Fred Ebb Headshot

Fred Ebb

Date of Death: September 11, 2004 (71)

Birth Place: USA

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Fred Ebb BIO

As a writer, lyricist, composer and director, Fred Ebb made incalculable contributions to the New York theatrical community. Mr. Ebb is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy, Olivier and Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award winning recipient. Fred Ebb's first professional songwriting assignment came in 1953 when he and Phil Springer were hired by Columbia Records to write a song for Judy Garland called "Heartbroken." Mr. Ebb was introduced to composer John Kander in 1964 by music publisher Tommy Valando and became one of the most legendary songwriting teams in American history. The first successful collaboration was on the song "My Coloring Book," recorded by Barbra Streisand. Their second theatrical collaboration, Flora, the Red Menace, created a star out of Liza Minnelli in her Tony Award-winning Broadway debut. In 1966, their collaboration Cabaret, opened and received seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score. A 1972 movie version of Cabaret starring Liza Minnelli was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won eight awards and was nominated for nine Golden Globe Awards and won three including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy. The same year, the songwriting team wrote a number of songs for Minnelli's television special "Liza With a Z," which received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Program - Variety or Popular Music. In 1975, the two wrote the Broadway musical Chicago, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach. The musical was successfully revived 20 years later at City Center ENCORES! and subsequently transferred to Broadway where it is currently the longest running revival in Broadway history. In 1977, the team collaborated with Martin Scorsese on the movie New York, New York; the title song was introduced by Minnelli and later recorded by Frank Sinatra becoming the unofficial theme song of New York City. The Minnelli Broadway vehicle The Act also opened that year. After a four-year absence, Mr. Ebb and Mr. Kander returned with Woman of the Year (1981), The Rink (1984), Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1985) and Steel Pier (1997). They were honored by the Kennedy Center with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. Miramax's 2002 feature film Chicago was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture and was nominated for eight Golden Globe Awards and won three, including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy.


Fred Ebb STAGE CREDITS

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

Fred Ebb Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lyrics
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2014]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[West End, 2006] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1967]
Additional Material

Writing

Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Additional Material
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Author
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist

Fred Ebb Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, The Visit

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

Fred Ebb, The Visit

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

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Music

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, Curtains


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

Fred Ebb

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

Fred Ebb, Curtains


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - The American Express Tribute

Fred Ebb

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

Fred Ebb, Steel Pier


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

Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman


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

Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman

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

Fred Ebb, The Rink


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

Fred Ebb, Woman of the Year

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Musical of the Year

Fred Ebb, Chicago

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

Fred Ebb, The Act

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Book of a Musical

Fred Ebb , Chicago

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

Fred Ebb, Chicago


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, Zorba

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

Fred Ebb, The Happy Time


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

Fred Ebb, Cabaret


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

Fred Ebb, Cabaret

Fred Ebb Videos

Fred Ebb News


Shaina Taub Reveals Voice Notes from the SUFFS Songwriting Journey


Suffs' book writer and lyricist Shaina Taub recently shared voice note recordings from the writing process. Hear how the musical evolved into what it is today.

Video: Listen to 'The March (We Demand Equality)' From SUFFS


The first track has been released from the upcoming Suffs cast album. 'The March (We Demand Equality)' is performed by the original Broadway company, and can be listened to in the video here!

Video: Jennifer Lopez Discusses 'Exhilarating' KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Film


Last week, Jennifer Lopez stopped by Live with Kelly and Mark and briefly discussed the upcoming film adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, based on the hit Kander and Ebb musical. “I just finished a movie called Kiss of the Spider Woman, where it was all singing and dancing, which was equal parts exhilarating and exhausting as well,' Lopez said. Watch the interview!

Review: Studio Tenn's Season-Closing CABARET


Paul Vasterling, the longtime CEO and artistic director of Nashville Ballet, makes his debut as a director of musical theater with his revival of Cabaret – which he also choreographs – in a much-heralded and eagerly anticipated production for Franklin-based Studio Tenn. The timely and sumptuous revival allows audiences an opportunity to consider the prescience of the classic Broadway musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb that debuted in 1966 and which has continued to fascinate and challenge artists of the theater the world over almost 60 years later.

SUFFS' Ally Bonino Takes Over Our Instagram Today


Follow along on our Instagram story as Alliy Bonino, who plays 'Lucy Burns,' takes you behind the scenes of Suffs, currently running at the Music Box Theatre.

Review: CHICAGO at Århus Teater


Der er mord, korruption, magt, begær og alt det, der drev Chicago tilbage i 1920'erne, på menuen i musicalen 'Chicago', der netop nu spiller på Århus Teater. En pompøs, underholdende forestilling, der desværre går på kompromis med dansen. 

Rhea Norwood, Layton Williams, and More Will Join CABARET in London


New principal casting has been announced for the West End production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB. Learn more about the cast here!

Ariana Madix Will Return to CHICAGO in August


TV personality, actress and author Ariana Madix will return in the role as “Roxie Hart' in Chicago on Broadway this August!

Broadway Buying Guide: May 6, 2024- See the Tony-Nominated Shows of 2024


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, May 6, 2024.

CHICAGO Opens in Sydney Next Month; New Performances Added!


CHICAGO will play at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney from 9 June for a strictly limited season. Due to demand, new performances have been released until 27 July, on sale from Friday 3 May with pre-sales this week.

Broadway Buying Guide: April 29, 2024- New Shows Top the Week


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 29, 2024.

Video: Eddie Redmayne Talks CABARET on LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK


Eddie Redmayne joined Live with Kelly and Mark on Thursday to discuss his role in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, which just opened on Broadway. Having previously played the role of the Emcee in London, Redmayne highlighted the difference between American and British audiences and his character to the show. Watch the interview here!

Video: Go Inside the Kit Kat Club with the CABARET Cast and Creative Team


The Kit Kat Club has taken over the August Wilson Theatre and in this video, watch as the cast and creative team explain how they brought the exciting new revival to life for Broadway.

Shop CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB on Broadway Merch in the Theater Shop


Shop Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway Merch in BroadwayWorld's Theatre Shop! Show merch available for purchase includes a unique silk scarf, mugs, show shirt, hat, sweatshirt, Cabaret postcard and more.

CABARET Comes to Center REP in May


Willkommen, bienvenue, and welcome to Center Repertory Company's 2023-24 season finale, the Tony Award-winning musical Cabaret.

CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Cancels Today's Matinee Due to Cast Illness


Today's April 24th matinee performance of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club has been cancelled due to cast illness. 

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL Will Make Shanghai Debut in June


Chicago: The Musical will make its Shanghai debut this June! Performances will run from June 20 - June 23 at 2pm and 7.30pm at AIA Grand Theatre, 889 Dongdaming Lu, near Gongping Lu.

Pittsburgh Playhouse Unveils 24 �" 25 Season Featuring Theatre, Dance & More


Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University has revealed the lineup for the 2024-2025 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Photos: CABARET Cast Serves Double the Red Carpet Looks on Opening Weekend


Rebecca Frecknall's production of Cabaret celebrated not one, but two opening nights at the August Wilson Theatre and you can check out photos of all of the best fashions from both nights here.

Video: Bebe Neuwirth Talks Returning to Broadway with CABARET on CBS MORNINGS


Bebe Neuwirth, who is currently playing the role of Fraulein Schneider in the Broadway revival of Cabaret, visited CBS Mornings on Tuesday. She discussed her return to Broadway after ten years away, and what she loves about the show and this production in particular. Watch the interview here!

Fred Ebb FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Fred Ebb written?

Fred Ebb has written 34 shows including By Jupiter (Additional Material), Put It in Writing (Material), Morning Sun (Bookwriter), Flora, the Red Menace (Lyricist), Go Fly a Kite (Lyricist), Cabaret (Lyricist), The Happy Time (Lyricist), Zorba (Lyricist), 70, Girls, 70 (Bookwriter), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Lyricist), Liza (Bookwriter), Chicago (Bookwriter), Shirley MacLaine (Bookwriter), 2 by 5 (Lyricist), The Act (Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist), Woman of the Year (Lyricist), The Rink (Lyricist), Diamonds (Lyricist), How Lucky Can You Get? (Lyricist), And the World Goes 'Round (Lyricist), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Lyricist), Steel Pier (Lyricist), Over and Over (Lyricist), Fosse (Lyricist), Minnelli on Minnelli (Bookwriter), The Visit (Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Lyricist), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Lyricist), The Scottsboro Boys (Lyricist), Come Fly Away (Lyricist), New York, New York (Lyrics).

What awards has Fred Ebb been nominated for?

Fred Ebb has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Visit" and "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Music and Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Curtains," Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Curtains," The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Steel Pier," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Rink," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Woman of the Year," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Act," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Zorba," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Happy Time," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Cabaret," and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Cabaret."

What awards has Fred Ebb won?

Fred Ebb has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on The Scottsboro Boys. He was also honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award at the Drama League Awards. The Helen Hayes Awards presented him with The American Express Tribute. Ebb's musical Kiss of the Spider Woman won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was also recognized with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production. Additionally, Ebb won the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for Woman of the Year. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for Zorba. Lastly, Ebb's musical Cabaret won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was honored with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production as well.

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