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BIO

American composer John Kander (b. Kansas City, MO, March 18, 1927) is the musical partner of the songwriting team of Kander and Ebb, who together created at least sixteen Broadway shows, Flora the Red Menace (1965), Cabaret (1966), Chicago (1975), and Curtains (2007) among them. They also contributed material to fourteen films and television specials over their forty-year association. Independently John Kander supplied the scores to many films, including Something For Everyone (1970), Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Places in the Heart (1984), and Billy Bathgate (1991).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Off-Broadway], 1973
Performer

Productions

 
[West End, 2027]
Composer
 
[West End, 2021]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Music
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2014]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[West End, 2006] [Replacement]
Music[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Composer (Incidental Music)
 
[US Tour, 1962]
Dance Music
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Dance Music
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Rehearsal Pianist
Dance Music Arranger
 
[West End, 1958]
Dance Music

Writing

Music, Story
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Author
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding New Score

John Kander, New York, New York

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

John Kander, Curtains

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, Curtains


winner
Drama League Awards - 2007 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

John Kander

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Musical Production

John Kander, Cabaret

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Curtains


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - The American Express Tribute

John Kander


winner
Olivier Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Musical Production

John Kander, Chicago

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Music

John Kander, Steel Pier

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Steel Pier

Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Musical Revival

John Kander, Cabaret

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music

John Kander , Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Musical

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Olivier Awards - 1993 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

John Kander, Kiss Of The Spider Woman


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Rink


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

John Kander, Woman of the Year

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Musical of the Year

John Kander, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Act

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, The Happy Time


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Musical

John Kander, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Kander, Cabaret

Videos

News

Video: Mark Ballas Returns to CHICAGO on Broadway; Derek Hough Delivers Opening Monologue
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 20, 2026

Check out new video from Chicago featuring the return of three-time Dancing With the Stars champion Mark Ballas as Billy Flynn. Six-time champion Derek Hough welcomed Ballas back with a special opening monologue before joining him for a post-show talkback.
HAMILTON Gets Deluxe Box Set with Original Cast Album, Mixtape, and Hamildrops
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 16, 2026

Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton is getting a new box set album to commemorate its tenth anniversary. Titled Rise Up! Hamilton: The Anthology, the collection arrives on September 25.
Eddie Cooper Will Join CHICAGO Cast as 'Amos Hart'
by Stephi Wild - Jul 15, 2026

Chicago is getting a new Amos! The Broadway production of the Tony Award-winning musical will welcome Eddie Cooper in the role of Amos Hart beginning this month at the Ambassador Theatre.
Photos: Backstage With Matteo Lane at CHICAGO
by Bruce Glikas - Jul 15, 2026

Chicago on Broadway recently welcomed comedian, actor and singer Matteo Lane, making his Broadway debut in the role of Billy Flynn, beginning in June. BroadwayWorld went backstage with the long-running musical's newest star. Check out photos here.
Before They Were Broadway Stars, This Is What Their Life Was Like at Theater Camp
by Michael Gioia - Jul 19, 2026

Theater camps like Stagedoor Manor and French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts have some incredibly famous alumni. BroadwayWorld looks at a handful of former campers who eventually made their way to Broadway.
Derek Hough to Join CHICAGO For One Performance & Talkback With Mark Ballas
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 13, 2026

Emmy Award Winner Derek Hough will be delivering Chicago’s opening monologue on Broadway. A post-performance talk back with Mark Ballas will follow the performance. 
Video: Watch Krysta Rodriguez Perform 'Roxie' in CHICAGO on Broadway
by Michael Major - Jul 9, 2026

Chicago the Musical has unveiled new video footage of Krysta Rodriguez performing 'Roxie' on Broadway. Rodriguez recently stepped into the iconic role of Roxie Hart in the long-running hit musical at the Ambassador Theatre.
Video: Watch Matteo Lane Perform 'Razzle Dazzle' in CHICAGO on Broadway
by Michael Major - Jul 8, 2026

Chicago the Musical has released first video footage of Matteo Lane performing 'Razzle Dazzle' on Broadway. The stand-up comedian and singer takes on the classic Kander & Ebb showtune, complete with Ann Reinking's Fosse-inspired choreography.
PERFECT PAIRINGS Concerts to Open Shaw Festival's New Village Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 7, 2026

The Shaw Festival will present Perfect Pairings, a new concert series spotlighting iconic musical theatre composer duos, performed by Shaw ensemble members at the new Village Hall in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
PHOTOS: Los protagonistas de CABARET llegan a Valencia
by Adela González Pérez - Jul 2, 2026

Víctor Palmero, Laia Prats y José Pastor visitan los puntos emblemáticos de la ciudad ante el estreno de la producción inmersiva en el Palau de Les Arts del 2 al 19 de julio
Photos: Backstage with the Stars of LIZA! AT 80 at Carnegie Hall
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 29, 2026

Transport Group presented Liza! at 80: A Celebration in Song and Dance, celebrating the legendary performer and her 80th birthday. The cast included Kate Baldwin, Lauren Blackman, Mario Cantone, Kristin Chenoweth, Nikki Renée Daniels, Dez Duron, Claybourne Elder, and more. Check out photos from backstage here.
Photos: Kristin Chenoweth, Donna Murphy and More in LIZA! AT 80 Celebration
by Nicole Wilson - Jun 26, 2026

Transport Group presented Liza! at 80: A Celebration in Song and Dance, celebrating the legendary performer and her 80th birthday. The cast included Kate Baldwin, Lauren Blackman, Mario Cantone, Kristin Chenoweth, and more. See photos!
10 of Liza Minnelli’s Greatest Performances of All Time
by Michael Gioia - Jun 25, 2026

While it’s impossible to choose, BroadwayWorld looks at a handful of the most exciting and entertaining performances by Tony-winning icon Liza Minnelli.
Photos: CHICAGO Celebrates Its Newest Stars Krysta Rodriguez and Matteo Lane
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 22, 2026

Comedian, actor and singer Matteo Lane made his Broadway debut tonight as 'Billy Flynn' joining Broadway favorite Krysta Rodriguez, who took her first bow as 'Roxie Hart' on Monday, June 15. Check out photos from the show as the newest stars of the cell block take their first joint curtain call!
Video: CHICAGO's Newest Star Matteo Lane Takes His First Broadway Bow As 'Billy Flynn'
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 22, 2026

Matteo Lane has officially made his Broadway debut in CHICAGO. The comedian and entertainer took his first bow as slick defense attorney Billy Flynn at the Ambassador Theatre, and audiences can now get a first look at the milestone moment.
Exclusive: Watch Elizabeth Stanley's Rendition of 'Sing Happy' for LIZA! AT 80
by Luka Vonier - Jun 22, 2026

There's about to be a whole lotta Liza going on at Carnegie Hall! On Thursday, June 25, Liza! at 80: A Celebration in Song and Dance will take the stage at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, celebrating the legendary performer and her 80th birthday. BroadwayWorld is very excited to bring you an exclusive peek inside rehearsals as Tony nominee Elizabeth Stanley performs 'Sing Happy' from Flora the Red Menace. Watch in this video!
CHICAGO THE MUSICAL To Tour UK And Ireland
by Marissa Faith Curley - Jun 19, 2026

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler has announced the 2027 UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning musical CHICAGO. The tour will open at Wimbledon Theatre in the Winter and arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre in the Fall.
Review: AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PRESENTS SIDNEY MYER at The Cutting Room
by Andrew Poretz - Jun 18, 2026

Sidney Myer was feted by Marilyn Maye, Charles Busch, Nicolas King and dozens more at a joyous sold-out American Popular Song Society Lifetime Achievement Award gala on June 15.
Video: LIZA WITH A 'Z Concert Film Now Available to Stream for Free
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 18, 2026

Shout! Studios have made available Liza with a Z, the 1972 concert film featuring Broadway icon Liza Minnelli. Bob Fosse directed and choreographed the beloved television concert, which can now be streamed in full on YouTube. Watch it now.
CHICAGO Will Embark on 2027 UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2026

CHICAGO the musical is set to embark on a 2027 UK and Ireland tour. The tour will open at New Wimbledon Theatre in February. Learn more about the tour here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has John Kander written?

John Kander has written 33 shows including A Family Affair (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Flora, the Red Menace (Composer), Go Fly a Kite (Composer), Cabaret (Composer), The Happy Time (Composer), Zorba (Composer), 70, Girls, 70 (Composer), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Composer), Liza (Composer), Chicago (Composer), 2 by 5 (Composer), The Act (Composer), Joe Masiell Not at the Palace (Material), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Composer), Woman of the Year (Composer), The Rink (Composer), Diamonds (Composer), How Lucky Can You Get? (Composer), And the World Goes 'Round (Composer), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Composer), Steel Pier (Composer), Over and Over (Composer), Fosse (Composer), The Visit (Composer), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Composer), The Scottsboro Boys (Composer), Come Fly Away (Composer), The Landing (Composer), Kid Victory (Music, Story), The Beast in the Jungle (Composer), New York, New York (Music).

What awards has John Kander been nominated for?

Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for New York, New York, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Scottsboro Boys, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Curtains, The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Chicago, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Steel Pier, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Steel Pier, Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Rink, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Woman of the Year, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Chicago, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Act, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Chicago, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Happy Time, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Cabaret and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.

What awards has John Kander won?

- Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) - Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Chicago - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Woman of the Year - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Cabaret - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Cabaret

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