Hugh Wheeler
Latest News on Hugh Wheeler:
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
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Hugh Wheeler, Meet Me in St. Louis
winner
Hugh Wheeler, Candide
winner
Hughe Wheeler, Sweeney Todd
winner
Hugh Wheeler, Sweeney Todd
winner
Hugh Wheeler, Sweeney Todd
winner
Hugh Wheeler, Pacific Overtures
winner
Hugh Wheeler, Candide
winner
Hugh Wheeler, Candide
winner
Hugh Wheeler, Candide
winner
Hugh Wheeler, A Little Night Music
winner
Hugh Wheeler, A Little Night Music
Videos
Video: Watch Songs From A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Marriott Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-07-16 21:37:35
Video: Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC At Marriott Theatre- First Look
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-06-24 20:51:37
Video: SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET Teased in New Clip from Hartford Stage
by Robert Diamond - 2026-06-12 17:06:08
Video: First Look at SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET at Texas State University
by Joshua Wright - 2026-04-09 11:56:58
Video: Will Swenson & Lesli Margherita in SWEENEY TODD at La Mirada Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2026-02-04 14:13:23
Exclusive: Will Swenson & Lesli Margherita Sing 'My Friends' From SWEENEY TODD
by Joshua Wright - 2026-01-31 17:48:21
Exclusive: Will Swenson & Lesli Margherita In Rehearsals For SWEENEY TODD
by Joshua Wright - 2026-01-22 22:31:43
Video: Lesli Margherita On Playing 'Mrs. Lovett' In SWEENEY TODD At La Mirada Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-01-13 18:55:53
Video: Will Swenson and Lesli Margherita Talk SWEENEY TODD at La Mirada; Full Cast Set
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2025-12-16 13:46:18
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
News
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 26, 2026
The Muny has announced the full cast for its upcoming production of Meet Me In St. Louis, including Emma Crow in the principal role of Lucille Ballard. The all-time Muny favorite, set in St. Louis, runs Aug. 6-13. We have all of the details here!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 21, 2026
The Muny's production of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS will include an original song by Academy Award, Grammy, and Golden Globe winner Mark Sonnenblick, performed by Tony winner Beth Leavel as housekeeper Katie Connelly.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 20, 2026
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma is presenting Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street through August 2. The production stars husband-and-wife performers Scott Guthrie and Lindsie VanWinkle-Guthrie and features a cast of 52, including members of Canterbury Voices.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 20, 2026
Northern Stage announced casting for its first-ever In Concert series production, SWEENEY TODD, led by Broadway veteran Bradley Dean alongside Producing Artistic Director Carol Dunne as Mrs. Lovett.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 16, 2026
New performance videos have been released from Marriott Theatre's production of A Little Night Music, now playing in Lincolnshire, Illinois through August 9. Watch Andrew Samonsky, Alexandra Silber, and the cast perform some of Stephen Sondheim's most beloved songs.
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 10, 2026
Perelman Performing Arts Center's world premiere production of Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo just opened! The production, which will now conclude performances on Sunday August 2, features book, music and lyrics by Jennifer Nettles, direction by Mary Zimmerman, and choreography by Austin Mccormick. Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo is produced by special arrangement with Adam Zotovich. Let's see what the critics have to say...
by Elliot Lanes - Jul 10, 2026
Today’s subject Ethan Heard is currently living his theatre life as the Associate Artistic Director of Signature Theatre. You can currently see his directing brilliance in the ARK with What Became of Us which plays through July 26th. The show is unique as it is a two character play with two different casts performing on alternating days. Read on for Ethan’s experience of rehearsing a show with that kind of cast set up.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 9, 2026
San Francisco Playhouse announced tickets are on sale for all seven productions in its upcoming season, including RENT, PETER PAN GOES WRONG, and the world premiere of R.O.I. by resident playwright Aaron Loeb.
by Tina St. Angelo - Jun 25, 2026
Jeff award-winning director Nick Bowling and this cast have created a work that reminds us of why Sondheim’s music is special. The orchestra under the direction of Brad Haak fills the theater with the intricate melodies of this musical. Sally Dolembo’s costumes are gorgeous and showcase the turn of the century style.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2026
A Little Night Music, Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's beloved Tony Award-winning musical, is now on stage through August 9. Directed by Nick Bowling, the production stars Andrew Samonsky, Alexandra Silber, Carmen Roman, Alan H. Green, Veronica Garza, and more. Check out video highlights of the show!
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 2026
Birmingham Repertory Theatre has released new rehearsal photos from its upcoming production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The production stars Ramin Karimloo in the title role opposite Meow Meow as Mrs. Lovett and runs July 4 through August 9.
by R. Scott Reedy - Jun 15, 2026
The popular stage performer – an original cast member in the 2005 Broadway production of “Lennon” and the fifth Elphaba in “Wicked” – is currently making her Boston directorial debut with the Psych Drama Company production of “Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” which will be at the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Black Box Theatre,
by Kat Mokrynski - Jun 25, 2026
Recently, we had the chance to speak with both Karimloo and Meow Meow about bringing Sweeney Todd to Birmingham Rep. We discussed what made both of them want to be a part of this production, what it takes to balance the humour and darkness of Sondheim and even some historical context from the 18th century!
by Robert Diamond - Jun 12, 2026
Hartford Stage has shared a new video teasing its upcoming chamber production of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, set to run June through July 2026.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 20, 2026
The Actors Studio of New Jersey announced a five-show 2026 mainstage season at the Dunellen Theatre, including ROCK OF AGES, MEAN GIRLS, SWEENEY TODD, THE LIGHTNING THIEF, and ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2026
The full cast has been set for the new production of Stephen Sondheim's musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in the UK.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 13, 2026
Birmingham Village Players will present A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC by Stephen Sondheim May 1-17, 2026, in Birmingham, MI, featuring a cast sharing their personal connections to the classic score.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 13, 2026
San Francisco Playhouse has revealed its 24th season, which will be presented August 2026 to September 2027. The season will feature three musicals and four plays.
by Joshua Wright - Apr 9, 2026
Texas State University's Department of Theatre and Dance has released first look footage of SWEENEY TODD, Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's musical thriller.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 10, 2026
Rahway High School will present SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, a thrilling tale of revenge and dark humor, at their Performing Arts Center in March.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
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.
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."
