The Man Behind the Music

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  • A stage performance featuring a female lead in a yellow dress with her arms raised, surrounded by dancers in black and white costumes in a kneeling position, with an orchestra in the background and a large audience watching.

    Playbill

    Go Inside Star-Studded Hello, Dolly! Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall.

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  • Billy Porter in a black and white pinstripe suit holding a black tie, standing against a plain background.

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    New York City Center Encores! Season To Include All-Black ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ Starring Billy Porter

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  • Colorful silhouette illustration of three women, each holding a microphone, with the text "Jerrys Girls" in the center.

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    'Jerry's Girls' at the Music & Arts Community Center a dynamic revue of Jerry Herman songs

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Stage & Screen Catalogue is Live

A lifetime of achievement.

Black and white photograph of a young Jerry Herman in a suit with his arms crossed, looking directly at the camera.

Jerry Herman, a legendary composer and lyricist, remains a towering figure in the world of musical theatre. Known for his timeless classics such as Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles, Herman's work has captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a permanent place in Broadway history.

Explore the life, music, and enduring legacy of Jerry Herman.

Life & Career

Born on July 10, 1931, in New York City, Herman's early passion for music led him to a career that would redefine American musical theatre. His melodies are characterized by their infectious energy, heartfelt lyrics, and a distinctive ability to convey profound emotions through song.

Jerry Herman's journey began in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he was raised in a music-loving family. Encouraged by his mother, a professional piano teacher, Herman honed his skills at an early age. After graduating from the University of Miami, he moved back to New York City, where he made his Off-Broadway debut with the revue I Feel Wonderful in 1954.

Jerry Herman's contributions to musical theatre have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

Major Works

  • Vintage poster for the musical comedy 'Hello, Dolly!' starring Carol Channing, with cast and production credits.

    HELLO, DOLLY!

    1964

    Hello, Dolly! is perhaps Jerry Herman's most iconic work. The musical, based on Thornton Wilder's play The Matchmaker, debuted on Broadway in 1964 and became an instant hit. The show won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and its title song became a standard, recorded by many artists, including Louis Armstrong.

  • Promotional poster for the musical 'Mame' featuring Angela Lansbury, with an illustration of a woman playing a trumpet, wearing a white and orange gown, set against a yellow background.

    MAME

    1966

    Following the success of Hello, Dolly!, Herman struck gold again with Mame. Starring Angela Lansbury, the musical opened in 1966 and was celebrated for its vibrant score and uplifting story. Songs like "We Need a Little Christmas" and "If He Walked Into My Life" are among the show's enduring highlights.

  • Poster for the Broadway musical 'La Cage aux Folles' featuring a stylized drawing of a glamorous woman with jewelry and a cross tattoo, with bold red and black colors.

    LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

    1983

    La Cage aux Folles, which premiered in 1983, showcased Herman's versatility and knack for tackling contemporary themes with sensitivity and humor. The musical, based on the French play of the same name, explores love and family within a gay couple who run a drag nightclub. The anthem "I Am What I Am" has since become an empowering song for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Benefiting the ASCAP Foundation which brings musical theater workshops and scholarships to students

STARTS NOVEMBER 14