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James Kirkwood Headshot

James Kirkwood

James Kirkwood is a bookwriter, playwright whose BroadwayWorld credits include A Chorus Line. Awards include Drama Desk Awards for A Chorus Line (1976).

Also Credited As: James Kirkwood, Jr.

Date of Death: April 21, 1989

Birth Place: Hollywood, CA, USA

Productions

 
[West End, 2024] [Replacement]
Book Writer[Replacement]

Writing

Playwright
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

James Kirkwood, A Chorus Line


winner
Olivier Awards - 1976 - Musical of the Year

James Kirkwood, A Chorus Line

Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding New American Play

James Kirkwood, P.S. Your Cat Is Dead!


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best Musical

James Kirkwood, A Chorus Line

Videos

News

Photos: WHO KILLED JOAN CRAWFORD? Extended at Island City Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 15, 2026

Michael Leeds' campy murder mystery comedy sold out its first three weekends at Island City Stage in Fort Lauderdale and has been extended through November 1. See photos of the show.
Video: First Look at 5th Avenue Theatre's A CHORUS LINE
by Michael Major - Sep 22, 2026

5th Avenue Theatre shared a performance clip of 'What I Did For Love' from its new production of A Chorus Line, featuring Samantha Gershman and the company. Watch the video!
Video: A CHORUS LINE Preview Released by 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle
by Michael Major - Sep 21, 2026

The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle shared a sizzle reel for its new production of A Chorus Line, the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about Broadway dancers chasing their dreams. Watch the video!
Review: A CHORUS LINE at The 5th Avenue Theatre
by Jay Irwin - Sep 19, 2026

Dear Readers, I don’t mean to make anyone feel ancient but “A Chorus Line” is 51 years old! And the 5th Avenue Theatre dusting off the old girl for their current remount may feel like a bit of nostalgia. But if their spectacular production proves anything, it’s that “A Chorus Line” is still the masterpiece it always was.
WHO KILLED JOAN CRAWFORD? to Open Island City Stage's 15th Season
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 17, 2026

Island City Stage will revive Michael Leeds' comedy about five men dressed as Joan Crawford at a surprise birthday party that turns deadly. The production runs in Fort Lauderdale with tickets on sale.
25 Theater Books for Your Fall 2026 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 4, 2026

We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2026 reading list.
A CHORUS LINE To Open Duluth Playhouse 2026-27 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 17, 2026

Duluth Playhouse will kick off its 2026-27 season with A Chorus Line, running September 11-27, 2026 at the NorShor Theatre.
A Broadway Walking Tour- 8 Historic Spots to Visit in the Theatre District 
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 9, 2026

Broadway's biggest landmarks are easy to spot, but some of the Theatre District's most fascinating stories are hiding in plain sight. From historic theaters and legendary rehearsal spaces to tucked-away tributes and unexpected Broadway landmarks, these lesser-known stops will add a whole new act to your next walking tour!
A CHORUS LINE Will Come to Puerto Rico in October
by Stephi Wild - Aug 4, 2026

A Chorus Line will open at the Sala René Marqués in the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré in Santurce, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical.
A CHORUS LINE to Open at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre This Fall
by Stephi Wild - Jul 16, 2026

The 5th Avenue Theatre will present a new production of A CHORUS LINE, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, directed and choreographed by two-time Tony nominee Denis Jones.
Video: Inside Rehearsals for A CHORUS LINE at Barrington Stage Company
by Joshua Wright - Jul 13, 2026

Barrington Stage Company has shared rehearsal footage from its production of A CHORUS LINE, offering an inside look at the classic musical as it prepares for the stage.
Review: A CHORUS LINE at Downtown Cabaret Theatre
by Sean Fallon - Jun 14, 2026

There is no denying the extreme talent of the A CHORUS LINE cast. Director Brad Blake, choreographer Diana Deaver, music director Mark Ceppetelli, and assistant director Steve Belli combine their talents to help bring out the best in this first-rate ensemble cast! The hard work and dedication of all people involved is evident, with the entire cast bringing their A game to this show! They all have excellent stage chemistry with each other, a strong stage presence, and clearly enjoy performing. The synchronicity in dancing is breathtaking, enhanced by the impact of real mirrors as the back stage wall, creating the illusion of twice the dancers being on stage.
A CHORUS LINE To Be Presented At BLUEBARN Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2026

BLUEBARN Theatre will present A CHORUS LINE, the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical conceived by Michael Bennett. The production will run at BLUEBARN Theatre and feature direction by Susan Clement and choreography by Melanie Epps.
Sutton Foster and More Named to Center Theatre Group Board of Directors
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2026

Center Theatre Group has added ten new members to its Board of Directors: Stephen Cheung, Nancy Dennis, Sutton Foster, Jennifer Lewis, and more, bringing the number up to 56.
Review: Matthew Lombardo's WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL Slays with Laughter
by R. Scott Reedy - Apr 14, 2026

Seven years ago, an already hot summer in Boston heated up even more during a pre-Broadway tryout of a truncated version of playwright Matthew Lombardo’s “Tea at Five” at the Huntington Theatre when its star, Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway, was fired after allegations that she physically and verbally assaulted crew members on the troubled production.
A CHORUS LINE and More Set for Geva Theatre 2026/27 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 24, 2026

Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY, led by Artistic Director Elizabeth Williamson, will present a dynamic 2026/27 season featuring musicals, dramas, and new works, starting with A CHORUS LINE in September.
Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre Reveals 2026/27 Season - A CHORUS LINE and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026

The 5th Avenue Theatre Company has revealed its 2026/27 season, featuring a collection of five shows, two self-produced, two national tours, and one still to be announced that will combine for a captivating year of theater.
TheaterWorks To Present A CHORUS LINE In February
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 5, 2026

TheaterWorks will present A Chorus Line, the landmark musical by Marvin Hamlisch, Edward Kleban, James Kirkwood Jr., and Nicholas Dante, from February 6 through February 22, 2026, at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.
Barrington Stage Company 2026 Season to Feature A CHORUS LINE 50th Anniversary Production
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025

Barrington Stage Company's 2026 season will feature a 50th Anniversary production of A Chorus Line, the legendary Broadway musical that won nine 1976 Tony Awards and the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Video: 'One' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE
by Joshua Wright - Oct 27, 2025

Watch a clip of the finale from Goodspeed's A Chorus Line in this all-new video. Goodspeed's production of the beloved musical is now running through November 2.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has James Kirkwood written?

James Kirkwood has written 4 shows including Dance Me a Song (Bookwriter), UTBU (Playwright), P. S. Your Cat Is Dead! (Playwright), A Chorus Line (Bookwriter).

What awards has James Kirkwood been nominated for?

James Kirkwood has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "A Chorus Line," Outstanding New American Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "P.S. Your Cat Is Dead!," and Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "A Chorus Line."

What awards has James Kirkwood won?

James Kirkwood has won several awards for his work in the Broadway musical "A Chorus Line." He received the Outstanding Book of a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for his contribution to the show. Additionally, "A Chorus Line" was recognized as the Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards. The New York Drama Critics Circle Awards also honored the production with the Best Musical award. These accolades highlight Kirkwood's success and the acclaim that "A Chorus Line" received during its Broadway run.

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