Ed Linderman

Ed Linderman is an American composer and theatre professional best known for contributing additional music to the musical Something’s Afoot (1976), a playful murder-mystery pastiche in the spirit of Agatha Christie. Working alongside core collaborators James McDonald, David Vos, and Robert Gerlach—who co-wrote the book, music, and lyrics—Linderman’s work added depth and dimension to the score of this comedy-whodunit musical.

Before his involvement as a composer, Linderman enjoyed a career on the Broadway stage as a performer. Notably, he toured in Fiddler on the Roof, often serving as the replacement for roles like Yakov and Perchik during the long-running show’s 1960s era. This experience demonstrated his versatility, engaging both performance and creative staging within musical theatre.

On Something’s Afoot‘s Broadway run—from May to July 1976—Linderman’s contributions as an additional composer complemented the show’s zany, theatrical tone, helping to weave in stylistic musical layers that enriched its satirical take on the cozy-mystery genre.

Beyond that production, records indicate he conceived another stage project titled Broadway Jukebox, in which he is credited as “Conceiver,” suggesting further engagement in creative development, though details on this work are more limited.

Though comprehensive biographical details about Ed Linderman are scarce, his career reflects a dynamic stage path: from actor-performer in Broadway repertory to contributing composer of a beloved cult musical. His work on Something’s Afoot ensures he holds a niche but appreciated place in musical theatre history.