Broadway Conductor Sue Anderson has Died, Aged 70

Anderson, who set the standard for female Broadway conductors, has passed away following a long cancer battle

Born in 1954 in Wisconsin, Sue Anderson majored in music and business at the University of Wisconsin before moving to New York City. There, she began working as a medical secretary until landing a role as musical director of the First All Children’s Theatre. 

In the years following, Anderson served as associate conductor for the 1981 revival of My Fair Lady, and was the keyboardist and touring conductor for the hit Joseph Papp revival of The Pirates of Penzance. She was also a touring musician with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.

Notably, she worked on the Broadway productions of Me and My Girl, Cats, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Woman in White, Spamalot, The Lion King, and Jerry’s Girls.

By the late 20th century, Anderson had also become a trailblazing mentor and was among the women paving the way for their place in the Broadway orchestra pit. 

Additionally, she led concerts with the Milwaukee, Detroit, Phoenix, Portland, and Shreveport orchestras, as well as the London Philharmonic. She regularly performed at Carnegie Hall with Field Studies International and was an associate at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. 

In film, her work included Clever Jack, Svengali, and The Ultimate Solution of Grace Quigley. She also recorded at Abbey Road Studios and made three albums with her husband, the Broadway actor Cris Groenendaal. 

“Before Maestra and at the beginning of my career, I met a couple of women, small in number, but together a mighty force, providing support, visibility, and community for me and other women in the field of musical theatre,” wrote Vicki Carter of Maestra Music. “Valuable friendships were formed and lasted until Sande Campbell (center) left this earth in August of 2024 and Sue Anderson (left) followed her just a few days ago. Amazing conductors, pianists, arrangers and all round incredible humans. They made a positive difference in the lives of so many people and are greatly missed.”

Ms. Anderson is survived by her husband, their two children, and extended family members. Our condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.