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Bio:
Joe is a writer and performer. As a composer - lyricist - book writer, he has authored the musicals Be More Chill (Two River Theater), Broadway Bounty Hunter (Barrington Stage Company), Bloodsong of Love (Ars Nova), The Black Suits (Center Theater Group), ReWrite (Urban Stages), Theaterworks USA's ... (read complete bio)

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Lyricist
Music
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Composer & Lyricist
Composer, Lyricist, and Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter

Joe Iconis Biography

Joe is a writer and performer. As a composer - lyricist - book writer, he has authored the musicals Be More Chill (Two River Theater), Broadway Bounty Hunter (Barrington Stage Company), Bloodsong of Love (Ars Nova), The Black Suits (Center Theater Group), ReWrite (Urban Stages), Theaterworks USA's The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks and We The People, and the currently in development Hunter S. Thompson Musical (for La Jolla Playhouse) and Love In Hate Nation. Albums: Be More Chill (Original Cast Recording), Things To Ruin (Original Cast Recording) and The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree all available on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records. Joe's songs appeared on Season 2 of NBC's "Smash" and the New York Times called him "the future of musical theater." His concert act, Joe Iconis and Family, frequently plays Feinstein's/54 Below, The Laurie Beechman Theater, Weston Playhouse, and other venues around the country. He has been nominated for two Drama Desk Awards, a Lucille Lortel Award, and is the recipient of an Ed Kleban Award, a Jonathan Larson Award, an ASCAP Harold Adamson Lyric Award, a Doris Duke Grant, and a MAC John Wallowitch Songwriting Award. Joe is deliriously inspired by Robert Altman, Dolly Parton, Martin Scorsese, Sardi's, The Rolling Stones, whiskey, The Muppets, and The Family of artists he frequently surrounds himself with.

Joe Iconis Awards and Nominations

 
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Lyrics
Joe Iconis, Be More Chill
 
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Music
Joe Iconis, Be More Chill
 
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding New Score
Joe Iconis, Be More Chill
 
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Joe Iconis, Be More Chill
 
The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Musical
Joe Iconis, We the People: America Rocks!
 
- 2007 - Most promising musical theatre lyricist Gold Star
Joe Iconis

Joe Iconis News

THE MICHAEL FRIEDMAN COLLECTION Featuring Jackie Hoffman, Lauren Molina & More Out No Photo THE MICHAEL FRIEDMAN COLLECTION Featuring Jackie Hoffman, Lauren Molina & More Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2023

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS and THE CIVILIANS have released four new albums as the final installment of The Michael Friedman Collection.

Exclusive: Hear A New Track 'The Civilians Theme Song' From THE MICHAEL FRIEDMAN COLL Photo Exclusive: Hear A New Track 'The Civilians Theme Song' From THE MICHAEL FRIEDMAN COLLECTION
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 23, 2023

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS and THE CIVILIANS have announced the release of four new albums as the final installment of The Michael Friedman Collection. Adventures in Reality, Canard, Canard, Goose?, In the Footprint: The Battle for the Atlantic Yards, and Mr. Burns, a post-electric play will all be available in digital and streaming formats on Friday, March 24.

Amanda Jane Cooper, Jelani Remy & More to Lead IN THE TRENCHES: A PARENTING MUSICAL I Photo Amanda Jane Cooper, Jelani Remy & More to Lead IN THE TRENCHES: A PARENTING MUSICAL Industry Readings
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 22, 2023

In The Trenches: A Parenting Musical, with book, music, and lyrics by Graham & Kristina Fuller, will receive industry readings on Friday, March 24th at 11am & 3pm at Ripley Grier Studios.

Listen: Eleri Ward's KEEP A TENDER DISTANCE to be Released on Vinyl in June Photo Listen: Eleri Ward's KEEP A TENDER DISTANCE to be Released on Vinyl in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2023

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS has announced that the new album Keep A Tender Distance rom singer/songwriter Eleri Ward will be released in a special vinyl edition on Friday, June 2. 

Cast & Creatives Set for Hansol Jung's ROMEO AND JULIET at Two River Theater Photo Cast & Creatives Set for Hansol Jung's ROMEO AND JULIET at Two River Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2023

A World Premiere modern verse translation of Shakespeare’s ode to young love hits the stage at Two River Theater from April 8 – April 30, 2023. 

The Civilians To Honor Kurt Deutsch & Ghostlight Records at ADVENTURES IN REALITY, 20 Photo The Civilians To Honor Kurt Deutsch & Ghostlight Records at ADVENTURES IN REALITY, 2023 Spring Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2023

The Civilians will honor Grammy-winning industry executive Kurt Deutsch, Senior Vice President, Warner Music Entertainment & Theatrical Ventures, and Ghostlight Records at Adventures in Reality: The Civilians' 2023 Spring Benefit. 

Jackie Hoffman, Lauren Molina & More to be Featured on THE MICHAEL FRIEDMAN COLLECTIO Photo Jackie Hoffman, Lauren Molina & More to be Featured on THE MICHAEL FRIEDMAN COLLECTION Final Installment
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 13, 2023

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS and THE CIVILIANS have announced the release of four new albums as the final installment of The Michael Friedman Collection.

Lauren Kurinskas Named Producing Director of Two River Theater Photo Lauren Kurinskas Named Producing Director of Two River Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 8, 2023

Two River Theater has named Lauren Kurinskas Producing Director. She will take the lead on overseeing the multiple integrated departments that collaborate to execute each production. 

Broadway Women's Fund Names 2023 Industry Women to Watch Photo Broadway Women's Fund Names 2023 Industry Women to Watch
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2023

To spotlight women in leadership, the Broadway Women’s Fund has announced the fourth annual Women to Watch on Broadway.

Manhattan Association of Cabarets Announces 2023 Award Nominations Photo Manhattan Association of Cabarets Announces 2023 Award Nominations
by Stephen Mosher - Mar 4, 2023

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) is pleased to announce the 2023 MAC Award nominees.

Joe Iconis Videos

Photos & Video: Beowulf Boritt Celebrates Book Launch at Sardi's With Samuel L. Jacks Videoplay
Photos & Video: Beowulf Boritt Celebrates Book Launch at Sardi's With Samuel L. Jackson & More

by BroadwayWorld TV - Oct 3, 2022

At Sardi’s Restaurant, the Broadway community celebrated the launch of the new book Transforming Space Over Time by Tony Award winning set designer Beowulf Boritt. This event was hosted by his Piano Lesson colleagues LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson and sponsored by Hudson Scenic Studios. See photos & videos here!

VIDEO: Joe Iconis Celebrates West End Debut with BE MORE CHILL Videoplay
VIDEO: Joe Iconis Celebrates West End Debut with BE MORE CHILL

by BroadwayWorld UK TV - Jul 7, 2021

Last night the West End premiere of Be More Chill celebrated its official opening at London's Shaftesbury Theatre, so our very own @WestEndReporter Tom Hayden Millward caught up with the show's Tony-nominated composer and lyricist Joe Iconis to get his thoughts on his West End debut.

VIDEO: Watch Sneak Peek of NYTW's 25 YEARS OF RENT: MEASURED IN LOVE Videoplay
VIDEO: Watch Sneak Peek of NYTW's 25 YEARS OF RENT: MEASURED IN LOVE

by Stage Tube - Feb 26, 2021

A quarter century ago, Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking musical, RENT, opened at New York Theatre Workshop. From its humble beginnings at NYTW, this rock musical went on to shape a generation. What began in the East Village traveled to Broadway, across the nation and around the world. While we await showtime, check out a trailer for the big event!

VIDEO: The Playbillies Cover 'Elephant Love Medley' From MOULIN ROUGE! Featuring Joe  Videoplay
VIDEO: The Playbillies Cover 'Elephant Love Medley' From MOULIN ROUGE! Featuring Joe Iconis, Lauren Marcus, and More!

by Stage Tube - Feb 13, 2021

The Playbillies have released a cover of the 'Elephant Love Medley' from Moulin Rouge in collaboration with many of their friends from the Broadway community. 

VIDEO: ICYMI- Watch Broadway Unite for the SAVE BIRDLAND Fundraiser! Videoplay
VIDEO: ICYMI- Watch Broadway Unite for the SAVE BIRDLAND Fundraiser!

by Stage Tube - Jan 25, 2021

Notables from President Bill Clinton and Whoopi Goldberg to musicians Wynton Marsalis and Sting joined together on Sunday, Jan 24th to 'Save Birdland'.

VIDEO: Two River Theatre Celebrates ASL Day with Theatre Signs! Videoplay
VIDEO: Two River Theatre Celebrates ASL Day with Theatre Signs!

by Stage Tube - Apr 15, 2020

In celebration of National ASL Day, Two River Theatre patron Lori Timney guides you through some theater-related signs!

Living Room Concerts: Lauren Marcus and Joe Iconis Perform a Tune From COMPANY! Videoplay
Living Room Concerts: Lauren Marcus and Joe Iconis Perform a Tune From COMPANY!

by BroadwayWorld TV - Apr 28, 2020

For today's performance we've got Be More Chill's Lauren Marcus and Joe Iconis singing '(Not) Getting Married Today' from Company!

VIDEO: Watch the Full HIT LIST Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below, Featuring Jeremy Jord Videoplay
VIDEO: Watch the Full HIT LIST Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below, Featuring Jeremy Jordan, Andy Mientus, Krysta Rodriguez, and More!

by Stage Tube - Apr 4, 2020

SMASH fans, rejoice! The full Hit List concert, which premiered at Feinstein's/54 Below in 2013, is now available on YouTube!

VIDEO: Carl Hendrick Louis Performs From RADIO GOLF as Part of Two River Theater's Sc Videoplay
VIDEO: Carl Hendrick Louis Performs From RADIO GOLF as Part of Two River Theater's Scene at Two River Series

by Stage Tube - Apr 3, 2020

Carl Hendrick Louis performs from Two River's recent production of August Wilson's RADIO GOLF in this new Scene at Two River video!

VIDEO: Two River Theater's Literary Manager Taylor Barfield Shares Context For The Am Videoplay
VIDEO: Two River Theater's Literary Manager Taylor Barfield Shares Context For The American Century Cycle by August Wilson

by Stage Tube - Mar 31, 2020

Two River Theater's Literary Manager Taylor Barfield shares some context for the American Century Cycle by August Wilson, through the company's recent production of Radio Golf.


Joe Iconis Frequently Asked Questions

How many shows has Joe Iconis written?
Joe Iconis has written 5 shows including The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks (Bookwriter), We the People: America Rocks! (Bookwriter), Be More Chill (Composer & Lyricist), Broadway Bounty Hunter (Composer, Lyricist, and Bookwriter), Love in Hate Nation (Composer).

What awards has Joe Iconis been nominated for?
Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Be More Chill , Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Be More Chill , Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Be More Chill , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Be More Chill Outstanding Musical (The Lortels) for We the People: America Rocks! and Most promising musical theatre lyricist () for .

What awards has Joe Iconis won?
Most promising musical theatre lyricist () for .