Barbara Cook

Birth Place: Atlanta, GA, USA

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Barbara Cook BIO

Barbara Cook was an American actress and singer. She starred in the original Broadway musicals Plain and Fancy, Candide, and The Music Man among others. She won a Tony Award for The Music Man. She was particularly admired for her vocal agility, wide range, warm sound, and emotive interpretations. Cook was widely recognized as one of the "premier interpreters" of musical theatre songs and standards, in particular the songs of composer Stephen Sondheim.

Barbara Cook Photos

Barbara Cook STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Roundabout Production, 2010
Performer

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Broadway], 2004
Performer

[West End]
Concert [West End], 2004
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2004
Performer

[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"It Might as Well Be Spring" Performer

"A Wonderful Guy" Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert (Lincoln Center Theater), 2001
Performer

[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Margaret White [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1987
Performer

[West End]
Concert [West End], 1986
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 1985
Sally Durant Plummer

[Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Broadway], 1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Broadway], 1975
Performer

[Broadway]
1972
Kleopatra

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1971
Dolly Talbo

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1971
Performer

[Broadway]
1967
Patsy Newquist

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1966
Magnolia

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Carol Deems

[Broadway]
1964
Ellen Gordon [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1963
Amalia Balash

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
Liesl Brandel

[Off-Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1960
Anna Leonowens

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Marian Paroo

[Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1957
Julie Jordan

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1956
Cunegonde

Scrub Lady

Cunegonde/Scrub Lady

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Hilda Miller

Hilda Miller

[Broadway]
Unknown, 1954
Carrie Pipperidge

[Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1953
Ado Annie Carnes

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1951
Sandy

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1972
Performer


Barbara Cook Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Barbara Cook

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Barbara Coo, Sondheim on Sondheim

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Barbara Cook, Sondheim on Sondheim


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Barbara Cook, Barbara Cook's Broadway


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Special Citation

Barbara Cook

Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Barbara CookMostly Sondheim


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Barbara Cook, Mostly Sondheim

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Actress in a Musical or Entertainment

Barbara CookBarbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Entertainment

Barbara CookSings Mostly Sondheim


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding One Person Show

Barbara Cook, A Concert for the Theatre

Helen Hayes Awards - 1986 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Touring Production or Prior to New York

Barbara CookBarbara Cook -- A Broadway Evening

Olivier Awards - 1986 - The Observer Award for Outstanding Achievement

Barbara Cook


winner
Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Barbara Cook, The Music Man


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1955 - Performance

Barbara Cook, Plain and Fancy

Barbara Cook Videos

Barbara Cook News


Michael Feinstein In To Star In RAINBOW: THE NEW JUDY GARLAND MUSICAL  at the Mark Taper Forum

Experience the magic of Judy Garland's music anew with RAINBOW: THE NEW JUDY GARLAND MUSICAL, featuring Michael Feinstein at the Mark Taper Forum.

Maria Schneider Orchestra, Christian Sands Trio, and More Play Birdland This Month

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater have announced programming running March 11th - March 24th. Performers appearing at Birdland Jazz Club include Maria Schneider Orchestra, Emilio Solla & La Inestable de Brooklyn, Christian Sands Trio, and Canadian Jazz Collective.

Linda Purl and Diva Jazz Orchestra Bring BIG BAND ROMANCE to Birdland in April

Birdland has announced that singer/actress Linda Purl, joined with internationally, acclaimed DIVA Jazz Orchestra, returns to its historic stage on Monday April 1 at 7pm.

Robert Klein and Julie Gold Among The 14 Honorees At The 39th Annual BISTRO AWARDS GALA

Celebrate the musical and comedy artistry of Robert Klein, Julie Gold, and more at the 39th Annual Bistro Awards Gala on April 1 at Gotham Comedy Club. Hosted by Steve Hayes, the event honors exceptional artists with performances and special awards.

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.

Review: MUSINGS THROUGH MUSIC is a Perfect Evening with Audra McDonald and Andy Einhorn at 92nd Street Y

Audra McDonald is generally listed among the best voices to have ever graced a Broadway stage. She frequently teaches master classes where she passes along the discipline and seriousness of purpose that have made her one of America’s premiere performers.

Carnegie Hall Celebrates Steve & Eydie This Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day, Carnegie Hall will celebrate the iconic husband-and-wife singing duo, Steve & Eydie. Learn more about the upcoming event and find out how to attend here!

Performers Jim Caruso & Matt Baker Return To The Legendary Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

PERFORMERS JIM CARUSO & MATT BAKER return to Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel on Sundays from 9pm - Midnight starting Sunday, February 11, 2024. Join them for an evening of swinging standards and special guest performances. Don't miss this legendary show!

Feature: Monthly 'Birthday' Salute. We cheer influential cabaret artist MABEL MERCER, born in February 1900.

The art of classic cabaret – personalized, intimate singing that brings out the lyric was epitomized by this influential, elegant performer. Although this year marks 40 years since her passing, she is still spoken of in reverential tones. She's the choice as honoree for someone born in February...Mabel Mercer.

Review: Audra McDonald in Concert with The National Symphony Orchestra at Kennedy Center Concert Hall

Audra McDonald has (at least) four voices--Broadway, jazz, opera, blues--not to mention six Tonys. She brought them all (the voices, not the awards) to her two hour concert with the National Symphony Pops which repeats Wednesday evening, January 31.

Michael McAssey To Return To The Gateway Playhouse This Month for Piano Bar Evening

Michael McAssey returns to the Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point, NJ for a piano bar evening on January 25th.

Video: The Best of Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors are coming up and we are celebrating the special occasion with some of our favorite videos of past Broadway performances. Check out the full list!

Photos: Shana Farr Presents BERNSTEIN TO SONDHEIM: THE BARBARA COOK SONGBOOK at Urban Stages

Conor Weiss captures cabaret artist Shana Farr in the act at Urban Stages.

A TOAST TO STEVE & EYDIE Starring David Lawrence & Debbie Gravitte to be Presented at Carnegie Hall

Join David Lawrence and Debbie Gravitte for 'A Toast to Steve & Eydie' at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall. A celebration of the iconic duo's music and legacy.

22 Theater Books for Your Winter 2024 Reading List

The weather outside might still be frightful for a while, but what better time to stay in and snuggle up with a great Broadway read? Check out our complete Winter 2024 reading list!

Jim Caruso and Matt Baker Come to the Wallace Hotel Next Week

For one night only, singer Jim Caruso and pianist/singer Matt Baker will croon the night away at the new Lounge at The Wallace Hotel on the Upper West Side in New York City.  The two performers will entertain with an evening of swinging standards on Wednesday, November 22 from 7pm – 10pm.  Reservations may be made on Resy.

Matthew Scott's Brings His Touching Show THE JESUS YEAR: A LETTER FROM MY DAD to The Blue Strawberry on November 18th

On Saturday, November 18th, The Blue Strawberry Showroom and Lounge welcomes Matthew Scott for an evening of music and stories with his cabaret show “The Jesus Year: A Letter From My Dad.” Critics have called Scott’s show “Miraculous musical storytelling.” A veteran of Broadway and Regional Theatre, Scott has worked alongside some of the biggest names in theatre and was hand-picked by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine for their production of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM with Barbara Cook and Vanessa Williams. In addition, he was in the original Broadway company of Jersey Boys and performed in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS on Broadway and with the National Tour. 

Birdland to Present 14th Annual A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS This Holiday Season

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the 14th Annual “A Swinging Birdland Christmas” for five performances from Thursday, December 21 to Monday, December 25 at 5:30 PM.

Urban Stages to Present 15th Annual WINTER RHYTHMS Featuring 22 Shows and Over 100 Performers

Join Urban Stages for the 15th Annual WINTER RHYTHMS 2023, featuring 22 shows, over 11 days, and more than 100 performers. From cabaret to jazz and everything in between, this award-winning series is a must-see event for music and performance lovers. Don't miss out on this spectacular showcase!

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG: A [Backwards] History of Old Friends

Go inside the complete history of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Merrily We Roll Along, playing at Broadway's Hudson Theatre now!

Barbara Cook FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Barbara Cook been in?

Barbara Cook has appeared on Broadway in 24 shows.

How many West End shows has Barbara Cook been in?

Barbara Cook has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Barbara Cook's first West End show?

Barbara Cook's first West End show was Barbara Cook: Wait ‘Til You See Her which opened in 1986

What awards has Barbara Cook been nominated for?

Barbara Cook has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre by the Drama League Awards, Outstanding Actress in a Musical by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Sondheim on Sondheim," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical by the Tony Awards for "Sondheim on Sondheim," and Outstanding Solo Performance by the Drama Desk Awards for "Barbara Cook's Broadway." She also received a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Non-Resident Production by the Helen Hayes Awards for "Mostly Sondheim," and Outstanding Solo Performance by the Drama Desk Awards for "Mostly Sondheim." Additionally, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Musical or Entertainment and Best Entertainment by the Olivier Awards for "Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim" and Outstanding One Person Show by the Drama Desk Awards for "A Concert for the Theatre." Other nominations include Outstanding Lead Actress in a Touring Production or Prior to New York by the Helen Hayes Awards for "Barbara Cook -- A Broadway Evening," The Observer Award for Outstanding Achievement by the Olivier Awards, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical by the Tony Awards for "The Music Man," and a Performance award by the Theatre World Awards for "Plain and Fancy."

What awards has Barbara Cook won?

Barbara Cook has won several awards, including the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, Outstanding Solo Performance from the Drama Desk Awards for "Barbara Cook's Broadway," a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, another Outstanding Solo Performance from the Drama Desk Awards for "Mostly Sondheim," an Outstanding One Person Show from the Drama Desk Awards for "A Concert for the Theatre," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for "The Music Man," and a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for "Plain and Fancy."

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