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In this episode, David Rigano sits down with Chris Adams, author of Out for Blood: A Cultural History of Carrie the Musical, for a deep dive into one of Broadway’s most notorious flops turned cult sensation.
Joe Iconis
Joe Iconis is a musical theater writer and performer. He has been nominated for a Tony Award, two Drama Desk Awards and a Lucille Lortel Award, is the recipient of an Ed Kleban Award, Jonathan Larson Award and Richard Rodgers Award.
Latest News on Joe Iconis:
BIO
Joe Iconis is a musical theater writer and performer. He has been nominated for a Tony Award, two Drama Desk Awards and a Lucille Lortel Award, is the recipient of an Ed Kleban Award, Jonathan Larson Award and Richard Rodgers Award. Joe’s musical Be More Chill (with Joe Tracz) opened this season at Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre, following a sold-out Off-Broadway run at The Pershing Square Signature Center and a world premiere at Two River Theatre.
He is the author of Broadway Bounty Hunter (with Lance Rubin and Jason SweetTooth Williams; Barrington Stage Company and Greenwich House Theater Off-Broadway), Bloodsong of Love (Ars Nova, NAMT), The Black Suits (Center Theater Group, Barrington Stage Company), ReWrite (Urban Stages, Goodspeed Opera House), Theaterworks USA’s The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks and We The People. Musicals currently in development include The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical (for La Jolla Playhouse), Punk Rock Girl, and Love In Hate Nation.
His music appeared on Season 2 of NBC’s “Smash,” with his song “Broadway, Here I Come!” hailed by The New York Times as a new entry in The Great American Songbook. Albums: Be More Chill (OCR), which has been streamed over 220 million times; Things To Ruin (OCR); Two-Player Game; and The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree all available on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records.
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.
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.
Photos
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!
winner
- 2007 - Most promising musical theatre lyricist
Joe Iconis
Videos
Video: Joe Iconis Offers Theatergoing Tips in New Signature Theatre Clip
by Rachel Stone - 2026-08-30 09:29:28
Video: Will Roland Gives a Sneak Peek from His 54 Below Solo Debut
by Nicole Rosky - 2026-05-26 11:28:46
Video: Inside 'The Song of the Brown Buffalo' In THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-06-20 19:37:48
Video: Watch 'Kaboom' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - 2025-06-17 10:00:20
Video: First Look at THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature Theatre
by Michael Major - 2025-06-10 14:00:20
Video: George Salazar Sings 'Brown Buffalo' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - 2025-05-29 10:00:20
Video: Ariana DeBose, Andrea McArdle, and More at the Laurie Beechman Theatre Renaissance Gala
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-15 09:38:11
Exclusive: Joe Iconis Is Throwing a Christmas Extravaganza at 54 Below
by Joey Mervis - 2024-12-12 16:49:21
Exclusive: Broadway Unites to Save the West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Tessa Coleman - 2024-10-11 10:02:10
Video: & JULIET's Philippe Arroyo & Ben Jackson Walker Show Off Their Broadway Crib
by Joey Mervis - 2024-09-20 11:22:34
Video: Theatre Community Rallies to Save Iconic West Bank Cafe & Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2024-08-21 11:11:17
Exclusive: Watch the Opening Number from THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature
by Joshua Wright - 2024-06-03 09:30:20
News
Review: Lauren Marcus A Tonic In THE DRUGSTORE RESIDENCY at The Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 22, 2026
She is as fascinating as she is original, and The Beechman has her for one night every month... thank goodness.
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 22, 2026
She is as fascinating as she is original, and The Beechman has her for one night every month... thank goodness.
Cabaret Roundup: Oct. 26-Nov. 1 – Tituss Burgess, Christine Ebersole & More in NYC
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 26, 2026
Here are a few top picks to consider this week including a tribute to the music of Jerome Kern, new musical TOMORROW THE ISLAND DIES and The Rocky Horror Skivvies Show.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 26, 2026
Here are a few top picks to consider this week including a tribute to the music of Jerome Kern, new musical TOMORROW THE ISLAND DIES and The Rocky Horror Skivvies Show.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 19, 2026- OTHER DESERT CITIES Returns to Broadway
by - Oct 19, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 19, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by - Oct 19, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 19, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
John Lloyd Young, Jenn Colella and More Set for 54 Below Shows the Week of October 19
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2026
54 Below will present Broadway and cabaret artists next week, including Tony and Grammy winner John Lloyd Young performing SONGS FROM THE ROAD and Tony nominee Jenn Colella.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2026
54 Below will present Broadway and cabaret artists next week, including Tony and Grammy winner John Lloyd Young performing SONGS FROM THE ROAD and Tony nominee Jenn Colella.
Joe Iconis, Lauren Marcus and More to Join Theatre Then & Now Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2026
The lineup of performers has been revealed for Theatre Now New York's Theatre Then & Now Gala at the Players NYC. Performers include Joe Iconis, Lauren Marcus and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2026
The lineup of performers has been revealed for Theatre Now New York's Theatre Then & Now Gala at the Players NYC. Performers include Joe Iconis, Lauren Marcus and more.
Arielle Jacobs And Joe Iconis Join DUETS: THE CONCERT SERIES At 54 Below
by Marissa Faith Curley - Oct 8, 2026
Arielle Jacobs (Here Lies Love, Aladdin), and Tony Award Nominee Joe Iconis (Be More Chill) join DUETS: The Concert Series Volume 11 at 54 Below. DUETS: The Concert Series is an evening of music and storytelling that features future Broadway stars and their Broadway idols.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Oct 8, 2026
Arielle Jacobs (Here Lies Love, Aladdin), and Tony Award Nominee Joe Iconis (Be More Chill) join DUETS: The Concert Series Volume 11 at 54 Below. DUETS: The Concert Series is an evening of music and storytelling that features future Broadway stars and their Broadway idols.
Best of Halloween 2026 Cabaret & Concerts: Drag, Circus, Ghost Stories & More in NYC
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 14, 2026
Celebrate all October with some of these spooky, funny and sexy Halloween-themed events – there’s something for every budget and person, from dance parties, scary stories and drag to circus and burlesque, with a healthy dose of Broadway.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 14, 2026
Celebrate all October with some of these spooky, funny and sexy Halloween-themed events – there’s something for every budget and person, from dance parties, scary stories and drag to circus and burlesque, with a healthy dose of Broadway.
Jason Robert Brown to Receive 2026 William Finn Award at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026
Barrington Stage Company will honor Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown with the 2026 William Finn Award at its annual New York City celebration, featuring performances by Broadway artists.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026
Barrington Stage Company will honor Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown with the 2026 William Finn Award at its annual New York City celebration, featuring performances by Broadway artists.
Jenn Colella, Ali Ewoldt, Christine Ebersole and More Set for October at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2026
54 Below will present performers from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and entertainment, including artists in October, including Jenn Colella, Ali Ewoldt, Christine Ebersole and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2026
54 Below will present performers from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and entertainment, including artists in October, including Jenn Colella, Ali Ewoldt, Christine Ebersole and more.
Betsy Wolfe and Joe Iconis to Headline BROADWAY NIGHTS OFF
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2026
Tony Award nominees Betsy Wolfe and Joe Iconis will headline Broadway Nights Off, two free concerts on Broadway's dark night (Mondays) at Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park,
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2026
Tony Award nominees Betsy Wolfe and Joe Iconis will headline Broadway Nights Off, two free concerts on Broadway's dark night (Mondays) at Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park,
Jeanna de Waal, Sara Al-Bazali and More Set for Upcoming 54 Below Shows
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2026
54 Below will present performances featuring Broadway talent including cast members from Diana The Musical, Heathers, and Illinoise, alongside Tony Award nominees and performers from hit shows.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2026
54 Below will present performances featuring Broadway talent including cast members from Diana The Musical, Heathers, and Illinoise, alongside Tony Award nominees and performers from hit shows.
Signature Theatre Accepting New Musical Submissions For Sigworks: Musical Theatre Lab
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2026
Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia is accepting submissions for its SigWorks: Musical Theater Lab, a developmental workshop for new musical writers. One musical will be selected for a two-week workshop with a public presentation.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2026
Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia is accepting submissions for its SigWorks: Musical Theater Lab, a developmental workshop for new musical writers. One musical will be selected for a two-week workshop with a public presentation.
Beyond Spring Awakening: Remembering Duncan Sheik’s Remarkable Musical Legacy
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 27, 2026
On September 17th, we lost Duncan Sheik, a major composer and influence on 21st century theatre, whose music for Spring Awakening pushed the art form forward. Sheik was impressively prolific. While the headline of his theatre career may be the impactful Spring Awakening, his career was filled with over a dozen other varied and worthwhile theatrical projects, in addition to his achievements in popular music. He wrote music and sometimes lyrics for an impressive slate of musicals in addition to composing music for plays, and amassed a notable collective of collaborators on his many shows.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 27, 2026
On September 17th, we lost Duncan Sheik, a major composer and influence on 21st century theatre, whose music for Spring Awakening pushed the art form forward. Sheik was impressively prolific. While the headline of his theatre career may be the impactful Spring Awakening, his career was filled with over a dozen other varied and worthwhile theatrical projects, in addition to his achievements in popular music. He wrote music and sometimes lyrics for an impressive slate of musicals in addition to composing music for plays, and amassed a notable collective of collaborators on his many shows.
Sara Al-Bazali Will Make NYC Solo Debut at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2026
Sara Al-Bazali, known for her viral run as standby for Veronica Sawyer and Heather Chandler in HEATHERS off-Broadway, will present her solo cabaret WAIT FOR IT at 54 Below.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2026
Sara Al-Bazali, known for her viral run as standby for Veronica Sawyer and Heather Chandler in HEATHERS off-Broadway, will present her solo cabaret WAIT FOR IT at 54 Below.
Joe Iconis, Paige Turner, JAWS Parody & More Set for Laurie Beechman Theatre Halloween Lineup
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 31, 2026
The Laurie Beechman Theatre will host a series of Halloween-themed shows, including BROADWAY BLOODBATH, THE JOE ICONIS HAUNTED HALLOWEEN SPECIAL, and drag brunches with Paige Turner in New York City.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 31, 2026
The Laurie Beechman Theatre will host a series of Halloween-themed shows, including BROADWAY BLOODBATH, THE JOE ICONIS HAUNTED HALLOWEEN SPECIAL, and drag brunches with Paige Turner in New York City.
Video: Joe Iconis Offers Theatergoing Tips in New Signature Theatre Clip
by Rachel Stone - Aug 30, 2026
Broadway composer Joe Iconis shares practical advice for audiences heading to the theater in a new video posted by Signature Theatre.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 30, 2026
Broadway composer Joe Iconis shares practical advice for audiences heading to the theater in a new video posted by Signature Theatre.
Review: SONGS FOR SURVIVAL JOBS Celebrates the Hustle Behind the Dream at The Green Room 42
by Alex Del Cueto - Aug 13, 2026
At The Green Room 42, SONGS FOR SURVIVAL JOBS transformed the realities of working artists into an evening of humor, honesty, and impressive vocals, highlighting the perseverance behind every creative dream.
by Alex Del Cueto - Aug 13, 2026
At The Green Room 42, SONGS FOR SURVIVAL JOBS transformed the realities of working artists into an evening of humor, honesty, and impressive vocals, highlighting the perseverance behind every creative dream.
A Broadway Show With Every American President
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 23, 2026
Theatre has always intersected with politics, and the presence of American presidents in Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional theatre plays and musicals is a major part of this. Did you know that all of our heads of state have been featured in shows, whether as characters or as plot points that are part of the action? Dramatizing current and former leaders of our nation is a way to examine their affect on society at the time and how political events, even those of many years ago, still impact us all.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 23, 2026
Theatre has always intersected with politics, and the presence of American presidents in Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional theatre plays and musicals is a major part of this. Did you know that all of our heads of state have been featured in shows, whether as characters or as plot points that are part of the action? Dramatizing current and former leaders of our nation is a way to examine their affect on society at the time and how political events, even those of many years ago, still impact us all.
Joe Iconis, Deanna Giulietti and More Set for MATCHBOOK FEST 2026 Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2026
MATCHBOOK FEST 2026 has an upcoming line-up packed with musical theatre talent, including Joe Iconis, Eli Bolin, Nikko Benson, Deanna Giulietti, Kevin Zak and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2026
MATCHBOOK FEST 2026 has an upcoming line-up packed with musical theatre talent, including Joe Iconis, Eli Bolin, Nikko Benson, Deanna Giulietti, Kevin Zak and more.
Photos: DISRUPTION Opens Off-Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Aug 4, 2026
Disruption is a new play by Andrew Stein, directed by Hersh Ellis, which is now playing at The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center. Check out photos from opening night here!
by Bruce Glikas - Aug 4, 2026
Disruption is a new play by Andrew Stein, directed by Hersh Ellis, which is now playing at The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center. Check out photos from opening night here!
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 in 2010 for "Bloodsong of Love," 2014 Jonathan Larson Grant, 2017 Richard Rodgers Award for "Two River Theater's" production of "The Black Suits," and nominations for the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Drama Desk Awards, and Tony Awards.
Podcasts
An Evening With Joe Iconis: Part Two
We're back! After a slight delay, we're excited to bring you the eleventh episode of the podcast. In this episode, we present the second half of our concert/interview with Broadway composer Joe Iconis. He performs a few songs and shares insights into his career.
An Evening With Joe Iconis - Part One
In the tenth episode of the podcast, Broadway composer Joe Iconis visits the shop to perform a few songs and share insights about his career. David and Mark-Eugene also bring in their coworker Aaron Clark Burstein to discuss Joe's work.
Ep 17 - Joe Iconis: "I Love to be Delighted"
Joe Iconis is huggable. Joe Iconis is intimidating. Joe Iconis has amazing talent. Joe Iconis also has amazing hair. He is a darling of musical theatre, and someone I always catch myself rooting for.
Chapter 7: Are you a Friend of Carrie?
With an epic standing ovation on closing night, and urban legends already forming about its turbulent journey to the stage, Carrie the Musical had become an instant cult classic. If you’d missed Carrie’s all-too-brief run on Broadway, you just weren’t ‘in’.
In this inaugural episode, Sam and Ilana interview composer/lyricist Joe Iconis as he walks us through the origins of the Be More Chill journey - all the way from the nexus of the idea of writing the musical leading up to to the opening night of the world premiere at Two River Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey and then the making of the triumphant original cast recording of the show.
Joseph Iconis is a composer, lyricist, and playwright. He is best known for writing the music and lyrics to the Broadway musical Be More Chill. He has won awards such as the 2006 Jonathan Larson Award and the 2007 Ed Kleban Award.
How to make your musical go viral, according to the fan-fave composer.
Episode 109: Be More Chill gets Broadwaysted!
Play along as Joe Iconis and Jennifer Ashley Tepper (Be More Chill) join Bryan, Kevin, and Kimberly for Manhattans, broadway talk, theatre games, bad puns, and Hudson Rye. Become a supporter on our Patreon: https://bit.ly/2Q2zELG.
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