Hugh Wheeler
Latest News on Hugh Wheeler:
Friends and Collaborators of Stephen Sondheim Who Appear in His Collection at The Library of Congress (Nov 16, 2025)
Will Swenson and Lesli Margherita to Star in SWEENEY TODD Directed by Jason Alexander (Oct 31, 2025)
25 Theater Books for Your Fall 2025 Reading List (Oct 12, 2025)
Friends and Collaborators of Stephen Sondheim Who Appear in His Collection at The Library of Congress (Nov 16, 2025)
Will Swenson and Lesli Margherita to Star in SWEENEY TODD Directed by Jason Alexander (Oct 31, 2025)
25 Theater Books for Your Fall 2025 Reading List (Oct 12, 2025)
BIO
Hugh Callingham Wheeler (19 March 1912 – 26 July 1987) was a British-American novelist, screenwriter, librettist, poet and translator. He resided in the United States from 1934 until his death and became a naturalized citizen in 1942. He had attended London University.
Under the nom de plume Patrick Quentin, Q. Patrick and Jonathan Stagge, Wheeler was the author or co-author of many mystery novels and short stories. In 1963, his 1961 collection, The Ordeal of Mrs. Snow was given a Special Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America. He won the Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical in 1973 and 1974 for his books for the musicals A Little Night Music and Candide, and won both again in 1979 for his book for Sweeney Todd.
Wheeler is credited as "research consultant" for the film Cabaret, though numerous sources list him as co-writer of the screenplay.
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
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Additional Material
Bookwriter
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Awards and Nominations
Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Book of a Musical
Hugh Wheeler, Meet Me in St. Louis
winner
Olivier Awards - 1988 - Musical of the Year
Hugh Wheeler, Candide
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Book
Hughe Wheeler, Sweeney Todd
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1979 - Best Musical
Hugh Wheeler, Sweeney Todd
winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Book of a Musical
Hugh Wheeler, Sweeney Todd
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1976 - Best Musical
Hugh Wheeler, Pacific Overtures
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Book of a Musical
Hugh Wheeler, Candide
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1974 - Best Musical
Hugh Wheeler, Candide
winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Book of a Musical
Hugh Wheeler, Candide
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Book
Hugh Wheeler, A Little Night Music
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical
Hugh Wheeler, A Little Night Music
Videos
Video: First Look At Kathleen Turner & More In A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Ogunquit Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - 2024-07-31 12:24:10
Video: Joe Locke on His 'Best Friend' Patti LuPone Seeing Him in SWEENEY TODD
by Michael Major - 2024-02-12 14:26:59
Video: Josh Groban Sings His SWEENEY TODD Entrance Line on FALLON
by Michael Major - 2023-10-25 12:07:18
Listen: Gaten Matarazzo and the Cast of SWEENEY TODD Perform 'Not While I'm Around'
by Stephi Wild - 2023-07-07 06:12:02
Video: Watch Alex Lacamoire Break Down SWEENEY TODD Orchestrations During Sitzprobe
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-06-25 14:23:15
VIDEO: Cast of Pasadena Playhouse's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Sings 'A Weekend in the Country' & 'Send In The Clowns'
by Alan Henry - 2023-04-24 13:44:06
Video: Josh Groban Reveals What's Really Inside the SWEENEY TODD Meat Pies on COLBERT
by Michael Major - 2023-04-18 13:05:42
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for 5th Avenue's SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
by Alan Henry - 2023-04-13 13:47:12
Video: Josh Groban Reveals Why Starring in SWEENEY TODD Was a 'Big Risk' on CBS MORNINGS
by Michael Major - 2023-04-10 13:11:29
Video: Gaten Matarazzo Talks Doing SWEENEY TODD 'Bigger Than Ever' on FALLON
by Michael Major - 2023-03-21 11:56:57
Video: Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, and Tommy Kail Talk SWEENEY TODD on CBS News
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-03-19 11:00:46
Video: Annaleigh Ashford Talks the Bloodiness of SWEENEY TODD on LATE NIGHT
by Michael Major - 2023-03-17 09:45:46
VIDEO: Emily Skinner, Jason Danieley, Sierra Boggess and More Star In A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC At Barrington Stage
by Alan Henry - 2022-08-15 16:55:20
Broadway Rewind: Watch Scenes from A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC with Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-05-23 17:01:00
VIDEO: Lea Salonga Sings 'Not While I'm Around' From SWEENEY TODD
by Alan Henry - 2019-10-02 14:54:10
VIDEO: Lea Salonga, Jett Pangan Preview 'A Little Priest' from SWEENEY TODD
by Oliver Oliveros - 2019-09-25 15:54:28
News
Friends and Collaborators of Stephen Sondheim Who Appear in His Collection at The Library of Congress
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 16, 2025
During his prolific and storied career, Sondheim collaborated with many other artists, from book writers to directors, from actors to musicians. Seeing Sondheim’s regular collaborators, close friends, one-time associates, mentors, and rare connections make appearances in his collection was both moving and illuminating.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 16, 2025
During his prolific and storied career, Sondheim collaborated with many other artists, from book writers to directors, from actors to musicians. Seeing Sondheim’s regular collaborators, close friends, one-time associates, mentors, and rare connections make appearances in his collection was both moving and illuminating.
Will Swenson and Lesli Margherita to Star in SWEENEY TODD Directed by Jason Alexander
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2025
Tony Award nominee Will Swenson and Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita will star in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at La Mirada Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2025
Tony Award nominee Will Swenson and Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita will star in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at La Mirada Theatre.
25 Theater Books for Your Fall 2025 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 12, 2025
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2025 reading list.
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 12, 2025
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2025 reading list.
Breaking Down Broadway's Spookiest Musicals
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 12, 2025
This past season contained a higher than usual amount of Broadway shows involving death; in fact, Operation Mincemeat and Dead Outlaw both specifically revolved around transporting a corpse! And Death Becomes Her leans into the hilarity as two women become gorgeous living corpses before our very eyes, thanks to a touch of magic. But plays and musicals about death and its attendant macabre topics have been a part of the theatre landscape for many decades...
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 12, 2025
This past season contained a higher than usual amount of Broadway shows involving death; in fact, Operation Mincemeat and Dead Outlaw both specifically revolved around transporting a corpse! And Death Becomes Her leans into the hilarity as two women become gorgeous living corpses before our very eyes, thanks to a touch of magic. But plays and musicals about death and its attendant macabre topics have been a part of the theatre landscape for many decades...
Photos: First look at The Room Upstairs’ SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
by Jerri Shafer - Oct 2, 2025
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up... and the carnage has only just begun!
by Jerri Shafer - Oct 2, 2025
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up... and the carnage has only just begun!
SWEENEY TODD to be Presented at The Jersey Shore Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2025
NENAproductions Theater Project will conclude its 2025 Season with the award-winning musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Learn more about the production!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2025
NENAproductions Theater Project will conclude its 2025 Season with the award-winning musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Learn more about the production!
SWEENEY TODD Comes to Little Theatre Of Manchester
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2025
Little Theatre of Manchester (LTM) has announced the cast and creative team for its November production of Stephen Sondheim's dark musical masterpiece, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2025
Little Theatre of Manchester (LTM) has announced the cast and creative team for its November production of Stephen Sondheim's dark musical masterpiece, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
SWEENEY TODD Comes to the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2025
SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is coming to the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma next year. Welcome to Fleet Street, where the razors are sharp, and the pies are… questionable.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2025
SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is coming to the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma next year. Welcome to Fleet Street, where the razors are sharp, and the pies are… questionable.
SWEENEY TODD Opens Aspire Community Theatre's Upcoming Season
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2025
Aspire is opening Season 9 with crowd favorite, Sweeney Todd. The musical is a 'bucket list' show for many performers. The production has been revived many times, most recently on Broadway.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2025
Aspire is opening Season 9 with crowd favorite, Sweeney Todd. The musical is a 'bucket list' show for many performers. The production has been revived many times, most recently on Broadway.
Review: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Nationaltheatret
by Christian Ranke - Sep 11, 2025
Staging A Little Night Music is always an ambitious undertaking. Stephen Sondheim’s musical is a delicate blend of wit, melancholy, romance, and irony, requiring both vocal sophistication and razor-sharp acting. This new production embraces the challenge with admirable flair, even if its reach occasionally exceeds its grasp.
by Christian Ranke - Sep 11, 2025
Staging A Little Night Music is always an ambitious undertaking. Stephen Sondheim’s musical is a delicate blend of wit, melancholy, romance, and irony, requiring both vocal sophistication and razor-sharp acting. This new production embraces the challenge with admirable flair, even if its reach occasionally exceeds its grasp.
MAN OF LA MANCHA and More Set for Birmingham Village Players 103rd Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2025
Birmingham Village Players will open its 103rd season this fall with five productions including Man of La Mancha and more. See the full season and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2025
Birmingham Village Players will open its 103rd season this fall with five productions including Man of La Mancha and more. See the full season and learn how to purchase tickets.
Hartford Stage Ticket Sales Open For All 2025-2026 Season Productions
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2025
All tickets for the 2025/2026 season at Hartford Stage are now on sale. The Tony Award-winning theater in downtown Hartford announced the dynamic lineup earlier this year.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2025
All tickets for the 2025/2026 season at Hartford Stage are now on sale. The Tony Award-winning theater in downtown Hartford announced the dynamic lineup earlier this year.
Which Shows Have Been Revived the Most in the 21st Century?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 11, 2025
Three of this season’s plays and two of this season’s musicals are already getting revived for the second or third time this century! Twenty-five years into the 21st century and Broadway has already seen multiple revivals of Glengarry Glen Ross, Our Town, Romeo and Juliet, Gypsy, and Sunset Boulevard.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 11, 2025
Three of this season’s plays and two of this season’s musicals are already getting revived for the second or third time this century! Twenty-five years into the 21st century and Broadway has already seen multiple revivals of Glengarry Glen Ross, Our Town, Romeo and Juliet, Gypsy, and Sunset Boulevard.
VIDEO: Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC At Bergen County Players
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2025
Check out the beautiful ballad 'Send in the Clowns' as sung by Sky Monroe of Morristown in Bergen County Players' production of Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning A Little Night Music, now on stage at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell through June 1. Watch video highlights of the production.
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2025
Check out the beautiful ballad 'Send in the Clowns' as sung by Sky Monroe of Morristown in Bergen County Players' production of Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning A Little Night Music, now on stage at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell through June 1. Watch video highlights of the production.
Bergen County Players Will Host Post-Show Talkback With Beth Fowler
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2025
Bergen County Players will host a special post-show talkback with Tony nominated actress Beth Fowler at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell. Learn more about the event here!
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2025
Bergen County Players will host a special post-show talkback with Tony nominated actress Beth Fowler at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell. Learn more about the event here!
Interview: Director Steve Bell and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at BCP
by Marina Kennedy - Apr 30, 2025
Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America’s longest-running little theater companies, proudly closes its 92nd season with Stephen Sondheim’s Tony award-winning A Little Night Music directed by Steve Bell.
by Marina Kennedy - Apr 30, 2025
Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America’s longest-running little theater companies, proudly closes its 92nd season with Stephen Sondheim’s Tony award-winning A Little Night Music directed by Steve Bell.
Photos: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC At Bergen County Players
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2025
Bergen County Players will close its 92nd season with Stephen Sondheim's Tony award-winning A Little Night Music at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell from May 3 through June 1. See photos from the production.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2025
Bergen County Players will close its 92nd season with Stephen Sondheim's Tony award-winning A Little Night Music at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell from May 3 through June 1. See photos from the production.
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Will Close Bergen County Players 92nd Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2025
Bergen County Players will close its 92nd season with Stephen Sondheim's Tony award-winning A Little Night Music at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell beginning in May.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2025
Bergen County Players will close its 92nd season with Stephen Sondheim's Tony award-winning A Little Night Music at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell beginning in May.
ROPE World Premiere Adaptation and More Set for Hartford Stage 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025
Hartford Stage has revealed the lineup for the Tony Award-winning theater’s 2025/2026 season, including a world premiere and more. See the full lineup and learn more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025
Hartford Stage has revealed the lineup for the Tony Award-winning theater’s 2025/2026 season, including a world premiere and more. See the full lineup and learn more.
Jason Alexander-Directed SWEENEY TODD and More Set For La Mirada's 2025/2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have announced its 2025/2026 season of shows. The season will include a production of Sweeney Todd, directed by Jason Alexander.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have announced its 2025/2026 season of shows. The season will include a production of Sweeney Todd, directed by Jason Alexander.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Hugh Wheeler written?
Hugh Wheeler has written 11 shows including Truckload (Bookwriter), Silverlake (Bookwriter), The Little Prince and the Aviator (Bookwriter), Irene (Bookwriter), Meet Me in St. Louis (Bookwriter), Big Fish, Little Fish (Playwright), Look, We've Come Through (Playwright), We Have Always Lived in the Castle (Playwright), A Little Night Music (Bookwriter), Pacific Overtures (Additional Material), Meet Me in St. Louis (Bookwriter).
What awards has Hugh Wheeler been nominated for?
Hugh Wheeler has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "Sweeney Todd." He also received nominations for Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Candide," Outstanding Book at the Drama Desk Awards for "Sweeney Todd," and Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Candide" and "A Little Night Music." Additionally, Wheeler's work on "Sweeney Todd" and "Candide" earned nominations for Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards.
What awards has Hugh Wheeler won?
Hugh Wheeler has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Candide," Outstanding Book at the Drama Desk Awards for "Sweeney Todd," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for both "Sweeney Todd" and "Pacific Overtures," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Sweeney Todd" and "Candide," Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Candide" and "A Little Night Music," and Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Candide" and "A Little Night Music."
Videos