Role

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Composer Performer

Genre

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Orchestral

 

Frank Wildhorn is a renowned American composer and lyricist who has made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre. Born on November 29, 1958, in New York City, Wildhorn grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a big band leader, and his mother was a singer. From a young age, Wildhorn showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of eight. Wildhorn attended the University of Miami, where he studied composition and jazz. After graduating, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the early 1980s, he began working as a composer and arranger for various artists, including Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, and Kenny Rogers. In 1990, Wildhorn made his debut as a composer for the musical "Jekyll & Hyde," which was based on the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. The show premiered at the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas, and was later produced on Broadway in 1997. "Jekyll & Hyde" was a critical and commercial success, earning four Tony Award nominations and running for over 1,500 performances. Following the success of "Jekyll & Hyde," Wildhorn went on to compose several other musicals, including "The Scarlet Pimpernel," "The Civil War," and "Dracula, the Musical." "The Scarlet Pimpernel" premiered on Broadway in 1997 and ran for over 700 performances. "The Civil War" premiered in 1998 and featured a score that blended traditional American folk music with contemporary pop and rock. "Dracula, the Musical" premiered in 2004 and was based on the classic novel by Bram Stoker. In addition to his work in musical theatre, Wildhorn has also composed music for film and television. He wrote the score for the 1995 film "Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs" and contributed music to the television series "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" and "The View." Throughout his career, Wildhorn has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. He has been nominated for three Tony Awards, three Drama Desk Awards, and a Grammy Award. In 2013, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In recent years, Wildhorn has continued to compose new works for the stage. In 2012, he premiered "Bonnie & Clyde," a musical based on the infamous criminal couple. The show received mixed reviews but was praised for its score, which blended country, blues, and rock music. In 2015, he premiered "The Count of Monte Cristo," a musical based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. In conclusion, Frank Wildhorn is a talented composer and lyricist who has made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre. His unique blend of traditional and contemporary musical styles has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. With several new projects in the works, it is clear that Wildhorn's influence on the world of music will continue for years to come.

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