Hart” in Chicago on Broadway from Monday, March 23 through Sunday, April 5.
by Annette Stolt - Feb 11, 2026
It's been 25 years since Chicago was played at Oscars teatern. Now it is back with Broadway and West End star Peter Jöback as Billy Flynn along the Ellen Lindblad as Roxie and Hanna Lindblad as Roxie.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 8, 2026
The Broadway production of Ragtime was a glorious accomplishment, a riveting testament to the original American musical and to all that America itself could be. The show ran for 834 performances at the Ford Center, closing in the final year of the 20th century. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, taking home four.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026
Co-producers Curve, Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton have revealed the full cast for the upcoming revival of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman.
by Michael Major - Feb 3, 2026
Dancing with the Stars semi-finalist and star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Whitney Leavitt made her Broadway debut in the role of 'Roxie Hart' in Chicago on Broadway. Watch videos of her singing 'Roxie' and taking her first bow!
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 30, 2026
This February, Broadway fans will be treated to many new things to stream, including a new episode of The Muppet Show with Sabrina Carpenter, an animated movie featuring Cole Escola, Ryan Murphy's Love Story, and Kiss of the Spider Woman with Jennifer Lopez.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2026
The Kleban Foundation will present the 36th annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre on Monday, February 2 at 4PM in a private ceremony (by invitation only) hosted by ASCAP and BMI at ASCAP. Learn more about the lineup here!
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 27, 2026
CHICAGO will present a special post-show talkback featuring Whitney Leavitt and Dylan Mulvaney, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the stars.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 26, 2026
Kiss of the Spider Woman, the 2025 adaptation of the Broadway musical, will be available to stream on Hulu beginning February 27, 2026, in the United States.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 26, 2026
Chicago on Broadway has released a new block of tickets through September 13, 2026. Tickets are on sale now. Learn more about the show and the new incoming cast here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026
The University of Michigan Department of Musical Theatre is currently hosting two creative teams for their New Works Festival, which will be presented in February to an invitation-only audience
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2026
Beginning Monday, February 2nd, the Tony-winning, record-breaking Broadway hit Chicago will welcome M. Kilgore as “Mary Sunshine” along with new ensemble members Austin Dunn, Danielle Marie Gonzalez, Christopher Kelley and Jeff Sullivan.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fred Ebb has written 34 shows including By Jupiter (Additional Material), Put It in Writing (Material), Morning Sun (Bookwriter), Flora, the Red Menace (Lyricist), Go Fly a Kite (Lyricist), Cabaret (Lyricist), The Happy Time (Lyricist), Zorba (Lyricist), 70, Girls, 70 (Bookwriter), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Lyricist), Liza (Bookwriter), Chicago (Bookwriter), Shirley MacLaine (Bookwriter), 2 by 5 (Lyricist), The Act (Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist), Woman of the Year (Lyricist), The Rink (Lyricist), Diamonds (Lyricist), How Lucky Can You Get? (Lyricist), And the World Goes 'Round (Lyricist), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Lyricist), Steel Pier (Lyricist), Over and Over (Lyricist), Fosse (Lyricist), Minnelli on Minnelli (Bookwriter), The Visit (Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Lyricist), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Lyricist), The Scottsboro Boys (Lyricist), Come Fly Away (Lyricist), New York, New York (Lyrics).
Fred Ebb has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Visit" and "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Music and Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Curtains," Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Curtains," The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Steel Pier," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Rink," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Woman of the Year," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Act," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Zorba," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Happy Time," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Cabaret," and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Cabaret."
Fred Ebb has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on The Scottsboro Boys. He was also honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award at the Drama League Awards. The Helen Hayes Awards presented him with The American Express Tribute. Ebb's musical Kiss of the Spider Woman won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was also recognized with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production. Additionally, Ebb won the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for Woman of the Year. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for Zorba. Lastly, Ebb's musical Cabaret won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was honored with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production as well.
Videos