John Kander Headshot

John Kander

Birth Place: USA

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John Kander 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).

John Kander Photos

John Kander STAGE CREDITS

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

John Kander 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

John Kander 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

John Kander Videos

John Kander News


See Laura and Linda Benanti & More Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: CHICAGO THE MUSICAL at Actors Theatre Of Little Rock

I don’t have the proper words to express my elation felt at Actors Theatre of Little Rock’s immersive production of CHICAGO THE MUSICAL, which runs through July 27. If you do not have your tickets, get them now. It’s selling out fast, and you don’t want your experience of this show to be from listening to your friends about how great it was. Seriously, this group of performers have developed magic in the basement of the Quapaw United Methodist Church, and I absolutely love love love this show! 
Ariana Madix Adds Six Performances to CHICAGO Return Engagement

TV personality, actress and author Ariana Madix will add six more performances to her return in the role as 'Roxie Hart' in Chicago on Broadway. Learn more about when you can catch her in the show here!
Meet CABARET's 'Emcee' Understudies, David Merino and Marty Lauter

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre has released the performance schedule for understudies David Merino and Marty Lauter, who will alternate the role of ‘Emcee’ through the end of August.
Meet the Cast of JOB, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway!

Following two sold-out runs Off-Broadway, JOB, the play by Max Wolf Friedlich, starring acclaimed original cast members Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon, is coming to Broadway! Previews begin tonight. Meet the cast of JOB here!
Linda Eder, Laura and Linda Benanti, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.
CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Reveals Schedule for 'Emcee' & 'Sally Bowles' Alternates

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre has revealed performance schedule for the alternates playing the roles of the ‘Emcee’ and ‘Sally Bowles’ through the end of August.
Kelli O'Hara, Alex Newell & More to Star in Lyrics & Lyricists 2024/25 Season

The 92nd Street Y, New York has revealed the new Lyrics & Lyricists season and a slate of American Songbook concerts. Learn how to purchase tickets.
CABARET Comes to Actor's Express in July

Actor’s Express will continue its 36th season with the hit musical Cabaret with book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fredd Ebb. Actor’s Express transforms into the Kit Kat Club, a decadent hotspot in anything-goes 1929 Berlin.
Final Performances Set For CHICAGO in Canberra

Pre-sales for the final performances of CHICAGO in Canberra have begun today, with general public tickets on sale from Friday 21 June. One of Australia’s favourite musicals, CHICAGO, will play at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 7 to 29 September, the first time a professional production of the Broadway favourite has played in Australia’s capital city.
REVIEW: Lucy Maunder Shines As Roxie Hart As Walter Bobbie's Revival Of CHICAGO Receives A New Sydney Season With A Fabulous New Cast

Walter Bobbie’s 1996 Broadway Revival of CHICAGO is receiving a fourth Australian season with a fabulous new cast. 
Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl Join Dramatists Guild Council

Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl have joined The Dramatists Guild Council, the leadership team of the Guild.
Tony-Nominee Robyn Hurder Extends CHICAGO Run

Chicago on Broadway has just announced that Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder (A Beautiful Noise, Moulin Rouge! The Musical) has extended her stay on the cell block! The Tony Award-nominee will continue in the role of “Velma Kelly” through Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Ambassador Theatre.
Video: Eddie Redmayne Recalls an Audience Member Asking Him for a Selfie During CABARET

On Tuesday, Eddie Redmayne stopped by Late Night With Seth Meyers to discuss Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, which is now playing at the August Wilson Theatre. In Cabaret, Redmayne plays 'The Emcee', a role played by Joel Grey in the 1966 and 1987 Broadway productions. During the interview, he discussed his long attachment to the material and a time when an audience member asked him for a selfie during a performance. Watch the interview here!
Interview: Chatting With John Riddle, Star of LES MISERABLES At The Muny

The Muny opens its 106th season next week with the epic musical sensation Les Misérables. John Riddle returns to play Jean Valjean following his award-winning performance as Anatoly in CHESS last season. Broadway World sat down with John Riddle during his rehearsal lunch break to talk about the upcoming production, how he got his start on The Muny stage, and his success performing on Broadway in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, THE VISIT, and Disney’s FROZEN.  
Video: Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin Talk CABARET Tony Nominations

Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin stopped by The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, now playing at the August Wilson Theatre. In Cabaret, Redmayne plays 'The Emcee', a role played by Joel Grey in the 1966 and 1987 Broadway productions. He performs alongside Gayle Rankin as Sally Bowles, replacing Jessie Buckley from the West End production. Watch the full interview!
Drama Book Shop Will Host Signing and Talkback Event For 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'

The Drama Book Shop will host an event in conjunction with the release of the book, 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'. The event will feature Eila Mell and Heather A. Hitchens, and will include a talkback, signing, and live podcast recording.
Review: THE BAKER'S WIFE Is Full of Flavor at Ridgefield Theater Barn

This thoroughly enchanting production, replete with two strong leads and a 14-piece orchestra, triumphs in its simplicity of story brought alive with an easy-on-the-ears, tuneful Schwartz score
Pacific Conservatory Theatre Reveals Summer Season 60

PCPA has announced the lineup for its Summer Season 60, from June 13th through September 8th, 2024, at Solvang Festival Theater and Marian Theatre in Santa Maria.
ArtsCentric to Present Area Premiere of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS Beginning This Month

ArtsCentric in Baltimore has announced the area premiere of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, a powerful musical running June 28 - July 21, 2024. The show tells the true story of nine African American teens falsely accused in 1930s Alabama.

John Kander 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?

John Kander has been nominated for the following awards: 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), 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 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, including the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, The American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, and the Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production for "Chicago." He also received the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical for "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Cabaret." Additionally, Kander won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Woman of the Year," as well as for "Cabaret."

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