Michael John LaChiusa

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.