Broadway Stars Pay Tribute to ‘Hello Dolly!’ Composer Jerry Herman

Mackenzie Nichols

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Jerry Herman, the legendary Broadway composer and lyricist behind such hits as “Hello Dolly!,” “Mame” and “La Cage aux Folles” who died Thursday at 88, was remembered by friends and fans as a prolific writer and a reliable source of “love, trust, encouragement, support and laughter.”

Herman’s career spanned decades, and his shows have enjoyed numerous Broadway revivals.

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Harvey Fierstein, who wrote the book for the Tony-winning “La Cage aux Folles,” hailed Herman as a “collaborator and friend for almost 40 years.”

Bernadette Peters described Herman as “always so enthusiastic and uplifting.”

Barbra Streisand, who starred in the 1969 film adaptation of “Hello, Dolly!”, said that Herman’s “tuneful optimism brought joy to the world.”

George Takei thanked Herman for “the music and the laughter.”

Leslie Uggams, Tony and Emmy award-winning actress who starred in Herman’s Broadway show “Jerry’s Girls,” remembered singing with the composer at the Hollywood Bowl with Carol Channing, Rita Moreno and Karen Morrow.

Tony award-winning actress Donna Murphy praised Herman’s “countless moments of explosive joy.”

Singer Michael Feinstein called Herman an “amazing composer, lyricists, and most of all FRIEND.”

Joe Iconis, lyricist and composer for “Be More Chill,” shared a video of the “I Am What I Am” number from “La Cage,” calling it “Punk Rock Musical Theater.”

Actor Syrus Lowe, who played Jacob in a “La Cage” London revival, called it one of his “favourite jobs,” thanking Herman for his “beautiful, uplifting & magical music.”

Film producer John Cohen (“Angry Birds,” “Despicable Me”) hailed Herman’s memorable shows.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez, songwriter of “Frozen’s” “Let It Go” and other hits, quoted Herman’s words from the song “Best of Times” from “La Cage.”

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