Sheldon Harnick

Birth Place: USA

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Sheldon Harnick is a legendary lyricist and composer who has made an indelible mark on Broadway. Born in Chicago in 1924, Harnick began writing songs at a young age, and went on to attend the Northwestern University School of Music. After serving in World War II, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater.

Harnick's first Broadway credit came in 1955, when he wrote the lyrics for the musical "The Body Beautiful." However, it was his collaboration with composer Jerry Bock that would prove to be his most successful partnership. The duo first worked together on the 1957 musical "The Body Beautiful," but it was their next project that would cement their place in Broadway history.

In 1960, Harnick and Bock's musical "Fiorello!" premiered on Broadway. The show, which told the story of New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, was a critical and commercial success, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The show's hit song, "Little Tin Box," became an instant classic.

Harnick and Bock went on to collaborate on several more successful musicals, including "She Loves Me" (1963), "Fiddler on the Roof" (1964), and "The Rothschilds" (1970). "Fiddler on the Roof" in particular became a cultural phenomenon, running for over 3,000 performances on Broadway and spawning numerous revivals and adaptations. The show's iconic songs, such as "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," and "Sunrise, Sunset," are still beloved by audiences today.

In addition to his work with Bock, Harnick has also collaborated with other composers throughout his career. He wrote the lyrics for the musical "Tenderloin" with composer Jerry Ross in 1960, and worked with Richard Rodgers on the musical "Rex" in 1976.

Harnick's contributions to musical theater have not gone unnoticed. He has won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical for "Fiorello!" and "Fiddler on the Roof," as well as Best Original Score for "Fiorello!" and Best Book of a Musical for "She Loves Me." In 2016, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award for his contributions to the theater.

Outside of his work in musical theater, Harnick has also written songs for television and film. He wrote the theme song for the popular TV show "Car 54, Where Are You?" and contributed songs to the animated film "The Point!" In addition, he has worked as a translator and adapter for several operas, including "The Merry Widow" and "The Mikado."

Harnick's most recent work includes the 2016 Off-Broadway musical "Rothschild & Sons," a revised version of "The Rothschilds" that he wrote with composer Jerry Bock shortly before Bock's death in 2010. The show received positive reviews and was nominated for several Drama Desk Awards.

Throughout his career, Sheldon Harnick has proven himself to be one of the most talented and versatile lyricists in the history of musical theater. His contributions to the art form have left an indelible mark on Broadway, and his songs continue to be beloved by audiences around the world.

Sheldon Harnick Photos

Sheldon Harnick STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1975
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Special Guest

Sheldon Harnick Productions

 
[West End, 2016] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1952]
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Additional Music
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Bookwriter
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Sheldon Harnick Videos

Sheldon Harnick News


Niki Haris to Present GROWN ASS WOMAN at The Green Room 42 in April

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present the return of chanteuse Niki Haris in her show “Grown Ass Woman” for two performances on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 at 7:00 PM.

Jennifer Roberts Returns To Manhattan To Celebrate the 100th Birthday of Broadway Legend Sheldon Harnick

Join Jennifer Roberts on April 30 for the release show of TGR 42, celebrating the works of Sheldon Harnick.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, NOISES OFF & More Set for Palo Alto Players 2024-25 Season

Palo Alto Players has revealed its 94th season titled SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIONS THEATRE! See full programing and learn how to purchase tickets.

See Nicole Parker as Jillane Jenkins in SUITCASE FULL OF LIES at The Green Room 42

The Green Room 42 will present Nicole Parker, currently playing Celine Dion in the Off-Broadway hit Titaníque, as Jillane Jenkins in “Suitcase Full of Lies”. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Desert Theatricals

Desert Theatricals 'Fiddler' stands tall and breathes LIFE into old TRADITIONS.

John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

Lisa Vroman to Return to The Green Room 42 With INGENUE… INGE-NOT-SO-NEW

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present the return of internationally acclaimed soprano Lisa Vroman in “Ingénue... Ingé-not-so-new!” on Sunday, March 31 at 7:00 PM. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

York Theatre Company to Present Liz Callaway In Gala Concert THEIR STORY GOES ON: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF THE YORK

Join The York Theatre Company for a one-night-only Spring Gala Concert featuring Liz Callaway. Experience 'Their Story Goes On: A Musical Celebration of The York' on Monday, April 15.

PAM GOLDBERG'S 80th BIRTHDAY SPECTACULAR! is Coming to The Green Room 42

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present Pam Goldberg in the next edition of “Pam Goldberg's 80th Birthday Spectacular!,” a celebration of the regional theater and occasional Broadway veteran. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Closure of The Theatre Museum Marks the End of an Era

After almost 30 years of preserving, celebrating, and championing the rich history of theater, The Theatre Museum, originally established as The Broadway Theatre Institute in 1995, announces the difficult decision to cease operations in 2024.

Review: Alysha Umphress Impresses the Crowd with 15 STORIES at 54 Below

Umphress had the 54 Below audience in the palm of her hand this weekend with 15 STORIES.

Review: SHE LOVES ME at The Royal Theatre

What did our critic think of SHE LOVES ME at The Royal Theatre?

Melissa Errico to Celebrate Sondheim's Birthday at The Green Room 42

The Green Room 42 will present the return of Melissa Errico in “An Acoustic Evening with Sondheim & Melissa” to celebrate Stephen Sondheim’s birthday.

Christopher Durang to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Dramatists Guild Awards

Playwright Christopher Durang is the recipient of The Dramatists Guild's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more about Durang and about the award!

Feature: BROADWAY BOUND Shares Rare Songs & Behind-the-Scenes Tales at 54 Below

Not every musical setting sails for Broadway finds a smooth trip or arrives at its destination. Some sink. But why? Was it the wrong captain or just stormy seas? Many carried marvelous musical cargo. Robert W. Schneider explores the reasons in his BROADWAY BOUND podcast. His next live edition of Broadway Bound is March 5th at 54 Below.

Cast Set For BEAR SNORES ON at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has announced the full cast for the world premiere stage adaptation of Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman’s Bear Snores On, with book by Cush Jumbo and Katy Sechiari, and music & lyrics by Harry Blake.

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Ritz Theatre Company is Something to Think About and Something to Drink About

The world surrounding the small shtetl of Anatevka is changing. Conflict draws near, and Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, must navigate this changing terrain, raising five daughters and, ultimately, his faith in this unforgettable, classic musical. The original Broadway production, directed by Jerome Robbins and starring Zero Mostel, won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

Broadway Stars Speak Up on Social Media About Dimming Lights for the Late Hinton Battle; League Announces Plans to Come

Just over three weeks ago, on January 30, BroadwayWorld sadly reported the passing of three-time Tony Award winner Hinton Battle. Now, Broadway stars are speaking up on social media about the lack of announcement from the Broadway League about theatre lights dimming in his honor. 

Laura Benanti, Kate Baldwin & More to Join Celebration of Sheldon Harnick at 54 Below

The life and legacy of Pulitzer Prize winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick will be celebrated at 54 Below. See who is starring in the concert and learn how to purchase tickets!

Ben Fankhauser and Lee Harrington to Lead Gulfshore Playhouse's SHE LOVES ME - Full Cast Announced!

Gulfshore Playhouse has announced the cast of 'She Loves Me,' set to open in March 2024.

Sheldon Harnick FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sheldon Harnick has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

Sheldon Harnick has not appeared in the West End.

Sheldon Harnick has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Special Drama Desk Award at the Drama Desk Awards, the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, and the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards. He has also received nominations for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "Cyrano: The Musical," "The Rothschilds," and "The Apple Tree." Additionally, Harnick was nominated for Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Fiorello!" He also won the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Tony Award for "Fiddler on the Roof."

Sheldon Harnick has won several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Special Drama Desk Award from the Drama Desk Awards, the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre from the Tony Awards. He also won the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Fiorello!." In addition, he received the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award from the Tony Awards for his work on "Fiddler on the Roof."

Sheldon Harnick has written 37 shows including Love in Two Countries (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952 (Composer/Lyricist), Two's Company (Composer), Shoestring Revue (Sketches), The Littlest Revue (Lyricist), Kaleidoscope (Lyricist), The Body Beautiful (Lyricist), Portofino (Lyricist), Joy Ride (Lyricist), Fiorello! (Lyricist), Tenderloin (Lyricist), Smiling the Boy Fell Dead (Lyricist), Smiling, the Boy Fell Dead (Lyricist), Man in the Moon (Lyricist), She Loves Me (Lyricist), To Broadway with Love (Lyricist), Fiddler on the Roof (Lyricist), Wet Paint (Material), The Apple Tree (Bookwriter), Her First Roman (Lyricist), Pinocchio (Lyricist), Alice in Wonderland (Lyricist), Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines (Libretto), Rex (Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist), The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Bookwriter/Lyricist), A Christmas Carol (Lyricist), A Wonderful Life (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Lyricist), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Lyricist), The Rothschilds (Lyricist), Cyrano - The Musical (Lyricist), Mostly Sondheim (Lyricist), Dragons (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), Rothschild & Sons (Lyrics).

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