Michael John LaChiusa
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 20, 2026)
Listen: Claybourne Elder Releases Debut Album 'If The Stars Were Mine' (Apr 3, 2026)
Interview: Claybourne Elder Celebrates IF THE STARS WERE MINE Album Debut at 54 Below (Apr 2, 2026)
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.
Photos
Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Michael John LaChiusa, The Gardens of Anuncia
Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite
Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite
Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite
Michael John LaChiusa, Giant
Michael John LaChiusa, Giant
Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist
Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist
Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist
Michael John LaChiusa, The Wild Party
Michael John LaChiusa, Marie Christine
Michael John LaChiusa, The Wild Party
Michael John LaChiusa, Marie Christine
winner
Michael John Lachiusa
Michael John LaChiusa, Chronicle of a Death Foretold
winner
Michael John LaChiusa, First Lady Suite
winner
Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again
Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again
Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again
Videos
Video: Tonya Pinkins Sings 'When It Ends' from THE WILD PARTY at New York City Center Encores!
by Gillian Blum - 2026-03-28 19:22:45
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Wouldn't It Be Nice?' in Encores! THE WILD PARTY
by Michael Major - 2026-03-27 11:18:41
Video: Jasmine Amy Rogers & Adrienne Warren Sing 'Best Friend' in THE WILD PARTY
by Michael Major - 2026-03-23 12:51:10
Video: Why THE WILD PARTY is an 'Unusual' Production for Encores!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2026-03-11 13:51:24
Video: Inside Rehearsal For THE WILD PARTY at New York City Center
by Michael Major - 2026-03-10 12:06:15
Video: First Look At Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jelani Alladin And Jordan Donica In THE WILD PARTY
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-02-18 22:28:42
Video: Broadway Vet Brooke Tansley Starts SNAP 'Buddy System' Amidst Government Shutdown
by Stephi Wild - 2025-10-29 08:54:20
Video: Hugh Panaro & Elizabeth Stanley Rehearse with the New York Pops
by Joey Mervis - 2025-10-23 16:39:01
Video: Kate Baldwin Sings 'Everything' from HELD MOMENTARILY at 54 Below
by Michael Major - 2024-12-16 17:05:50
Exclusive: Watch Mary Testa Sing 'Miss the Man' from THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-11-21 09:37:28
Video: Get a First Look at THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA at Lincoln Center Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-11-17 14:34:48
Video: Get a Sneak Peek of THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA at Lincoln Center Theater
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-10-06 15:00:20
VIDEO: Idina Menzel Talks Returning to See WICKED on Broadway on THE VIEW
by Michael Major - 2022-09-28 14:49:12
VIDEO: Exclusive Look at LOS OTROS Starring Luba Mason and Caesar Samayoa
by Blair Ingenthron - 2022-09-10 12:27:30
VIDEO: Idina Menzel Inducted as a Disney Legend at the D23 Expo
by Michael Major - 2022-09-09 16:12:45
VIDEO: Chaka Khan and Idina Menzel Sing 'I'm Every Woman' in Honor of International Women's Day
by Stephi Wild - 2021-03-08 09:57:33
VIDEO: Michael John LaChiusa Performs From THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA as Part of the Old Globe's Act Breaks Series
by Stephi Wild - 2020-04-22 08:59:47
VIDEO: Idina Menzel Releases the Music Video for 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' from IDINA:LIVE
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2018-10-11 14:37:34
News
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2026
If the Stars Were Mine, the debut album from Claybourne Elder, is now available in digital and streaming formats. Learn more about the album and listen to it in full here!
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 2, 2026
The GILDED AGE star will appear at 54 Below on 4/3, 4/4, and 4/15. His new album is available for pre-order now. Read a conversation about the show and album.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 2, 2026
In a new exclusive video, viewers can go into the recording studio with the FILMharmonic Orchestra to see how music is brought to life in Apple's musical series Wonder Pets: In the City. Check out the behind-the-scenes look now.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2026
Claybourne Elder will release his debut album If the Stars Were Mine on Friday, April 3 on Center Stage records. BroadwayWorld has an exclusive first listen of the song “I Wanna Be Evil.' Listen here!
by Gillian Blum - Mar 28, 2026
Watch Tonya Pinkins sing 'When It Ends' from The Wild Party at New York City Center Encores! in this video from the production, which runs until March 29.
by Team BWW - Mar 27, 2026
What’s happening Off-Broadway this spring? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this season. Spring 2026 is packed with exciting revivals, new works, and star-powered productions.
by Michael Major - Mar 27, 2026
Watch a new video of Tony Nominee Jordan Donica performing 'Wouldn't It Be Nice?'in The Wild Party. The acclaimed production of Michael John LaChiusa's musical must close at New York City Center on March 29.
by Michael Major - Mar 24, 2026
Watch Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers and Jelani Alladin sing 'People Like Us' in newly-released footage from The Wild Party. Check out the new video now!
by Michael Major - Mar 23, 2026
New York City Center Encores! has released new video footage of Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers and Tony winner Adrienne Warren performing 'Best Friend' from The Wild Party. Watch the video!
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 19, 2026
The Wild Party is in full swing and is currently in performances at New York City Center Encores! Go inside opening night of the starry new production in new photos from the curtain call and after party!
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2026
Reviews are in for The Wild Party, currently in performances at New York City Center Encores! See what the critics had to say about the starry new production led by BOOP! star Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jelani Alladin, Jordan Donica, Adrienne Warren and more!
by Michael Major - Mar 19, 2026
Watch new video footage from The Wild Party at New York City Center Encores!, featuring Jasmine Amy Rogers, Adrienne Warren, Tonya Pinkins, Jelani Alladin, Wesley J. Barnes, Jordan Donica, and more.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2026
Check out newly released photos of The Wild Party, currently in performances at New York City Center Encores! The production features Jasmine Amy Rogers (Queenie), Adrienne Warren (Kate), Tonya Pinkins (Dolores Montoya), Jelani Alladin (Black), and more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2026
Manhattan School of Music has appointed Obie Award-winning composer, music supervisor, orchestrator, pianist, and educator Or Matias as Dean of the School’s Musical Theatre division.
by Luka Vonier - Mar 11, 2026
The Wild Party is being presented at New York City Center Encores! The production features Jasmine Amy Rogers, Adrienne Warren and more. Hear from Tonya Pinkins, director Lili-Anne Brown and others from the company.
by Michael Major - Mar 10, 2026
Go inside rehearsal for The Wild Party at New York City Center Encores! The videos feature Jasmine Amy Rogers and Adrienne Warren as Queenie and Kate, alongside original Broadway cast member Tonya Pinkins returning to the show as Dolores Montoya.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 2, 2026
Center Stage Records will release If the Stars Were Mine, the debut album from Claybourne Elder – best known for starring in HBO's “The Gilded Age” and Broadway's Company – in digital and streaming formats.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
The Stage Door Foundation revealed the artists and productions who will debut NEW NEXT NOW, a ground-breaking pipeline for the development of new musicals.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
The Wild Party will be presented at New York City Center Encores! this spring. You can now get a look inside the first day with the Encores! orchestra for the production in a new video.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
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 .
Most Promising Musical Theatre Librettist (Obie Awards) for First Lady Suite and Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Hello Again.
Videos