Few songwriting partnerships in American theatre history have had the cultural and artistic impact of Kander and Ebb.
As lyricist, writer, and director, Fred Ebb, alongside composer John Kander, helped redefine the modern Broadway musical. Over the course of their decades-long collaboration, the duo created some of the most iconic and enduring works in musical theatre.
Fred Ebb was the recipient of numerous honors, including Tony®, Grammy®, Emmy®, and Olivier® Awards, as well as the Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award. Together, John Kander and Fred Ebb built a body of work that continues to shape theatre around the world.
Their collaboration produced landmark musicals including:
- Flora, the Red Menace
- Cabaret
- Zorba
- Chicago
- Woman of the Year
- The Rink
- Kiss of the Spider Woman
- Steel Pier
- Curtains
- The Scottsboro Boys
- The Visit
The revival of Chicago remains the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, a testament to the enduring power of their work.
Timeline of Kander and Ebb’s Work
Below is a selection of major Broadway premieres and milestones in the history of Kander and Ebb:
Cabaret
Tony Award winner; widely regarded as one of the most influential musicals of the 20th century.
Chicago
Satirical musical exploring fame and media culture; later revived in 1996 to record-breaking success.
Woman of the Year
Starring Lauren Bacall; celebrated for its sharp wit and contemporary themes.
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Tony Award winner for Best Musical.
Curtains
Premiered posthumously with lyrics by Ebb completed before his death.
The Visit
Final Kander and Ebb collaboration, starring Chita Rivera.
Musicals and Films
The work of Kander and Ebb has extended beyond Broadway stages to international productions and major film adaptations.
Cabaret
1972 film adaptation starring Liza Minnelli
Chicago
2002 Academy Award-winning film adaptation
Their musicals continue to be produced worldwide, studied in theatre programs, and revived for new generations of audiences.
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Continuing the Legacy
The Fred Ebb Foundation carries forward the legacy of Kander and Ebb by:
The Fred Ebb Award
Supporting emerging musical theatre songwriters through the annual Fred Ebb Award.
Fred Ebb’s Legacy
Honoring Fred Ebb’s lifelong dedication to the theatre community and the art form he helped shape.
Broadway Cares
Supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a cause Fred Ebb championed throughout his life.
Through this work, the Foundation ensures that the spirit of innovation, theatricality, and excellence that defined Kander and Ebb continues to inspire the future of Broadway.