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Hugh Wheeler

Date of Death: July 26, 1987 (75)

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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

Candide
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Adaptation
Candide
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Adaptation
Candide
 
[West End, 1999]
Adaptation
Candide
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Adaptation
Bookwriter
Meet Me in St. Louis
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Book Revisions
Candide
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Adaptation
Irene
 
[West End, 1976]
Book Revisions
Candide
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Adaptation
Irene
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Book Revisions

Writing

Irene
Bookwriter
Pacific Overtures
Additional Material
Silverlake
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Truckload
Bookwriter
Bookwriter

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

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News


A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Will Close Bergen County Players 92nd Season Photo
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.
ROPE World Premiere Adaptation and More Set for Hartford Stage 2025-26 Season Photo
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.
Jason Alexander-Directed SWEENEY TODD and More Set For La Mirada's 2025/2026 Season Photo
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.
SWEENEY TODD Announced At Lone Star College-North Harris Photo
SWEENEY TODD Announced At Lone Star College-North Harris
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2025

SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim & a book by Hugh Wheeler, will be presented by Lone Star College-North Harris & Cash Carpenter Productions.
Photos: First look at Olentangy Orange High School Orangelight Productions presents S Photo
Photos: First look at Olentangy Orange High School Orangelight Productions presents SWEENEY TODD
by Jerri Shafer - Mar 7, 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!
Opera Maine to Present SWEENEY TODD- THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET Photo
Opera Maine to Present SWEENEY TODD- THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025

Opera Maine will present Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a tale of vengeance, love, and dark humor that has captivated audiences for decades.
SWEENEY TODD, COME FROM AWAY And More Set for Playhouse on the Square 57th Season Photo
SWEENEY TODD, COME FROM AWAY And More Set for Playhouse on the Square 57th Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025

Playhouse on the Square will present its 57th season of shows starting on July 11th, 2025. The full lineup has been announced. Titles for the season include Seussical, Jagged Little Pill, and more. Get full details here!
Review: Leonard Bernstein’s Crazy Philosophical Satire CANDIDE Is Presented With Co Photo
Review: Leonard Bernstein’s Crazy Philosophical Satire CANDIDE Is Presented With Colour And Clear Storytelling
by Jade Kops - Feb 22, 2025

Opera Australia brings Victorian Opera’s production of CANDIDE to the Sydney Opera House. 
Aspire Performing Arts Brings SWEENEY TODD To Fair Lawn In January Photo
Aspire Performing Arts Brings SWEENEY TODD To Fair Lawn In January
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 9, 2025

Get ready for some macabre madness when Aspire Performing Arts Company's production of Sweeney Todd High School Edition comes to the Fair Lawn Community Center from January 24 to 26, 2025.
Fort Salem Theater Announces SWEENEY TODD Principal Casting Photo
Fort Salem Theater Announces SWEENEY TODD Principal Casting
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 3, 2025

Fort Salem Theater has announced principal casting for its highly anticipated 2025 production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Performances of Sweeney Todd are scheduled for April 25, 26, 27, and May 2, 3, 4, 2025.
SWEENEY TODD & More Set for Legacy Theatre 2025 Mainstage Season Photo
SWEENEY TODD & More Set for Legacy Theatre 2025 Mainstage Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 18, 2024

Legacy Theatre in Branford has revealed its 2025 Mainstage season, celebrating its 5th anniversary with a diverse lineup including Sweeney Todd and more. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
SWEENEY TODD 2023 Revival is Now Available at the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive Photo
SWEENEY TODD 2023 Revival is Now Available at the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2024

The 2023 revival of Sweeney Todd is now available at the New York Public Library For the Performing Arts as part of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. Learn more about the show and how to view it here!
Review: SWEENEY TODD at Georgetown Palace Photo
Review: SWEENEY TODD at Georgetown Palace
by Sabrina Wallace - Oct 7, 2024

Georgetown Palace’s production of Sweeney Todd masterfully captures the dark, unsettling themes of Sondheim’s iconic musical, offering a chilling yet entertaining experience. With standout performances by Damon Brown (Sweeney) and Sarah Jordan (Mrs. Lovett), the show balances moments of horror with twisted humor. Perfect show for the spooky season!
Entr'Acte Theatrix To Present SWEENEY TODD In October Photo
Entr'Acte Theatrix To Present SWEENEY TODD In October
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2024

Entr'Acte Theatrix in collaboration with Theatre of Collaborative Arts is deep into rehearsals for the Stephen Sondheim classic Sweeney Todd ~ The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 
Video: SWEENEY TODD at San Diego Musical Theatre Photo
Video: SWEENEY TODD at San Diego Musical Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 29, 2024

San Diego Musical Theatre is presenting the third production of their 2024 season, SWEENEY TODD, through Oct 20, 2024 at the SDMT Stage in Kearny Mesa. See footage from the production in the video here!
Kokandy Productions To Present SWEENEY TODD IN CONCERT At GSU's Center For Performing Photo
Kokandy Productions To Present SWEENEY TODD IN CONCERT At GSU's Center For Performing Arts
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2024

Kokandy Productions, in partnership with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, will present SWEENEY TODD IN CONCERT, a one-night event on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 7:30 pm at Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts.
Cape Ann Symphony Kicks Off 73rd Season This Month Photo
Cape Ann Symphony Kicks Off 73rd Season This Month
by Stephi Wild - Sep 17, 2024

Cape Ann Symphony will kick off the 73rd season at 2:00 PM on September, 29 2024 with an Orchestral Spectacular featuring music from Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin and Ottorino Respighi.
SWEENEY TODD to be Presented at San Diego Musical Theatre Photo
SWEENEY TODD to be Presented at San Diego Musical Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2024

San Diego Musical Theatre will present SWEENEY TODD this fall. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
SWEENEY TODD to Open The Downtown Cabaret Theatre 24-25 Season Photo
SWEENEY TODD to Open The Downtown Cabaret Theatre 24-25 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 3, 2024

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT will present its 2024-2025 season opener Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
SWEENEY TODD Comes to Portland Center Stage Next Month Photo
SWEENEY TODD Comes to Portland Center Stage Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Aug 28, 2024

Portland Center Stage will open their 2024-25 season with the chilling and iconic musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 
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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."

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