John Kander Headshot

John Kander

Birth Place: USA

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John Kander 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).

John Kander Photos

John Kander STAGE CREDITS

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

John Kander Productions

 
[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
 
[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

John Kander 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

John Kander Videos

John Kander News


CHICAGO Comes to Canberra in September


The acclaimed production of one of Australia’s favourite musicals,CHICAGO, will open in Canberra in September this year, the first time a professional production of this Broadway favourite has played in Australia’s capital city. Presales begin today and general public tickets are on sale from Friday 19 April.

Broadway Buying Guide: April 15, 2024- Last Chance to See DOUBT on Broadway


Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, April 15, 2024.

Photos: Joel Grey Celebrates 92nd Birthday at CABARET


On Thursday, April 11, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club celebrated Broadway legend Joel Grey’s 92nd birthday on stage at the August Wilson Theatre. See photos here!

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 15, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 15, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

John Riddle Will Bring Solo Show BLUE LADY to the Sultan Room


Brooklyn’s The Sultan Room will soon feature John Riddle in his newest solo show “Blue Lady' on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Photos: CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Celebrates Joel Grey's 92nd Birthday!


Last night, the company of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club Broadway legend Joel Grey’s 92nd birthday on stage at the August Wilson Theatre. See photos of the show's Academy and Tony-winning star with the production's stars, Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin. 

Video: Joel Grey and Eddie Redmayne Talk CABARET and The 'Emcee' Legacy


Last night, the company of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club wilkommened some very special guests to their immersive nightclub home! Eddie Redmayne currently in previews as the ‘Emcee’ in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club celebrated Broadway legend Joel Grey’s 92nd birthday on stage at the August Wilson Theatre.

In a Deconstructed and Immersive Production CABARET KIT KAT CLUB Opens in Brazil


In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920's draw to a close, a garish MC welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee's bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin's natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.

Diego Luna and Tonatiuh Join Jennifer Lopez in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN


A new report reveals that Diego Luna and Tonatiuh have joined the upcoming film based on the Broadway musical. In Kiss of the Spider Woman, Diego Luna and Tonatiuh will play Valentin Arrequi and Luis Molina, respectively. Led by Jennifer Lopez, Kiss of the Spider Woman tells the story of these two men as they attempt a mental escape from the torture of their imprisonment. 

Broadway Buying Guide: April 8, 2024- HAMILTON Rises to the Top


Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, April 8, 2024.

La Fundación Juan March presenta HISTORIAS DEL MUSICAL


El próximo 13 de abril tendrá lugar en la Fundación Juan March el primer concierto del ciclo HISTORIAS DEL MUSICAL, cuatro fechas en las que se hará un repaso por la historia del Teatro Musical desde sus inicios.

CHICAGO Returns to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre This June


Further dates have been announced for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning musical CHICAGO. The tour will visit Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Monday 23 – Saturday 28 June 2025.

FLORA THE RED MENACE Comes to Court Square Theater Next Month


Forager Theatre Company will present Kander & Ebb's first musical, 'Flora the Red Menace,' a rarely-mounted tale about labor rights, female self-actualization, and the power of community in Depression-era New York

Review: Karen Mason's Lovely Tribute to Kander and Ebb is All That (Jazz)


Mason’s entrancing show is a love letter to the legendary songwriting team. Her warm memories of Kander and Ebb left the audience feeling as if they were also acquainted with the celebrated composer and lyricist.  

CHICAGO Comes to The King's Theater in Glasgow in August


The King’s Theatre in Glasgow has announced the multi award-winning musical CHICAGO will be coming to the venue from 18-23 August 2025 and tickets are on sale now.

Further Dates Set for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO


Further dates have been announced for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning musical CHICAGO. The tour will open at Milton Keynes Theatre on 12 October 2024.

Broadway Buying Guide: April 1, 2024- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Rolls to the Top


Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, April 1, 2024.

Petition Launched to Rename Broadway Theatre for Chita Rivera


A petition has been launched to rename a Broadway theatre for the late stage icon Chita Rivera. Learn more bout the petition!

CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Will Offer $25 Digital Lottery For Broadway Run


Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club will offer a $25 digital lottery ticket policy, which has been announced ahead of the musical's first preview on Monday, April 1 at the August Wilson Theatre. Find out how to enter the Cabaret lottery here!

Bianca Marroquin and Natasha Yvette Williams Will Return to CHICAGO on Broadway


Chicago on Broadway will welcome back Bianca Marroquín in the role of “Roxie Hart” and Tony nominee Natasha Yvette Williams in the role of “Matron Mama Morton.' Both will return beginning Monday, April 8 at the Ambassador Theatre.

John Kander 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?

John Kander has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Outstanding New Score at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "New York, New York," Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit," and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for both "The Visit" and "The Scottsboro Boys." He has also received nominations for Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "Curtains," Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, and Outstanding Musical Production at the Olivier Awards for "Cabaret" and "Chicago." Additionally, Kander has been nominated for Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for various productions such as "Steel Pier," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "The Rink," "Woman of the Year," "The Act," and "The Happy Time." His work on "Cabaret" has earned him nominations for Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards.

What awards has John Kander won?

John Kander has won several awards throughout his career, including the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, The American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, and the Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production for Chicago. He also received the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman and Cabaret, as well as the Tony Award for Best Original Score for both Kiss of the Spider Woman and Woman of the Year.

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