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John Kander Headshot

John Kander

Birth Place: USA

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BIO

American composer John Kander (b. Kansas City, MO, March 18, 1927) is the musical partner of the songwriting team of Kander and Ebb, who together created at least sixteen Broadway shows, Flora the Red Menace (1965), Cabaret (1966), Chicago (1975), and Curtains (2007) among them. They also contributed material to fourteen films and television specials over their forty-year association. Independently John Kander supplied the scores to many films, including Something For Everyone (1970), Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Places in the Heart (1984), and Billy Bathgate (1991).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Off-Broadway], 1973
Performer


Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Music
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2014]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[West End, 2006] [Replacement]
Music[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Composer
 
[US Tour, 1962]
Dance Music
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Dance Music
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Rehearsal Pianist
Dance Music Arranger
 
[West End, 1958]
Dance Music

Writing

Music, Story
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Author
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding New Score

John Kander, New York, New York

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

John Kander, Curtains

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, Curtains


winner
Drama League Awards - 2007 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

John Kander

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Musical Production

John Kander, Cabaret

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Curtains


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - The American Express Tribute

John Kander


winner
Olivier Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Musical Production

John Kander, Chicago

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, Steel Pier

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Steel Pier

Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Musical Revival

John Kander, Cabaret

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music

John Kander , Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Musical

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Olivier Awards - 1993 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

John Kander, Kiss Of The Spider Woman


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Rink


winner
Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Woman of the Year

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Musical of the Year

John Kander, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Act

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Happy Time


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Musical

John Kander, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Cabaret

Videos

News


Robyn Hurder Will Return to CHICAGO Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Nov 26, 2025

Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder is set to return to the cell block! Hurder will return to the role of “Velma Kelly” in the Broadway cast of Chicago next month. Learn more here!
Video: Watch Alex Newell Sing 'When You're Good to Mama' in CHICAGO
by Michael Major - Nov 25, 2025

Chicago the Musical has released a new video of Alex Newell singing 'When You're Good to Mama.' Newell recently joined the show alongside Tony-nominee Kate Baldwin as 'Roxie Hart.'
Ryan Graham Hinds to Make UK Debut In LANDING IN LONDON At The Crazy Coqs
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025

Canadian theatre and cabaret star Ryan Graham Hinds is landing at The Crazy Coqs for a fabulous UK debut! Ryan shares what prompted a move to a new country and a new life in London.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 25, 2025- First Look At CHICAGO's Newest Stars and More
by - Nov 25, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 25, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: Kate Baldwin and Alex Newell in CHICAGO on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025

You can now get a first look at new photos of two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin as Roxie Hart, Tony Award winner Alex Newell as Matron 'Mama' Morton and more in Chicago on Broadway.
New York City Gay Men's Chorus Will Honor John Kander at Annual Gala HARMONY
by Stephi Wild - Nov 24, 2025

This  very special evening includes: an open bar, three-course dinner, and entertainment with performances from the New York City Gay Men's Chorus and friends from Broadway.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Soundtrack Now Available on CD
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025

Kiss of the Spider Woman – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is now available on CD. The album was released in streaming and digital platforms last month and will be available on Friday, December 19.
Photos: First look at New Albany High School Theatre’s CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION
by Jerri Shafer - Nov 21, 2025

Chicago: Teen Edition transports us to the roaring twenties, where Roxie Hart, a chorus girl with big ambitions, murders her unfaithful lover and convinces her devoted husband, Amos, to take the blame—until he realizes the truth. Sent to death row, Roxie encounters fellow “Merry Murderess” Velma Kelly, and the two fierce rivals battle for fame, headlines, and ultimately, freedom.
CHICAGO, KINKY BOOTS and More to Return to Mirvish Stages This Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2025

Due to popular demand, David and Hannah Mirvish will present the return of four Broadway musicals to the Mirvish stages next spring!  These Toronto audience favourites include Chicago and more.
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.
STEEL PIER to be Presented at Orange County School Of The Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025

Orange County School of the Arts Hal Struck Musical Theatre Conservatory students will  present their rendition of the John Kander and Fred Ebb Tony Award-nominated musical 'Steel Pier'.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Sets November Digital Release
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 10, 2025

Kiss of the Spider Woman, the 2025 adaptation of the Broadway musical, will arrive on digital platforms on November 11, 2025. The digital release will retail for $14.99 in standard definition and $19.99 in high definition. 
Review: CABARET at B. Iden Payne Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - Nov 7, 2025

UT’s Cabaret is precise, captivating, and haunting. Eavenson’s Sally Bowles dazzles, Burk’s Cliff grounds the story, and Gonima’s Emcee delivers chilling irony. The production is a mirror of history, not a period piece.
Photos: Alex Newell & Kate Baldwin Get Ready to Join CHICAGO
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 6, 2025

Broadway’s long-running hit Chicago is getting ready to welcome two new stars to the Ambassador Theatre this fall. Two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin steps into the role of Roxie Hart beginning Monday, November 10, 2025. One week later, Tony Award winner Alex Newell joins the cast as Matron “Mama” Morton on Monday, November 17. They just met the press ahead of their Chicago debuts and you can check out photos below.
Where Are All Of the New Musicals This Season?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 2, 2025

Only two new musicals are opening on Broadway in the first half of the 2025-2026 season: The Queen of Versailles and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). There has been much discourse on the topic of whether rising capitalization costs and the rareness of full recoupment is impacting the number of new musicals being produced on Broadway. 
The Green Room 42 Will Present FOR A DAY OF SKY In November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 31, 2025

The Green Room 42 will present for a day of sky on Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m., a one-night-only concert celebrating rarely heard songs by some of musical theatre’s greatest composers.
Photos: Ellie Roddy, Claire Marshall, and More in the National Tour of CHICAGO
by Stephi Wild - Oct 30, 2025

The National Tour of CHICAGO The Musical has released a first look at all new photos from the production. Check out the photos and learn more about the show here!
Chita Rivera Was Originally Set to Appear in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 23, 2025

Before her passing in 2024, Broadway legend Chita Rivera was originally attached to appear in the film adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, which hit theaters earlier this month. 
Tony-Winner Alex Newell and Tony-Nominee Kate Baldwin to Join the Cast of CHICAGO On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 21, 2025

Broadway’s Chicago welcomes two-time Tony nominee Kate Baldwin as Roxie Hart beginning November 10, 2025, and Tony Award winner Alex Newell as Matron “Mama” Morton beginning November 17 at the Ambassador Theatre.
Exclusive Photos: Norm Lewis, Vicki Lewis, Sandy Bainum, And The Cast In Rehearsal For WOMAN OF THE YEAR In Concert
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 18, 2025

The Foundation for New American Musicals will present a one-night-only concert of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy Woman of the Year by John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Peter Stone. Check out exclusive photos from rehearsal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has John Kander written?

John Kander has written 33 shows including A Family Affair (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Flora, the Red Menace (Composer), Go Fly a Kite (Composer), Cabaret (Composer), The Happy Time (Composer), Zorba (Composer), 70, Girls, 70 (Composer), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Composer), Liza (Composer), Chicago (Composer), 2 by 5 (Composer), The Act (Composer), Joe Masiell Not at the Palace (Material), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Composer), Woman of the Year (Composer), The Rink (Composer), Diamonds (Composer), How Lucky Can You Get? (Composer), And the World Goes 'Round (Composer), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Composer), Steel Pier (Composer), Over and Over (Composer), Fosse (Composer), The Visit (Composer), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Composer), The Scottsboro Boys (Composer), Come Fly Away (Composer), The Landing (Composer), Kid Victory (Music, Story), The Beast in the Jungle (Composer), New York, New York (Music).

What awards has John Kander been nominated for?

Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for New York, New York, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Scottsboro Boys, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Curtains, The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Chicago, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Steel Pier, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Steel Pier, Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Rink, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Woman of the Year, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Chicago, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Act, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Chicago, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Happy Time, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Cabaret and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.

What awards has John Kander won?

John Kander has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. These include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, and the Outstanding Musical Production award from the Olivier Awards for Chicago. He received the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, as well as the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for the same show. Kander also won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for Woman of the Year. Additionally, he earned the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Cabaret, along with the Tony Award for Best Original Score for Cabaret.

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Videos