History of William Finn in Timeline

William Finn is an acclaimed American composer and lyricist celebrated for his contributions to musical theater. He's most notable for creating musicals such as Falsettos, for which he earned two Tony Awards in 1992 for both Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical. Other significant works include A New Brain and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in contemporary musical theatre.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 28, 1952: William Finn's birth

On February 28, 1952, William Alan Finn was born. He would later become a renowned American composer and lyricist.

Others born on this day/year

1971: Production of Sizzle at Williams College

In the fall of 1971, William Finn's first show, called Sizzle, was produced at Williams College.

April 29, 1992: Falsettos opens on Broadway

On April 29, 1992, Falsettos, a combination of March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland, opened on Broadway at the John Golden Theater.

September 1992: Gamma Knife surgery

In September 1992, William Finn underwent Gamma Knife surgery to treat an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his brain stem.

1992: Tony Awards for Falsettos

In 1992, William Finn won the Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical for his musical, Falsettos.

1998: A New Brain Premiere

In 1998, A New Brain, a musical by William Finn, premiered Off-Broadway at the Lincoln Center Theater.

1999: Outer Critics Circle Award

In 1999, the musical A New Brain won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical.

2005: UK Premiere of A New Brain

In 2005, A New Brain had its UK premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

2005: Broadway Success of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

In 2005, William Finn had another Broadway success with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which won two Tony Awards.

2005: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

In 2005, William Finn was best known for his musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

2006: Royal Family of Broadway Shelved

According to William Finn's personal notes, Playbill magazine, and a 2006 article, The Royal Family of Broadway was apparently shelved.

2006: Elliot Norton Awards Ceremony

At the 2006 Elliot Norton Awards Ceremony, William Finn invited his high school drama teacher, Gerry Dyer, on stage to help present an award.

2006: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Tour

In 2006, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee toured the United States.

February 15, 2011: Little Miss Sunshine Premiere

On February 15, 2011, the musical comedy Little Miss Sunshine premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in California.

March 27, 2011: Little Miss Sunshine show end

Little Miss Sunshine show ended on March 27, 2011, at the La Jolla Playhouse, California.

April 12, 2011: Release of Songs of Innocence and Experience album

On April 12, 2011, Lisa Howard's album Songs of Innocence and Experience, featuring songs exclusively by William Finn, was released.

October 2012: Stars of David Premiere

In October 2012, William Finn contributed to the song cycle Stars of David, which premiered at the Philadelphia Theatre Company.

October 15, 2013: Little Miss Sunshine Off Broadway Previews

On October 15, 2013, Little Miss Sunshine began previews Off Broadway at the Second Stage Theatre in New York.

November 14, 2013: Little Miss Sunshine Opens Off Broadway

On November 14, 2013, Little Miss Sunshine opened Off Broadway at the Second Stage Theatre in New York.

September 29, 2016: Falsettos Revival

On September 29, 2016, a critically acclaimed revival of Falsettos opened at the Walter Kerr Theater.

2018: Full Production of The Royal Family of Broadway

In 2018, The Royal Family of Broadway saw its first full production at the Barrington Stage Company.

2025: William Finn's death

On April 7th, 2025, William Finn passed away after battling a long illness. The news of his death was confirmed by representatives at Barrington Stage Company the following day.