William Finn, Tony Award-Winning Writer of ‘Falsettos,’ Dies at 73

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It’s been reported that William “Bill” Finn, the esteemed author and composer behind the Tony Award-winning musical “Falsettos“, has passed away at the age of 73. His agent, Ron Gwiazda, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. The reason for his death is currently unknown.

Finn is widely recognized within the theater community for his poignant and witty musicals based on personal experiences, such as “Falsettos.” This work earned him Tonys for best original score and best book of a musical in 1992, shared with co-writer James Lapine. The production merged two previously standalone musicals, “March of the Falsettos” and “Falsettoland,” into a single narrative focusing on Marvin, his boyfriend Whizzer, Marvin’s ex-wife Trina, their son, and their psychiatrist, Mendel. This story touched upon themes like love, family, and personal identity during the late 1970s through the 1980s.

The initial Broadway show premiered at the John Golden Theater in 1992, and a reprisal was performed on Broadway in 2016. _THR_’s critique commended the ongoing significance of the narrative and musical compositions, stating: “Gentle tunes emerge as if discarded from more complex compositions, yet they stick in your mind, frequently merging a sense of joy with sadness. The words leave you in awe of the talent to blend witty humor, intricate wordplay, and poignant sensitivity.

The musical titled “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which portrays the inner reflections of child contestants, played by adults in a make-believe spelling competition, had its Broadway premiere in 2005. This production, which includes audience engagement, was up for six Tony Awards and marked the early careers of Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Celia Keenan-Bolger. It subsequently toured nationally and has been staged numerous times, including a 2024 revival at the Kennedy Center.

Speaking as a fervent admirer, I can’t help but appreciate Finn’s fearless approach to delving into somber subjects. His song cycle, Elegies, showcases compositions that echo the pain of friends lost to AIDS and offers a poignant reaction to the Sept. 11 tragedy.

Finn’s musical “A New Brain” offers a personal account of the composer and lyricist’s journey through brain surgery following the discovery of an arteriovenous malformation in his brain stem. The story unfolds as a songwriter confronts the prospect of death, struggles to complete his work, and manages his relationship with his partner. Originally staged off-Broadway in 1998 with Malcolm Gets, Kristin Chenoweth, and Chip Zien, the musical was revived at City Center Encores! Off-Broadway in 2015, featuring Jonathan Groff.

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2025-04-08 20:24