Michael John LaChiusa

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Michael John LaChiusa 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.

Michael John LaChiusa Photos

Michael John LaChiusa Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Composer of Original Music
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Musical Director

Writing

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Lyricist
Composer & Lyricist
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Composer
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
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Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
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Bookwriter

Michael John LaChiusa Awards and Nominations

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

Michael John LaChiusa Videos

Michael John LaChiusa News


THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA Digital Cast Recording Out Today

The original cast recording of THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA, the latest musical from acclaimed composer MICHAEL JOHN LaCHIUSA is now available for streaming.

Exclusive: Mary Testa Performs 'Miss the Man' From THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA

We have your exclusive first listen to 'Miss the Man', performed by Mary Testa, from The Gardens of Anuncia. Check out the video here!

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Cast Album Will Be Recorded Next Week; Released on Ghostlight Records

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS has announced plans for an original cast recording of the new Broadway musical Water for Elephants. Learn more here!

THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA Original Cast Recording to be Released Next Week

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS will release The Gardens of Anuncia (Original Cast Recording) – based on the recent Lincoln Center Theater production – in streaming and digital formats on Friday, March 22. Learn More about the show!

Transport Group 2024 Gala Will Honor Jennifer Costello and Jan Svendsen Weiss This April

Transport Group has announced that its 2024 gala will honor Broadway producer Jennifer Costello and Activate4Good founder Jan Svendsen Weiss with its Transporting American Theatre Award on Tuesday, April 30, at The Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47 Street.

How Often Are American Presidents Depicted on Stage?

This time, the reader question was: Oh, Mary! currently has so much buzz off-Broadway. What is the history of American presidents being depicted on stage?

Photos: See Krysta Rodriguez, Michael Urie & More at Out of the Box Theatrics' Season Launch Event

Out of the Box Theatrics unveiled its 2024-2025 mainstage productions with a launch event, hosted by Michael Urie, on January 29, 2024. See photos!

INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS World Premiere, SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE & More Set for Out of the Box Theatrics 2024-2025 Season

Out of the Box Theatrics has unveiled its 2024-2025 mainstage productions and additional programming for the company’s new home at 154 Christopher Street.

Danny Burstein, Andrea Martin & More to Join 34th Annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre Ceremony

The Kleban Foundation will present the 34th annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre on Monday, February 5 at 4PM in a private ceremony (by invitation only) hosted by ASCAP and BMI at New World Stages.

Lea Salonga, Gavin Creel, Vanessa Williams, Brian d'Arcy James & More Set for MISCAST24

MCC Theater has revealed that Miscast24 will take place on Monday April 15, 2024 at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Learn additional details!

Two-Time Tony-Award Nominee Kate Baldwin and Broadway Star Graham Rowat to Co-Star In LOVE LETTERS in Bloomfield

Skyline Theatre Company, a 21-year-old professional theatre company now calling Essex County its home, kicks off its second season in Bloomfield on Saturday, February 10 at 7:00pm featuring Maplewood residents two-time TONY Award nominee Kate Baldwin and her real-life husband and Broadway star Graham Rowat co-starring in A.R. Gurney's delightful and touching LOVE LETTERS.

Out of the Box Theatrics to Present Building the Box Readings of TRASH by James Caverly and Andrew Merrill

Out of the Box Theatrics will present the first reading of the company’s Building the Box series of new plays. Learn details and see how to purchase tickets!

LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES to Begin Performances at Audible's Minetta Lane Theatre in February

Audible Inc. will present Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, a three-night-only comedy show starring Tony Award winner Laura Benanti, featuring all original music co-written with Todd Almond live at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre. See performances dates and learn how to purchase tickets!

Rona Siddiqui and Lisa Loomer Receive 2024 Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre

The Kleban Foundation has announced the recipients of the 34th annual Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre. The 2024 Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theatre lyricist has been awarded to Rona Siddiqui. The 2024 Kleban Prize for the most promising musical theatre librettist has been awarded to  Lisa Loomer.

Krysta Rodriguez Joins Lineup For Launch Event To Announce Out Of The Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 Season

Krysta Rodriguez joins lineup for Out of the Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 season announcement event.

Blank Theatre Opens Submissions For 32nd Annual Young Playwrights Festival

The Blank Theatre is now seeking submissions from playwrights 19 years of age and younger for its 32nd Annual Young Playwrights Festival (YPF).

Michael Urie to Host Out of the Box Theatrics 2024-2025 Season Launch Event

Michael Urie (Broadway’s Spamalot, Torch Song, How to Succeed…) will host Out of the Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 season launch event on Monday, January 29, 2024.

John Behlmann, Saffron Burrows & More to Star in CORRUPTION at Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Theater has revealed the cast for its upcoming production of CORRUPTION, a new play by J.T. Rogers, directed by Bartlett Sher.

Photos: Go Inside the Cast Recording Session of THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA

Check out photos from the cast recording session of The Gardens of Anuncia!

THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA Original Cast Recording to be Released in 2024

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS will release an original cast recording for 'THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA' from LINCOLN CENTER THEATER.

Michael John LaChiusa 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?

Michael John LaChiusa has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Lyrics, and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for shows like "First Daughter Suite," "Giant," and "Queen of the Mist." He has also received nominations at the Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score for productions such as "The Wild Party," "Marie Christine," and "Chronicle of a Death Foretold." Additionally, LaChiusa has been honored with Special Citations at the Obie Awards for his work on "First Lady Suite" and "Hello Again."

What awards has Michael John LaChiusa won?

Michael John LaChiusa has won the Most Promising Musical Theatre Librettist award. He has also received Special Citations from the Obie Awards for his work on "First Lady Suite" and "Hello Again."

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