Richard Adler
Birth Place: New York, NY, USA
Latest News on Richard Adler:
BWW Q&A: Rob McClure Talks Damn Yankees at Arena Stage (Oct 29, 2025)
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from DAMN YANKEES (Oct 28, 2025)
Exclusive: Rob McClure Sings 'Those Were The Good Old Days' from DAMN YANKEES (Oct 28, 2025)
BWW Q&A: Rob McClure Talks Damn Yankees at Arena Stage (Oct 29, 2025)
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from DAMN YANKEES (Oct 28, 2025)
Exclusive: Rob McClure Sings 'Those Were The Good Old Days' from DAMN YANKEES (Oct 28, 2025)
BIO
Mr. Adler co-composed the music and lyrics for Pajama Game and Damn Yankees, both of which won Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Score. He also earned a Tony Award nomination for his musical, Kwamina. Some of his biggest hit songs are You Gotta Have Heart, Hey, There, Hernando’s Hideaway, Whatever Lola Wants, Steam Heat, Rags to Riches, and Everybody Loves a Lover.
During the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, Richard Adler staged and produced numerous presidential entertainments, including the unforgettable birthday celebration for President Kennedy featuring Marilyn Monroe singing Happy Birthday, Mr. President.
Productions
Writing
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
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Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
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Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
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Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
Tony Awards - 1962 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Richard Adler, Kwamina
winner
Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Musical
Richard Adler, Damn Yankees
winner
Tony Awards - 1955 - Best Musical
Richard Adler , The Pajama Game
Videos
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from DAMN YANKEES
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-28 16:56:06
Exclusive: Rob McClure Sings 'Those Were The Good Old Days' from DAMN YANKEES
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-28 14:18:06
Video: Cast of DAMN YANKEES Performs 'Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO'
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-24 10:48:54
Video: Ana Villafañe & Jordan Donica of DAMN YANKEES Perform 'Two Lost Souls' at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-07 10:01:16
Video: Sergio Trujillo On Reimagining DAMN YANKEES At Arena Stage
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-09-09 21:57:07
Video: DAMN YANKEES Star Quentin Earl Darrington Performs National Anthem At Nationals Park
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-08-22 16:33:57
VIDEO: Dick Van Dyke and Wife Arlene Silver Perform 'Everybody Loves a Lover'
by Marissa Tomeo - 2022-02-19 17:28:08
STAGE TUBE: 5th Avenue Theatre Gets Ready for a Steamy PAJAMA GAME
by Nicole Rosky - 2017-01-11 13:20:42
From the BroadwayWorld Vaults: Relive the Magic of DAMN YANKEES!
by Nicole Rosky - 2015-07-23 17:00:43
News
BWW Q&A: Rob McClure Talks Damn Yankees at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - Oct 29, 2025
We spoke to Rob McClure about Arena Stage's Broadway-Bound revival of Damn Yankees. This newly-imagined take on the beloved classic stars Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), Tony Award nominee Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy), Grammy Award nominee Quentin Earl Darrington (Joe Boyd), Bryonha Marie (Meg Boyd), and Alysha Umphress (Gloria Thorpe).
by Joshua Wright - Oct 29, 2025
We spoke to Rob McClure about Arena Stage's Broadway-Bound revival of Damn Yankees. This newly-imagined take on the beloved classic stars Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), Tony Award nominee Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy), Grammy Award nominee Quentin Earl Darrington (Joe Boyd), Bryonha Marie (Meg Boyd), and Alysha Umphress (Gloria Thorpe).
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from DAMN YANKEES
by Joshua Wright - Oct 28, 2025
Get a first look at Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy singing 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025 at Arena Stage.
by Joshua Wright - Oct 28, 2025
Get a first look at Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy singing 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025 at Arena Stage.
Exclusive: Rob McClure Sings 'Those Were The Good Old Days' from DAMN YANKEES
by Joshua Wright - Oct 28, 2025
Get a first look at Rob McClure singing Those Were The Good Old Days' from Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025. This newly-imagined take on the beloved classic stars Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), and Tony Award nominee Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy).
by Joshua Wright - Oct 28, 2025
Get a first look at Rob McClure singing Those Were The Good Old Days' from Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025. This newly-imagined take on the beloved classic stars Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), and Tony Award nominee Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy).
Video: Cast of DAMN YANKEES Performs 'Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO'
by Joshua Wright - Oct 24, 2025
Watch Alysha Umphress as Gloria Thorpe, Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy, and the Company of DAMN YANKEES performing 'Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO.'
by Joshua Wright - Oct 24, 2025
Watch Alysha Umphress as Gloria Thorpe, Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy, and the Company of DAMN YANKEES performing 'Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO.'
Video: Ana Villafañe & Jordan Donica of DAMN YANKEES Perform 'Two Lost Souls' at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - Oct 7, 2025
Watch Ana Villafañe as Lola, Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy, and the Company of DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage performing 'Two Lost Souls.'
by Joshua Wright - Oct 7, 2025
Watch Ana Villafañe as Lola, Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy, and the Company of DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage performing 'Two Lost Souls.'
Video: First Look at Revised DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage
by Michael Major - Sep 30, 2025
Watch a video of Damn Yankees starring Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy), Grammy Award nominee Quentin Earl Darrington (Joe Boyd), Bryonha Marie (Meg Boyd), and Alysha Umphress (Gloria Thorpe),
by Michael Major - Sep 30, 2025
Watch a video of Damn Yankees starring Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy), Grammy Award nominee Quentin Earl Darrington (Joe Boyd), Bryonha Marie (Meg Boyd), and Alysha Umphress (Gloria Thorpe),
Photos: First Look at Arena Stage's Revised DAMN YANKEES
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 22, 2025
Now running at Arena Stage is a revival of Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025, in the Fichandler Theater. Check out a first look at the star-studded cast in action!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 22, 2025
Now running at Arena Stage is a revival of Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025, in the Fichandler Theater. Check out a first look at the star-studded cast in action!
Review Roundup: DAMN YANKEES Opens at Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2025
See what the critics are saying about Damn Yankees at Arena Stage! Read the reviews for the production starring Rob McClure, Ana Villafañe and more, and learn more here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2025
See what the critics are saying about Damn Yankees at Arena Stage! Read the reviews for the production starring Rob McClure, Ana Villafañe and more, and learn more here!
Video: Co-Adaptors Will Power and Doug Wright Talk DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2025
A new adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Damn Yankees is now playing at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Watch video of from inside the rehearsal room with Co-Adaptors Will Power and Doug Wright here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2025
A new adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Damn Yankees is now playing at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Watch video of from inside the rehearsal room with Co-Adaptors Will Power and Doug Wright here!
Video: Sergio Trujillo On Reimagining DAMN YANKEES At Arena Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2025
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater will present a new adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Damn Yankees, running September 9 through November 9, 2025, in the iconic in-the-round Fichandler Stage, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Watch video of from inside the rehearsal room!
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2025
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater will present a new adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Damn Yankees, running September 9 through November 9, 2025, in the iconic in-the-round Fichandler Stage, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Watch video of from inside the rehearsal room!
Video: DAMN YANKEES Star Quentin Earl Darrington Performs National Anthem At Nationals Park
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 22, 2025
Quentin Earl Darrington, who stars as Joe Boyd in Arena Stage’s upcoming production of Damn Yankees, performed the National Anthem at Nationals Park on August 15, 2025, ahead of the Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. Watch the video!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 22, 2025
Quentin Earl Darrington, who stars as Joe Boyd in Arena Stage’s upcoming production of Damn Yankees, performed the National Anthem at Nationals Park on August 15, 2025, ahead of the Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. Watch the video!
Rob McClure, Ana Villafañe, Jordan Donica and More to Star in DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 29, 2025
Arena Stage has revealed the cast for their revival of Damn Yankees, starring Rob McClure, Ana Villafañe and more. See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 29, 2025
Arena Stage has revealed the cast for their revival of Damn Yankees, starring Rob McClure, Ana Villafañe and more. See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre Unveils 2025-26 Season Featuring URINETOWN and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2025
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre has revealed the company's 2025-2026 season inviting audiences to root for the underdog with the satirical hit Urinetown, plus more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2025
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre has revealed the company's 2025-2026 season inviting audiences to root for the underdog with the satirical hit Urinetown, plus more.
TLC Musical CRAZYSEXYCOOL, New Adaptations of DAMN YANKEES and PAL JOEY Will Play Arena Stage
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 14, 2025
Arena Stage Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie have just announced the company’s diamond anniversary season. We have all of the details here!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 14, 2025
Arena Stage Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie have just announced the company’s diamond anniversary season. We have all of the details here!
Lakewood Theatre Company Reveals 73rd Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025
Lakewood Theatre Company will begin its 73rd season with six productions on its Mainstage and three productions on its Side Door Stage beginning July 11, 2025. Season tickets for the 2025-2026 season are now available for current subscribers.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025
Lakewood Theatre Company will begin its 73rd season with six productions on its Mainstage and three productions on its Side Door Stage beginning July 11, 2025. Season tickets for the 2025-2026 season are now available for current subscribers.
ELF JR to be Presented at Greasepaint Theatre This Holiday Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 26, 2024
Greasepaint Theatre will present the family favorite, ELF JR in December. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 26, 2024
Greasepaint Theatre will present the family favorite, ELF JR in December. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole.
Hear the Debut Of 'Young And Foolish' From Jane Monheit's New Self-Titled Album
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 18, 2024
Jane Monheit's new track 'Young and Foolish' debuts exclusively on BroadwayWorld, showcasing her latest musical exploration. Discover the nuances of her performance and what makes this release noteworthy.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 18, 2024
Jane Monheit's new track 'Young and Foolish' debuts exclusively on BroadwayWorld, showcasing her latest musical exploration. Discover the nuances of her performance and what makes this release noteworthy.
Listen: Jane Monheit Releases New Single 'On a Clear Day You Can See Forever'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 27, 2024
CLUB44 RECORDS has released a new single, “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever,” from celebrated jazz vocal stylist Jane Monheit. This is the second single, following “Whatever Lola Wants,” from Monheit's sumptuous self-titled album Jane Monheit. Listen now!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 27, 2024
CLUB44 RECORDS has released a new single, “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever,” from celebrated jazz vocal stylist Jane Monheit. This is the second single, following “Whatever Lola Wants,” from Monheit's sumptuous self-titled album Jane Monheit. Listen now!
San Francisco State School Of Theatre & Dance Presents Musical Theatre Workshop
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 20, 2024
San Francisco State School of Theatre & Dance will present Musical Theatre Workshop, an exploration of acting through song, as part of their Fall 2024 season.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 20, 2024
San Francisco State School of Theatre & Dance will present Musical Theatre Workshop, an exploration of acting through song, as part of their Fall 2024 season.
Review: DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company
by Jay Irwin - Sep 7, 2024
Dear Readers, if you’ve seen a show from Reboot Theatre Company, you know they like to tackle old gems and turn them on their heads with non-traditional casting and perspectives. And just like when companies attempt to transplant Shakespeare or other works into different locales or time periods, sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. The major test on whether it works, for me at least, is “does the change lend itself to a new an interesting perspective of the piece?” Fortunately, Reboot’s current production of “Damn Yankees” does give us a new and interesting perspective. Unfortunately, the execution of that perspective needs some work.
by Jay Irwin - Sep 7, 2024
Dear Readers, if you’ve seen a show from Reboot Theatre Company, you know they like to tackle old gems and turn them on their heads with non-traditional casting and perspectives. And just like when companies attempt to transplant Shakespeare or other works into different locales or time periods, sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. The major test on whether it works, for me at least, is “does the change lend itself to a new an interesting perspective of the piece?” Fortunately, Reboot’s current production of “Damn Yankees” does give us a new and interesting perspective. Unfortunately, the execution of that perspective needs some work.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Richard Adler written?
Richard Adler has written 7 shows including John Murray Anderson's Almanac (Composer/Lyricist), Damn Yankees (Composer), The Pajama Game (Composer), Kwamina (Composer/Lyricist), A Mother's Kisses (Composer/Lyricist), Music Is (Composer), Fosse (Lyricist).
What awards has Richard Adler been nominated for?
Richard Adler has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for his work on the musical "Kwamina." Additionally, he received nominations for Best Musical at the Tony Awards for two other shows: "Damn Yankees" and "The Pajama Game." These nominations showcase Adler's talent and contribution to the Broadway industry.
What awards has Richard Adler won?
Richard Adler has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Tony Award for Best Musical for "Damn Yankees" and "The Pajama Game."
Videos