Photo Flash: Joe Iconis's BE MORE CHILL Takes the Stage at Penn State

Penn State School of Theatre presented the musical Be More Chill, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Tracz. Be More Chill was first produced at Two River Theatre in New Jersey, where it was given its world premiere. Penn State's production is the first since that premiere - and ran October 4-15, 2016 in The Playhouse Theatre. Scroll down for photos from the production!

John Simpkins, head of musical theatre at Penn State, directed. Music direction by Dan Riddle, with choreography by J. Austin Eyer. The show featured Joesph Allen as Jeremy, Jonathan Savage as Michael, Maria Wirries as Christine, Aidan Wharton as The "Squip," Johnathan Teeling as Rich, Jessie Davidson as Chloe, Samantha Littleford as Brooke, Maggie Malaney as Jenna, Graham Hancock as Jake, and Jonathan Hashmonay as Jeremy's dad.

Penn State's production was designed by Michael Schweikardt (scenery), Zach Straeffer (lighting), Richard St. Clair (costumes), and Curtis Craig (sound). Mary Dennis was production stage manager.

Joe Iconis provided a special free post-show concert after the October 13 performance. Iconis was joined by Lauren Marcus and Eric William Morris, all a part of Joe Iconis & Family. Broadway historian Jennifer Tepper led a free post-show discussion after the October 9 performance. Featuring members of the original cast, the Penn State cast, creative team and Joe Iconis, the discussion focused on the creation of new musicals in 2016.

Iconis has also authored the musicals Bloodsong of Love, The Black Suits, ReWrite, The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks, and We The People. His songs were featured on Season 2 of NBC's Smash. He has been nominated for two Drama Desk Awards and a Lucille Lortel Award, and is the recipient of the Ed Kleban Award, the Jonathan Larson Award, and a Doris Duke Grant.

Joe is currently under commission by Penn State's School of Theatre to write an original musical for the University (the first writer in a new yearly commissioning series in musical theatre).

Photos by Zach Straeffer