Fred Ebb
Birth Place: USA
Marc Kudisch, George Salazar and More Set For THE (DISASTER) MARATHON OF 1904 Reading (Jun 11, 2026)
Mark Ballas Will Return to CHICAGO on Broadway (Jun 11, 2026)
UNZIPPED to Feature Broadway Veterans in TRU Voices New Musicals Series (Jun 10, 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: Whitney Leavitt Gets Tattoo to Celebrate Breaking CHICAGO Ticket Record
by Michael Major - 2026-03-18 16:25:40
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
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 11, 2026
Marc Kudisch, George Salazar, and Taylor Trensch are among the cast set for a developmental reading of The (Disaster) Marathon of 1904, a new musical comedy about the chaotic 1904 St. Louis Olympic marathon, presented by New Next Now at Open Jar Studios.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 11, 2026
“Dancing with the Stars” three-time champion, Emmy-nominated choreographer, singer-songwriter, musician, and actor Mark Ballas will return to Chicago on Broadway.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 10, 2026
Jenn Gambatese, Bryan Fenkart, and Patrick Oliver Jones headline the cast of UNZIPPED, a new musical by Douglas J. Cohen and Eva Margolies, in a free presentation at Theater 555 in NYC.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 9, 2026
South Korean pop star Ivy will make her Broadway debut, joining the cast of Chicago beginning this summer at the Ambassador Theatre. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2026
Tony nominee Damon Daunno (Oklahoma!) and Tony winner Ali Stroker (Oklahoma!) have joined the cast of Liza! at 80: A Celebration in Song and Dance, celebrating the legendary performer and her 80th birthday.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2026
Chicago on Broadway will welcome comedian, actor and singer Matteo Lane in the role of Billy Flynn beginning this month at the Ambassador Theatre. Learn more and find out how to get tickets here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2026
Transport Group announced Ali Stroker and Damon Daunno have joined the cast of LIZA! AT 80: A CELEBRATION IN SONG AND DANCE at Carnegie Hall, with Mo Rocca and Marc Shaiman set to host the one-night tribute.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 2, 2026
Theater Resources Unlimited will present a free live reading of UNZIPPED, a new musical by Eva Margolies and Douglas J. Cohen, at Theater 555 in NYC, followed by an industry talkback panel.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026
Queen Latifah will lead a special tribute performance to the musical Chicago, celebrating the show's 30 years on Broadway, at this year's Tony Awards. Learn more here!
by Adela González Pérez - May 27, 2026
La producción inmersiva de LETSGO anuncia sus nuevos protagonistas titulares de cara a las funciones en el Euskalduna Bilbao
by Stephi Wild - May 26, 2026
The Stage Door Foundation's NEW NEXT NOW series announced directors for three industry readings of original musicals, with Schele Williams, Billie Aken-Tyers, and Jesca Prudencio each helming a new work.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 21, 2026
Cheeyang Ng, recipient of the Fred Ebb, Princess Grace, and Jonathan Larson Awards, will present a one-night-only live recording event of solo ritual musical LEGENDARY at Berklee Power Station in New York City.
by Stephi Wild - May 20, 2026
Krysta Rodriguez will join the cast of Chicago as Roxie Hart. She will begin performances in June at the Ambassador Theatre. Rodriguez most recently appeared on Broadway in SMASH.
by A.A. Cristi - May 19, 2026
TADA Productions will present the Broadway musical CHICAGO at The TADA Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska's Historic Haymarket District, featuring Bailey Domann as Roxie Hart and Matt Nesmith as Billy Flynn.
by Adela González Pérez - May 18, 2026
Los alumnos de 4ºM de Interpretación Musical se despiden de las aulas con un montaje de intriga metateatral, orquesta en directo y funciones con fines solidarios.
by Andrew Poretz - May 16, 2026
Ella Mae Dixon brought jazz swagger and Broadway heart to 54 Below with SWINGIN’ SHOWTUNES on 5/10! Blending powerhouse vocals, vulnerable storytelling and inventive arrangements, Dixon turned classic musical theater into vibrant late-night jazz.
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2026
Broadway’s original cast album of “Chicago” is among the selections joining the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2026. Learn more about the full list here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2026
Dawn Derow will bring her MAC Award-winning cabaret show Sing Happy back to The Triad in New York City, celebrating Broadway's iconic women through the music of Kander & Ebb.
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026
The Smith Center in Las Vegas announced its upcoming season lineup, including Broadway productions SHUCKED and Alicia Keys' HELL'S KITCHEN, plus concerts from Natalia Lafourcade, Boney James, and others.
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026
O’Connell & Company will present the Tony Award–winning musical comedy mystery Curtains, running through May 19 at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center. Check out photos of the production.
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
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