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Mariana Elder

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Mariana Elder BIO

Mariana Elder is a multi-talented artist who has made a name for herself in the world of theater, television, and film. Born in Texas, Elder grew up with a love for the arts and studied theater at the University of Texas at Austin. She then went on to earn her MFA in playwriting from the Yale School of Drama.
Elder made her Broadway debut in 2008 as the book writer for the musical "The Burnt Part Boys." The show received critical acclaim for its unique blend of bluegrass music and coming-of-age story. Elder's writing was praised for its authenticity and heart, and she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical.
In addition to her work on Broadway, Elder has also made a name for herself in the world of regional theater. She has written several plays that have been produced at theaters across the country, including "Lucky," "Mrs. Mannerly," and "The Moors." Her plays have been praised for their wit, humor, and insight into the human condition.
Elder has also had success in the world of television. She has written for several popular shows, including "The Good Wife," "Unforgettable," and "Sneaky Pete." Her writing has been praised for its intelligence, complexity, and ability to tackle timely issues.
In addition to her work as a writer, Elder is also a talented actress. She has appeared in several productions, including "The Burnt Part Boys" on Broadway, and "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" at the Yale Repertory Theatre. Her performances have been praised for their honesty, vulnerability, and emotional depth.
Elder's most recent work includes the musical "The Green Room," which she wrote with composer-lyricist Michael Mitnick. The show tells the story of a group of actors who gather in the green room of a Broadway theater on the night of the Tony Awards. The show received its world premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2017 and was praised for its humor, heart, and catchy score.
Overall, Mariana Elder is a talented and versatile artist who has made a significant impact on the world of theater, television, and film. Her writing is marked by its intelligence, humor, and insight into the human condition, and her performances are characterized by their honesty and emotional depth.

Mariana Elder Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Musical

Mariana Elder, The Burnt Part Boys

Mariana Elder Videos

Mariana Elder News


LCT Spotlight Series Presents A CELEBRATION OF STUDENT SONGS


This month the LCT Spotlight Series will turn its focus to Open Stages, Lincoln Center Theater’s education program and the virtual reimagining of its highly popular annual presentation, A CELEBRATION OF STUDENT SONGS. 

BWW Review: Stellar Performances Highlight Street Theatre Company's THE BURNT PART BOYS


Stellar performances from a superb ensemble cast have come to exemplify productions from Nashville's Street Theatre Company and, make no mistake about it, the company's latest musical - The Burnt Part Boys, with book by Mariana Elder, music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tysen - delivers that and more through a haunting story of loss and redemption.

Eagle Theatre Announces 2019 Season- RAGTIME, DOGFIGHT, and More


The Eagle Theatre has announced an incredible five-show lineup for its 2019 season, which includes; Gary, a futuristic World Premiere by celebrated local playwright Bruce Graham, the Regional Premiere of Karen Zacari?as' comedy, Native Gardens, a lavish and loving staging of the epic musical blockbuster, Ragtime, by the writers of Once On This Island, Anastasia, Rocky: The Musical, an exciting adventure-filled bluegrass musical experience entitled The Burnt Part Boys, and Dogfight, a hauntingly romantic pop musical by Pasek & Paul, composers of Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman.

Cast Announced For Musical THE BURNT PART BOYS at Park Theatre


The cast has been announced for the European premiere of heart-warming chamber musical THE BURNT PART BOYS at Park Theatre, which runs from 10 August to 3 September. This is the first musical to be staged in PARK90, and British director Matthew Illife directs a brand new cast in this premiere. Press Night is Thursday 11 August, 7pm.  

Mark Gatiss, Anne Archer, JB Priestley and Two Musicals in New Park Theatre Season


Details have been announced today for Park Theatre's Autumn-Winter 2016 Season. Mark Gatiss, who recently won an Olivier Award for Three Days in the Country at the National Theatre, will join forces with husband Ian Hallard for a revival of THE BOYS IN THE BAND, Golden Globe winner Anne Archer stars in the London premiere of THE TRIAL OF JANE FONDA, and there's new work from Jonathan Maitland and Peter Quilter, as well as a major JB Priestley revival.

BWW Reviews: Stunning Set is the Star of THE BURNT PART BOYS at freeFall


Prepare yourself for a major treat, a hidden bluegrass gem that should not be missed. But what else do you expect from the freeFall folk who are perhaps the most creative purveyors of theatre magic in the state?

freeFall Theatre's THE BURNT PART BOYS to Open Today


freeFall Theatre's upcoming production of THE BURNT PART BOYS takes you out of St. Pete, Florida and deep into West Virginia's coal mines, following the very human experience of fourteen-year-old Pete, his brother Jake and their friends. As these daring young people journey into the coal mine known as "the burnt part", the same mine that took their fathers' lives, audiences are challenged to experience and perceive the streaks of light and the depths of the darkness that lie in each of us. By turns magical, inspiring, raucous, and playful it is a coming-of-age tale in the finest vein of the genre that people from all walks of life can relate to.

Photo Flash: First Look at freeFall Theatre's THE BURNT PART BOYS!


freeFall Theatre's upcoming production of THE BURNT PART BOYS takes you out of St. Pete, Florida and deep into West Virginia's coal mines, following the very human experience of fourteen-year-old Pete, his brother Jake and their friends. As these daring young people journey into the coal mine known as "the burnt part", the same mine that took their fathers' lives, audiences are challenged to experience and perceive the streaks of light and the depths of the darkness that lie in each of us.

freeFall Theatre's THE BURNT PART BOYS to Open 6/14


freeFall Theatre's upcoming production of THE BURNT PART BOYS takes you out of St. Pete, Florida and deep into West Virginia's coal mines, following the very human experience of fourteen-year-old Pete, his brother Jake and their friends. As these daring young people journey into the coal mine known as "the burnt part", the same mine that took their fathers' lives, audiences are challenged to experience and perceive the streaks of light and the depths of the darkness that lie in each of us. By turns magical, inspiring, raucous, and playful it is a coming-of-age tale in the finest vein of the genre that people from all walks of life can relate to.

Aurora Theatre Kicks Off Harvel Lab Series with WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD, Now thru 10/6


On the heels of their record breaking production of LES MISERABLES, a new comedy with a very intriguing title opens Aurora Theatre's 2013-2014 Harvel Lab Series. Walter Cronkite is Dead which runs tonight, September 19 - October 6, 2013.

Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of Aurora Theatre's WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD


On the heels of their record breaking production of LES MISERABLES, a new comedy with a very intriguing title opens Aurora Theatre's 2013-2014 Harvel Lab Series. Walter Cronkite is Dead, which runs September 19 - October 6, 2013. Get a first look at the cast below!

Photo Flash: Third Street Theatre's THE BURNT PART BOYS Opens Tonight


Adventure and redemption are at the heart of a new musical inflected with the rich musical sounds of the Appalachia region. Third Street Theatre and West Coast Ensemble Theatre present the West Coast premiere of The Burnt Part Boys by Mariana Elder (book), Chris Miller (music) and Nathan Tysen (lyrics), opening tonight, Sept. 14 at Third Street Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Photo Flash: First Look at Third Street Theatre's THE BURNT PART BOYS


Adventure and redemption are at the heart of a new musical inflected with the rich musical sounds of the Appalachia region. Third Street Theatre and West Coast Ensemble Theatre present the West Coast premiere of The Burnt Part Boys by Mariana Elder (book), Chris Miller (music) and Nathan Tysen (lyrics), opening Sept. 14 at Third Street Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Aurora Theatre to Kick Off Harvel Lab Series with WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD, 9/19-10/6


On the heels of their record breaking production of Les Miserables, a new comedy with a very intriguing title opens Aurora Theatre's 2013-2014 Harvel Lab Series. Walter Cronkite is Dead which runs September 19 - October 6, 2013.

Tickets Go on Sale 3/10 for Boston's Pre-Broadway Run of TUCK EVERLASTING


Broadway In Boston and Producers Broadway Across America - Beth Williams; Howard & Janet Kagan; and Barry Brown have announced that tickets for the upcoming Boston engagement of the highly anticipated Pre-Broadway World Premiere of TUCK EVERLASTING will go on sale to the public this Today, March 10th beginning at 10am. This limited three week engagement will play the historic Citi Performing Arts Center Emerson Colonial Theatre July 28-August 18, 2013 and is part of the Lexus Broadway In Boston Series.

Tickets Go on Sale 3/10 for Boston's Pre-Broadway Run of TUCK EVERLASTING


Broadway In Boston and Producers Broadway Across America - Beth Williams; Howard & Janet Kagan; and Barry Brown have announced that tickets for the upcoming Boston engagement of the highly anticipated Pre-Broadway World Premiere of TUCK EVERLASTING will go on sale to the public this Sunday, March 10th beginning at 10am. This limited three week engagement will play the historic Citi Performing Arts Center Emerson Colonial Theatre July 28-August 18, 2013 and is part of the Lexus Broadway In Boston Series.

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for November 7th, 2012


The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The BroadwayWorld Chicago Award nominees, three shows that are closing, 'The Burnt Part Boys' debuts, a second 'Fifty Shades' parody musical, 'Miami Nice,' Lyric Opera's 'Oklahoma!' and more....

Photo Flash: First Look at Amanda Hawkins, Chad Elder and More in BALD's THE BURNT PART BOYS


The BALD theatre company presents the Pittsburgh premiere of The Burn Part Boys, directed by Justin Zeno with music direction by Nancy Gordon Galluzzo. Starring John-Michael Breen, Matt Augustyniak, Joseph Serafini, Logan Williams, Amanda Hawkins, Chad Elder, Corey Nile Wingard, Brian Barrett and Justin Zeno, the show plays The Grey Box Theatre in Lawrenceville for six performances only, August 31 through September 8, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below.

Mariana Elder FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Mariana Elder written?

Mariana Elder has written 1 shows including The Burnt Part Boys (Bookwriter).

What awards has Mariana Elder been nominated for?

Mariana Elder has been nominated for Outstanding Musical at The Lortel Awards for "The Burnt Part Boys."

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