“I'm thrilled that Signature is able to give the Stephen Sondheim Award to John Kander,” said Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer in a statement. “This marks the first time that we will be honoring a great American composer—one that both Sondheim and Signature greatly admire. We have had a long association with John through his work with the late great Fred Ebb as well as his newest writing partner—Greg Pierce. It will be an honor to salute his amazing career in March.”
Kander and the late Fred Ebb created Flora the Red Menace, Cabaret (Tony winner), Zorba, The Happy Time, 70 Girls 70, Chicago, The Act, Woman of the Year (Tony winner), The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman (Tony winner), Steel Pier, Curtains, The Scottsboro Boys, and The Visit.
Kander is currently collaborating with playwright and lyricist Pierce. Their musical The Landing premiered at The Vineyard Theatre, and Kid Victory premiered at Signature in 2015 followed by a production at The Vineyard. In spring 2018 Kander is teaming up again with book writer Tommy Thompson and director-choreographer Susan Stroman on a new musical based on the Henry James novel, The Beast in the Jungle, also set to debut at The Vineyard.
Signature Theatre inaugurated The Stephen Sondheim Award in 2009; the honor is given to an individual for “his or her career contributions to the American Musical Theatre along with interpreting, supporting, or collaborating on works by Sondheim.” In April 2010 the first award was given to Angela Lansbury. Subsequent recipients include Patti LuPone, Harold Prince, Bernadette Peters, Jonathan Tunick, James Lapine, John Weidman, and in 2017, Cameron Mackintosh.
To date Signature has presented 28 Sondheim productions, more than any other theatre in the United States.
For information about sponsorship and tickets, contact Ashley Richardson at (571) 527-1828 or [email protected].
