“Profiles” is an EngAGE Blog category devoted to occasional posts about older people who have made a significant creative impact in our world. Today’s subject: JOHN KANDER.
John Kander, who celebrates his 90th birthday on March 18th, is the composer half of the legendary, Tony-winning songwriting team, Kander and Ebb. They created the scores for the Broadway musicals Cabaret, Woman of the Year, The Act, Chicago, and others, as well as numerous songs for stage and film, including “New York, New York,” the hit by Frank Sinatra that’s the unofficial anthem of the city.
Producers of the long-running, Tony-winning revival of Chicago announced that the record-breaking production will celebrate Kander’s 90th birthday at the March 21 performance at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC). That evening’s show will feature surprise appearances and special performances for Kander, who will be present.
Partner Fred Ebb passed away in 2004, but Kander continues to work. He’s currently represented Off-Broadway with his 2015 musical with Greg Pierce, Kid Victory, a musical study of a brutal kidnapping and its aftermath.
Learn more about John Kander at the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and read/listen to his interview today that celebrates his birthday on “Fresh Air.”
