Jerry Herman
Jerry Herman (1931–2019) was an American composer and lyricist whose Broadway musicals include Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles.
Hello, Dolly!: A 1964 Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, based on Thornton Wilder’s play The Matchmaker. Its title song and long-running production became Herman’s signature Broadway success.
Broadway theatre: Professional theatrical productions presented in Manhattan’s Broadway district and its associated theatres. Herman’s major works were created for Broadway stages and their commercial production system.
Michael Stewart: An American librettist and lyricist who wrote books for several Broadway musicals, including Hello, Dolly! and Mack & Mabel. Stewart supplied the books for two major Herman collaborations.
Tony Award: An annual award recognizing achievement in live American theatre, especially Broadway productions. Herman won multiple Tony Awards, including for the scores of Hello, Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles.
I Am What I Am: A song from La Cage aux Folles in which Albin asserts pride in his identity. It became an enduring anthem of self-acceptance beyond the musical’s original context.
Mame: A 1966 Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, adapted from Patrick Dennis’s novel Auntie Mame. The show established Herman’s knack for exuberant songs about unconventional characters.
Musical theatre: A theatrical form combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and often dance to tell a story. Herman composed within this form, writing songs that advance character and dramatic action.
Laurence Holofcener: An American playwright and lyricist who co-wrote the book for Hello, Dolly! with Michael Stewart. Holofcener helped shape the story structure behind Herman’s most famous musical.
Grammy Award: An annual award recognizing achievement in recorded music, administered by the Recording Academy. The original Broadway cast recording of Hello, Dolly! won the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
Before the Parade Passes By: A song from Hello, Dolly! in which Dolly Levi resolves to rejoin life and its celebrations. Its renewed sense of possibility captures the emotional optimism associated with Herman’s songs.