Michael John LaChiusa
Latest News on Michael John LaChiusa:
Director/Choreographer And Abstract Artist Andrew Palermo Joins The Other Art Fair (Sep 24, 2024)
Photos: Inside Opening Night of Out of the Box Theatrics' SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE (Sep 19, 2024)
Photos: Out of the Box Theatrics Presents SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE (Sep 9, 2024)
Director/Choreographer And Abstract Artist Andrew Palermo Joins The Other Art Fair (Sep 24, 2024)
Photos: Inside Opening Night of Out of the Box Theatrics' SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE (Sep 19, 2024)
Photos: Out of the Box Theatrics Presents SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE (Sep 9, 2024)
BIO
Michael John LaChiusa is a Tony-nominated composer, lyricist, and librettist known for his innovative and daring works in musical theatre. Born in 1962 in Chautauqua, New York, LaChiusa began his career in the theatre as a performer before transitioning to writing.
LaChiusa's breakthrough came in 1993 with the Off-Broadway production of "Hello Again," a musical adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's "La Ronde." The show was praised for its unconventional structure, which followed a series of sexual encounters between ten characters across different eras and social classes. LaChiusa's score blended musical styles from each era, ranging from opera to disco, and earned him his first Drama Desk Award nomination.
In 1994, LaChiusa made his Broadway debut with "The Petrified Prince," a musical adaptation of a play by Tennessee Williams. The show received mixed reviews and closed after just five performances, but LaChiusa's score was praised for its haunting melodies and intricate harmonies.
LaChiusa's next major work was "Marie Christine," a musical retelling of the Greek myth of Medea set in 19th century New Orleans. The show premiered Off-Broadway in 1999 and starred Audra McDonald in the title role. LaChiusa's score blended opera, jazz, and gospel music, and earned him his first Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score.
In 2000, LaChiusa returned to Broadway with "The Wild Party," a musical adaptation of the 1928 poem by Joseph Moncure March. The show starred Toni Collette and Mandy Patinkin as a dysfunctional couple hosting a party in their Manhattan apartment. LaChiusa's score drew inspiration from the jazz age and featured show-stopping numbers like "Queenie Was a Blonde" and "Welcome to My Party." The show received mixed reviews but earned LaChiusa his second Tony nomination for Best Original Score.
LaChiusa's next major work was "See What I Wanna See," a musical based on three short stories by Japanese author Ryunosuke Akutagawa. The show premiered Off-Broadway in 2005 and starred Idina Menzel and Marc Kudisch. LaChiusa's score blended rock, pop, and classical music, and earned him his third Drama Desk Award nomination.
In 2008, LaChiusa returned to Broadway with "The Glorious Ones," a musical based on the novel by Francine Prose. The show starred Nathan Lane and featured a score inspired by Italian Renaissance music. Though the show received mixed reviews, LaChiusa's score was praised for its lush harmonies and intricate melodies.
LaChiusa has also worked extensively in opera, with productions of his works staged by the New York City Opera and the Houston Grand Opera. In 2011, he premiered "Giant," a musical adaptation of the novel by Edna Ferber, at the Signature Theatre in Virginia. The show starred Kate Baldwin and Brian d'Arcy James and featured a score inspired by country and western music.
LaChiusa's most recent work is "Rain," a musical adaptation of the short story by Somerset Maugham. The show premiered Off-Broadway in 2016 and starred Jennifer Kim and Thom Sesma. LaChiusa's score blended jazz and Asian music, and earned him his fourth Drama Desk Award nomination.
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Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Book of a Musical
Michael John LaChiusa, The Gardens of Anuncia
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Book of a Musical
Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lyrics
Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Music
Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite
Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lyrics
Michael John LaChiusa, Giant
Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Music
Michael John LaChiusa, Giant
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Book of a Musical
Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Lyrics
Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Music
Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical
Michael John LaChiusa, The Wild Party
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical
Michael John LaChiusa, Marie Christine
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Michael John LaChiusa, The Wild Party
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Michael John LaChiusa, Marie Christine
winner
- 1999 - Most promising musical theatre librettist
Michael John Lachiusa
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Book of a Musical
Michael John LaChiusa, Chronicle of a Death Foretold
winner
Obie Awards - 1994 - Special Citations
Michael John LaChiusa, First Lady Suite
winner
Obie Awards - 1994 - Special Citations
Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Book of a Musical
Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music
Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again
Videos
Exclusive: Watch Mary Testa Sing 'Miss the Man' from THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 21, 2023
Video: Get a First Look at THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA at Lincoln Center Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2023
Video: Get a Sneak Peek of THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA at Lincoln Center Theater
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 6, 2023
VIDEO: Idina Menzel Talks Returning to See WICKED on Broadway on THE VIEW
by Michael Major - Sep 28, 2022
VIDEO: Exclusive Look at LOS OTROS Starring Luba Mason and Caesar Samayoa
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 10, 2022
VIDEO: Chaka Khan and Idina Menzel Sing 'I'm Every Woman' in Honor of International Women's Day
by Stephi Wild - Mar 8, 2021
VIDEO: Michael John LaChiusa Performs From THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA as Part of the Old Globe's Act Breaks Series
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2020
VIDEO: Idina Menzel Releases the Music Video for 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' from IDINA:LIVE
by Kaitlin Milligan - Oct 11, 2018
VIDEO: George C. Wolfe Talks THE ICEMAN COMETH on Icons and Innovators Series
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2018
VIDEO: Jesse Tyler Ferguson Chats LOG CABIN Off-Broadway & More on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
by Macon Prickett - Jun 19, 2018
VIDEO: 30 Days of Tony! Day 14- George C. Wolfe Secures the Broadway Legacy of SHUFFLE ALONG
by A.A. Cristi - May 25, 2018
VIDEO: Lena Hall Performs 'Tear Me Down' From HEDWIG in First Video in OBSESSED Series
by Stephi Wild - Jan 5, 2018
VIDEO: Watch Cheyenne Jackson Ad Libs an AMERICAN HORROR STORY Tune on HARRY
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 14, 2017
TV: HELLO AGAIN Stars of Old and New Unite on the NYC Premiere Red Carpet!
by TV - Red Carpets - Nov 8, 2017
News
Director/Choreographer And Abstract Artist Andrew Palermo Joins The Other Art Fair
Abstract painter Andrew Palermo has announced his participation in The Other Art Fair Los Angeles, the leading art fair for independent artists, for its upcoming 12th edition.
Abstract painter Andrew Palermo has announced his participation in The Other Art Fair Los Angeles, the leading art fair for independent artists, for its upcoming 12th edition.
Photos: Inside Opening Night of Out of the Box Theatrics' SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE
Out of the Box Theatrics just celebrated opening night of Michael John LaChiusa’s See What I Wanna See, directed by Emilio Ramos, with musical direction by Adam Rothenberg. Check out photos from inside the big night here.
Out of the Box Theatrics just celebrated opening night of Michael John LaChiusa’s See What I Wanna See, directed by Emilio Ramos, with musical direction by Adam Rothenberg. Check out photos from inside the big night here.
Photos: Out of the Box Theatrics Presents SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE
Out of the Box Theatrics has released production photos for the company’s revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s See What I Wanna See, directed by Emilio Ramos (Broadway: Parade, Maybe Happy Ending (associate director); Encores!: The Light in the Piazza (associate director)), with musical direction by Adam Rothenberg (Broadway: Sweeney Todd, Off-Broadway: Watch Night).
Out of the Box Theatrics has released production photos for the company’s revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s See What I Wanna See, directed by Emilio Ramos (Broadway: Parade, Maybe Happy Ending (associate director); Encores!: The Light in the Piazza (associate director)), with musical direction by Adam Rothenberg (Broadway: Sweeney Todd, Off-Broadway: Watch Night).
Top Off-Broadway Shows for September 2024
What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre in the month of September.
What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre in the month of September.
John Cariani, Mary Testa, and More Set For Transport Group's 2024-25 Season
Transport Group has announced its 2024-25 season. Learn more about the full lineup here!
Transport Group has announced its 2024-25 season. Learn more about the full lineup here!
Marina Kondo, Kelvin Moon Loh & More to Star in SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE Revival
Out of the Box Theatrics has revealed the cast and creative team for the company’s revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s See What I Wanna See. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Out of the Box Theatrics has revealed the cast and creative team for the company’s revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s See What I Wanna See. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Mary Testa to Star in QUEEN OF THE MIST in Concert at PEAK Performances
Mary Testa will star in concert performances of Queen of the Mist at PEAK Performances. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Mary Testa will star in concert performances of Queen of the Mist at PEAK Performances. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Frances Ruffelle And Norman Bowman Perform 'Unusual Way From THE SCOT AND THE SHOWGIRL
Frances Ruffelle and Norman Bowman has released a captivating music video for 'Unusual Way'.
Frances Ruffelle and Norman Bowman has released a captivating music video for 'Unusual Way'.
Exclusive: Oh My Pod U Guys- Singing For My Supper with Mary Testa
In this video, I am joined by a true Broadway legend, Miss Mary Testa. Mary's career as a performer has spanned over 4 decades and has garnered her extensive recognition as one of Broadway's strongest voices. With thirteen Broadway credits and three Tony Award nominations, Mary's work has impacted countless people and has transcended genre.
In this video, I am joined by a true Broadway legend, Miss Mary Testa. Mary's career as a performer has spanned over 4 decades and has garnered her extensive recognition as one of Broadway's strongest voices. With thirteen Broadway credits and three Tony Award nominations, Mary's work has impacted countless people and has transcended genre.
Review: Jenn Bornstein's Touching Tribute DIARY OF A PIZZA BAGEL'S DAUGHTER at Don't Tell Mama
Entering with a rousing mash-up of Michael John LaChiusa’s “Welcome to my Party” and “I Love Being Here with You” by Peggy Lee and Bill Schluger, Bornstein set the tone with a hilarious and touching homage to her father, who sadly passed away during the pandemic. The show is a touching homage to a well-loved father.
Entering with a rousing mash-up of Michael John LaChiusa’s “Welcome to my Party” and “I Love Being Here with You” by Peggy Lee and Bill Schluger, Bornstein set the tone with a hilarious and touching homage to her father, who sadly passed away during the pandemic. The show is a touching homage to a well-loved father.
2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway came together for the 68th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which were held at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway came together for the 68th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which were held at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES is Available to Stream on Audible Now
Laura Benanti's one-woman comedy show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, is available exclusively now on Audible. Learn how to listen to the show here!
Laura Benanti's one-woman comedy show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, is available exclusively now on Audible. Learn how to listen to the show here!
Cast Set For New London Production of THE WILD PARTY at EartH Hackney
A major new London production of the multi Tony-nominated Broadway musical THE WILD PARTY will open at EartH Hackney, a new 680-capacity venue in Dalston.
A major new London production of the multi Tony-nominated Broadway musical THE WILD PARTY will open at EartH Hackney, a new 680-capacity venue in Dalston.
Review: A... MY NAME IS STILL ALICE Brings Back the 90s at Front Porch Theatricals
It's the best episode of 90s SNL that you never saw.
It's the best episode of 90s SNL that you never saw.
RAGTIME, THE WILD PARTY, URINETOWN Set for NY City Center's 2024/25 Season
A new season is on the way at New York City Center! The line-up is set to include a star-studded gala performance of Ragtime, in addition to three new Encores! productions, which will include Urinetown, Love Life, and The Wild Party. Check out all of the details here!
A new season is on the way at New York City Center! The line-up is set to include a star-studded gala performance of Ragtime, in addition to three new Encores! productions, which will include Urinetown, Love Life, and The Wild Party. Check out all of the details here!
2024 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List!
Nominations for the 2024 Drama Desk Awards have just been. Check out the full list of nominees here for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway during the 2023-2024 season!
Nominations for the 2024 Drama Desk Awards have just been. Check out the full list of nominees here for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway during the 2023-2024 season!
Idina Menzel to Launch TAKE ME OR LEAVE ME TOUR This Summer
Idina Menzel is going on tour this summer! See if Menzel is performing in a city near you, and learn how to purchase tickets.
Idina Menzel is going on tour this summer! See if Menzel is performing in a city near you, and learn how to purchase tickets.
Dallas Theater Center's Resident Playwright Jonathan Norton Named Interim Artistic Director
Playwright Jonathan Norton steps into the role of Interim Artistic Director at Dallas Theater Center, bringing his unique vision and experience to the renowned institution.
Playwright Jonathan Norton steps into the role of Interim Artistic Director at Dallas Theater Center, bringing his unique vision and experience to the renowned institution.
Jason Alexander to Star in Lonny Price-Helmed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at La Mirada
Jason Alexander and more will be starring in Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada Theatre. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Jason Alexander and more will be starring in Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada Theatre. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Are There Many Musicals About the Same Subject?
This time, the reader question was: With The Great Gatsby musicals happening now, are there other examples of musicals about the same subject?
This time, the reader question was: With The Great Gatsby musicals happening now, are there other examples of musicals about the same subject?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Michael John LaChiusa written?
Michael John LaChiusa has written 17 shows including Bernarda Alba (Bookwriter), A...My Name Is Alice (Material), Buzzsaw Berkeley (Composer), Four Short Operas (Bookwriter), First Lady Suite (Bookwriter), Hello Again (Bookwriter), The Petrified Prince (Composer), Chronicle of a Death Foretold (Additional Material), Marie Christine (Bookwriter), The Wild Party (Bookwriter), Little Fish (Bookwriter), R Shomon (Composer), Highest Yellow (Composer/Lyricist), Hotel C'est L'Amour (Composer/Lyricist), Giant (Composer & Lyricist), Rain (Composer/Lyricist), The Gardens of Anuncia (Book).
What awards has Michael John LaChiusa been nominated for?
Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gardens of Anuncia, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for First Daughter Suite, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for First Daughter Suite, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for First Daughter Suite, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Giant, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Giant, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Queen of the Mist , Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Queen of the Mist , Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Queen of the Mist , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine, Most promising musical theatre librettist () for , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for First Lady Suite, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Hello Again, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello Again and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello Again .
What awards has Michael John LaChiusa won?
Most Promising Musical Theatre Librettist, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for First Lady Suite, and Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Hello Again.
Videos