Charles Strouse

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Charles Strouse is a Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist whose contributions to the world of musical theater have left an indelible mark. Born in New York City in 1928, Strouse began playing piano at an early age and went on to study composition at the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School.

Strouse's first Broadway credit came in 1960 with the musical "Bye Bye Birdie," which he co-wrote with lyricist Lee Adams. The show was a smash hit, running for over 600 performances and earning Strouse his first Tony Award for Best Musical. "Bye Bye Birdie" tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is drafted into the army, and features such memorable songs as "Put On a Happy Face" and "The Telephone Hour."

In the years that followed, Strouse continued to make his mark on Broadway with a string of successful shows. In 1970, he teamed up with librettist Thomas Meehan to write "Annie," a musical based on the popular comic strip. The show was an instant hit, running for over six years and earning Strouse his second Tony Award for Best Musical. "Annie" tells the story of a spunky orphan who is adopted by a wealthy businessman, and features such beloved songs as "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard-Knock Life."

Strouse's other Broadway credits include "Applause," a musical adaptation of the film "All About Eve," which earned him his third Tony Award for Best Musical; "Golden Boy," a musical adaptation of the Clifford Odets play; and "Rags," a musical about Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side.

In addition to his work in the theater, Strouse has also made a name for himself in film and television. He composed the music for the 1982 film "Annie," as well as the theme song for the television series "All in the Family." He has also written music for a number of other films and television shows, including "The Night They Raided Minsky's," "Bonnie and Clyde," and "The Love Boat."

Despite his many accomplishments, Strouse remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He has said that his goal as a composer is to "write music that people will remember and that will make them happy." His music has certainly achieved that goal, and has left an enduring legacy in the world of musical theater.

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Strouse has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. In addition to his three Tony Awards, he has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theater Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dramatists Guild.

At 93 years old, Strouse continues to write and compose music, and remains an active member of the theater community. His dedication to his craft and his passion for creating memorable music have made him one of the most beloved and respected figures in the world of musical theater.

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Charles Strouse Productions

 
[West End, 2017]
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[US Tour, 2014]
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[Broadway, 1981]
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[Broadway, 1975]
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Charles Strouse Movies

Bye Bye Birdie
[ 1963 ] music by
Bonnie and Clyde
[ 1967 ] music composed by
Just Tell Me What You Want
[ 1980 ] orchestrator
Annie
[ 1982 ] music by

Charles Strouse Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Musical Production

Charles Strouse, Annie

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Charles Strouse, Nick and Nora

Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Charles Strouse, Rags

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

Charles Strouse, Charlie and Algernon

Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Outstanding Music

Charles Strouse, Annie


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best Musical

Charles Strouse, Annie


winner
Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Charles Strouse, Annie


winner
Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Musical

Charles Strouse, Applause


winner
Tony Awards - 1961 - Best Musical

Charles Strouse, Bye Bye Birdie

Charles Strouse Videos

Charles Strouse News


Review: ALAN CUMMING IS NOT ACTING HIS AGE delights Sanders Theatre audience

What did our critic think of ALAN CUMMING IS NOT ACTING HIS AGE at Sanders Theatre? In his eponymous show Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age, the performer definitely lives up to the title.

Julia Nicole Hunter Comes Home to Tennessee, Playing Grace Farrell in ANNIE

In the world of theater, there exists a sisterhood of women who can count an appearance as an orphan (maybe even THE orphan) in a production of Annie as either their first onstage role or one of their most vivid onstage performances. But for Murfreesboro native Julia Nicole Hunter, who now stars as Grace Farrell in the national touring company of the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical coming to  Tennessee Performing Arts Center this week, her current role as Oliver Warbucks’ faithful assistant marks her first time ever in the show.

BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" March 25 to March 31, 2024

Looking for some fun cabaret shows and other unique events to see this week in NYC and not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking for jazz, some classic fun and showtunes, comedy, or something that defies genre, we have you covered! There’s an overwhelming amount of live events in NYC, but we’ve narrowed it down to a few top picks.

See Nicole Henry, Andrea McArdle & More at 54 Below Next Week

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.

SIX, COME FROM AWAY, and More Set For Broadway in Fresno 2024-25 Season

Broadway in Fresno has announced its 2024-2025 Season line-up, featuring the Fresno premieres of SIX, COME FROM AWAY, and TINA – The Tina Turner Musical as well as the return of family favorite ANNIE for an unforgettable season.

Kathryn Kilger From SIX Heads A List Broadway Personalities In FINDING HELENA

Kathryn Kilger from the hit Broadway show SIX is set to star in FINDING HELENA. The New York debut is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, at OPEN JAR STUDIOS.

WAITRESS, MARY POPPINS, and More Set For 5th Avenue Theatre 2024-25 Season

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced its 2024/25 season. The six-show lineup includes five productions brand new to The 5th Avenue Theatre stage. Learn more about the full season lineup here!

Review: BYE BYE BIRDIE at the Haines City Theatre

HCT is a small theatre with a big heart, and their production spotlights the show's strengths and weaknesses.

WICKED, ANNIE, and More Set For Broadway in Peoria 2024-25 Season

The American Theatre Guild has announced its 24–25 Season for the Peoria Civic Center. The Broadway in Peoria Series will include several Broadway touring productions. Learn more here!

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.

Previews: BYE BYE BIRDIE at Haines City Theatre

Directed by Chris Walsh and choreographed by Zan Raynor, the colossal cast features Michael DeWolf, Annaliese Bradford, Kristina Marier, Jeremiah Pyle, Kyle Carothers, Teralyn Mergillano, Arlene Pijuan, Ben Tague, Stephanie Ackley Taylor, Tucker Martinez, Wayne Kober, and the ensemble of Madeline Abbott, Madilyn Reed Brown, Mickey Brown, Michelle Dissler, Miles Dissler, Krystalyn Drown, Dare Higgins, Kirstie Kelly, Cheri Kober, Andrew Martinez, Alicia Raulerson, Varaylas Smith, Emma Sparks, Bri Stuart, Max Legendary Wells.

The Cell Theatre Unveils 2024-2025 Season Featuring Over 20 Resident Artists

Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre has revealed its 2024-25 season featuring over 20 resident artists, as well as the official Off-Broadway premiere of Matthew LaBanca's Communion.

Bart Shatto, Daniel Z. Miller & More to Star in FINDING HELENA Industry Presentation

Broadway alumni, Bart Shatto, Daniel Z. Miller, Brian Baldwin and Emily Marshall will join original cast member, John Stillwaggon for the New York industry debut of Finding Helena.

Lied Center Announces BEETLEJUICE, BACK TO THE FUTURE And More for the 2024-2025 Glenn Korff Broadway Series

Back to the Future, Beetlejuice, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dear Evan Hansen, and a two-week run of huge show yet to be announced will make up the 2024-2025 Glenn Korff Broadway Series! New season packages go on sale to the public on February 27, 2024 at 11am

Christian Borle, Krysta Rodriguez, & Ephraim Sykes Will Lead Kennedy Center's BYE BYE BIRDIE

Christian Borlw, Krysta Rodrigues, and Ephraim Sykes will lead The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts's Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie. With direction by Marc Bruni, the production runs from June 7th through June 15th, 2024.

Review: WOMAN OF THE YEAR at Théâtre Firmin Gémier

Finally, this Kander and Ebb masterpiece has been done in France, with French dialogue and lyrics to boot

Spotlight: ANNIE at Charleston Gaillard Center

Annie comes to Charleston, SC

CHARLOTTE'S WEB THE MUSICAL Comes to National Youth Theater in May

This May, National Youth Theater will present Charlotte's Web, The Musical. at Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball.

SIX, BEETLEJUICE, and More Headline Broadway in Birmingham 2024-25 Season

Broadway in Birmingham has announced its 2024-2025 season, including Chicago, Annie, Six, Les Miserables, Beetlejuice, and Tina - The Tina Turner Musical.

Craig Rubano to Present TAKE THE MOMENT at The Laurie Beechman Theatre This Spring

CRAIG RUBANO will return to the New York concert stage in the new show “Take the Moment” at The Laurie Beechman Theatre for three performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Charles Strouse FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Charles Strouse written?

Charles Strouse has written 32 shows including Real Men (Composer/Lyricist), Shoestring Revue (Composer), The Littlest Revue (Lyricist), Sixth Finger in a Five Finger Glove (Composer), Bye Bye Birdie (Composer), All American (Composer), Hello, Dolly! (Composer/Lyricist), Golden Boy (Composer), It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman (Composer), Applause (Composer), Six (Bookwriter), Six (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), I and Albert (Composer), Bojangles (Composer), Annie (Composer), By Strouse (Composer), A Broadway Musical (Composer), Charlie and Algernon (Composer), Bring Back Birdie (Composer), Nightingale (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Dance a Little Closer (Composer), Mayor (Composer/Lyricist), Rags (Composer), Lyle The Crocodile (Bookwriter), Annie 2 (Composer), Rags:Children of the Wind (Composer), Nick & Nora (Composer), Annie Warbucks (Composer), The Night They Raided Minsky's (Composer), Marty (Composer), You Never Know (Bookwriter), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer).

What awards has Charles Strouse been nominated for?

Charles Strouse has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Musical Production at the Olivier Awards for Annie, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for Nick and Nora, Rags, and Charlie and Algernon, Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for Annie, Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Annie, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for Annie, Best Musical at the Tony Awards for Applause, and Best Musical at the Tony Awards for Bye Bye Birdie.

What awards has Charles Strouse won?

Charles Strouse has won several awards for his work in musical theater. He won the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Annie," the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award from the Tony Awards for "Annie," the Best Musical award from the Tony Awards for "Applause," and the Best Musical award from the Tony Awards for "Bye Bye Birdie."

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