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Jason Robert Brown

Birth Place: Ossining, New York, USA

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Jason Robert Brown is the ultimate multi-hyphenate – an equally skilled composer, lyricist, conductor, arranger, orchestrator, director and performer – best known for his dazzling scores to several of the most renowned musicals of our time, including the generation-defining “The Last Five Years”, his debut song cycle “Songs for a New World”, and the seminal “Parade”, for which he won the 1999 Tony Award for Best Score.



Jason Robert Brown has been hailed as “one of Broadway’s smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim” (Philadelphia Inquirer), and his “extraordinary, jubilant theater music” (Chicago Tribune) has been heard all over the world, whether in one of the hundreds of productions of his musicals every year or in his own incendiary live performances. The New York Times refers to Jason as “a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical.” Jason’s score for “The Bridges of Madison County,” a musical adapted with Marsha Norman from the bestselling novel, received two Tony Awards (for Best Score and Orchestrations). “Honeymoon In Vegas,” based on Andrew Bergman’s film, opened on Broadway in 2015 following a triumphant production at Paper Mill Playhouse. A film version of his epochal Off-Broadway musical “The Last Five Years” was released in 2015, starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan and directed by Richard LaGravenese. His major musicals as composer and lyricist include: “13”, written with Robert Horn and Dan Elish, which opened on Broadway in 2008 and was subsequently directed by the composer for its West End premiere in 2012; “The Last Five Years”, which was cited as one of Time Magazine’s 10 Best of 2001 and won Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and Best Lyrics (and was later directed by the composer in its record-breaking Off-Broadway run at Second Stage Theatre in 2013); “Parade,” written with Alfred Uhry and directed by Harold Prince, which won both the Drama Desk and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best New Musical, as well as garnering Jason the Tony Award for Original Score; and “Songs for a New World,” a theatrical song cycle directed by Daisy Prince, which has since been seen in hundreds of productions around the world since its 1995 Off-Broadway debut, including a celebrated revival at New York’s City Center in the summer of 2018. “Parade” was also the subject of a major revival directed by Rob Ashford, first at London’s Donmar Warehouse and then at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Jason conducted his orchestral adaptation of E.B. White’s novel “The Trumpet of the Swan” with the National Symphony Orchestra, and recorded the score for PS Classics. Future projects include a new chamber musical created with Daisy Prince and Jonathan Marc Sherman called “The Connector”; an adaptation of Lilian Lee’s “Farewell My Concubine”, created with Kenneth Lin and Moisés Kaufman; and a collaboration with Billy Crystal, Amanda Green, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel on a musical of “Mr. Saturday Night”. Jason is the winner of the 2018 Louis Auchincloss Prize, the 2002 Kleban Award for Outstanding Lyrics and the 1996 Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla Foundation Award for Musical Theatre. Jason’s songs, including the cabaret standard “Stars and the Moon,” have been performed and recorded by Ariana Grande, Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Billy Porter, Betty Buckley, Renée Fleming, Jon Hendricks and many others, and his song “Someone To Fall Back On” was featured in the Walden Media film, “Bandslam.”

As a soloist or with his band The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, Jason has performed concerts around the world. For the past four years (and ongoing), his monthly sold-out performances at New York’s SubCulture have featured many of the music and theater world’s most extraordinary performers. His newest collection, “How We React and How We Recover”, was released in June 2018 on Ghostlight Records. His previous solo album, “Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes”, was named one of Amazon.com’s best of 2005, and is available from Sh-K-Boom Records. Jason’s 2012 concert with Anika Noni Rose was broadcast on PBS, and he was the featured soloist for a live episode of “Friday Night Is Music Night,” broadcast live from the London Palladium and featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra. His collaboration with singer Lauren Kennedy, “Songs of Jason Robert Brown”, is available on PS Classics. Jason is also the composer of the incidental music for the Broadway revival of “You Can’t Take It With You,” David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Kimberly Akimbo” and “Fuddy Meers,” and Kenneth Lonergan’s “The Waverly Gallery,” and he was a Tony Award nominee for his contributions to the score of “Urban Cowboy the Musical.” He has also contributed music to the hit Nickelodeon television series, “The Wonder Pets” as well as “Sesame Street.” Jason spent ten years teaching at the USC School of Dramatic Arts, and has also taught at Harvard University, Princeton University and Emerson College.

For the musical “Prince of Broadway,” a celebration of the career of his mentor Harold Prince, Jason was the musical supervisor and arranger. Other New York credits as conductor and arranger include “Urban Cowboy the Musical” on Broadway; “Dinah Was,” off-Broadway and on national tour; “When Pigs Fly” off-Broadway; William Finn’s “A New Brain” at Lincoln Center Theater; the 1992 tribute to Stephen Sondheim at Carnegie Hall (recorded by RCA Victor); Yoko Ono’s “New York Rock,” at the WPA Theatre; and Michael John LaChiusa’s “The Petrified Prince” at the Public Theatre. Jason orchestrated Andrew Lippa’s “john and jen,” Off-Broadway at Lamb’s Theatre. Additionally, Jason served as the orchestrator and arranger of Charles Strouse and Lee Adams’s score for a proposed musical of “Star Wars.” Jason has conducted and created arrangements and orchestrations for Liza Minnelli, John Pizzarelli, and Michael Feinstein, among many others.

Jason studied composition at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., with Samuel Adler, Christopher Rouse, and Joseph Schwantner. He lives with his wife, composer Georgia Stitt, and their daughters in New York City. Jason is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802.

Jason Robert Brown Photos

Jason Robert Brown STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2024
In concert

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Performer

Jason Robert Brown Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Arrangements
Orchestrations
 
[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
Orchestrations and Arrangements[Replacement]
Music[Replacement]
 
[Regional (US), 2018]
Music & Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Arranger
Original Songs
Musical Supervision
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2017]
Conductor
 
[West End, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[International Tour, 2015]
Music Supervision and Arrangements
 
[New York, 2015]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Original Music
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Music Arranger
Orchestrator
 
[Toronto, 2006]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Conductor
Keyboards
Music Arranger
Musical Director
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Composer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Composer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Orchestrator
Music Arranger
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Music Arranger
Musical Supervisor
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Composer
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1995]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Musical Director
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1994]
Musical Director
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Rehearsal Pianist

Writing

Composer & Lyricist
music and lyrics
English Lyrics and Musical Adaptation
Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist

Jason Robert Brown Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Lyrics

Jason Robert Brown, The Connector

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Music

Jason Robert Brown, The Connector

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Jason Robert Brown, The Connector

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Jason Robert Brown, Mr. Saturday Night

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Jason Robert Brown, Mr. Saturday Night

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Jason Robert Brown, Prince of Broadway

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Lyrics

Jason Robert Brown, Honeymoon in Vegas

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Music

Jason Robert Brown, Honeymoon in Vegas

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Jason Robert Brown, Honeymoon in Vegas


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Score

Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Lyrics

Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Music

Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Orchestrations

Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County

Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Lyrics

Jason Robert Brown, 13

Olivier Awards - 2008 - Best New Musical

Jason Robert Brown, Parade

Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Jason Robert Brown, Urban Cowboy The Musical


winner
- 2002 - Most promising musical theatre lyricist

Jason Robert Brown


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Musical Direction, Resident Production

Jason Robert BrownDinah Was


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Best Musical

Jason Robert Brown, Parade


winner
Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Jason Robert Brown, Parade

Jason Robert Brown Videos

Jason Robert Brown News


2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List

The best of Broadway and off-Broadway came together for the 68th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which were held at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
The Broadway Cast, Hosted by Ben Cameron, Is Coming to BroadwayWorld

BroadwayWorld is very excited to announce a new partnership with 'The Broadway Cast'- a weekly talk show hosted by Broadway vet Ben Cameron, who brings your favorite Broadway personalities together for a hysterical, fun, informative, inspiring roundtable conversation.
DRACULA, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, And More Announced For 2024 Summer Season At Princeton Summer Theater

Three plays with classic stories presented in a different perspective highlight Princeton Summer Theater's new season opening Thursday, June 13, in Princeton University's Hamilton Murray Theater.
The Adobe Theater Presents THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY Opening July 19

THE ADOBE THEATER will present THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, running from July 19 to August 11. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, with an additional show on August 8.
Goodman Theatre Announces A Summer 2024 Line-up For All Ages And Interests

Discover the exciting lineup for Goodman Theatre's Summer 2024 season, featuring a mix of classic plays, contemporary works, and world premieres. Enjoy diverse and dynamic performances all summer long.
Interview: Victoria Clark and Jason Danieley talk BROADWAY TODAY! BROADWAY'S MODERN MASTERS

Interview: Victoria Clark and Jason Danieley talk BROADWAY TODAY! BROADWAY'S MODERN MASTERS
BEAUTIFUL & More Lead Chicago's June 2024 Top Theatre Shows

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for June 2024 include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and more!
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE & More Lead Los Angeles's June 2024 Top Theatre Shows

Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for June 2024 include The Ballad of Johnny and June & more!
Review: Tony Danza Is a Natural in STANDARDS & STORIES at 54 Below

Tony Danza was all grace and charm at his solo show Standards and Stories on May 28. The actor, best known for his roles on TAXI and WHO'S THE BOSS also has a deep love for American standards, which he demonstrated at the show’s opening night. Danza has two more performances at 54 Below – you can catch him Friday May 31 and Saturday June 1.
Video: Rob Ashford Discusses MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL

Watch as Rob Ashford discusses Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Melissa Kelley's HOW DO WE GET THERE FROM HERE? Comes to The Avalon Theatre

Melissa Kelley explores who we are, who we want to be, and how we get there from here through an evening of song and story as a part of the Sounds of the Avalon Series at the Avalon Theatre.
Bebe Neuwirth, Huey Lewis, Jeremy Jordan, and More Set for 2024 Broadway Teachers Workshop

Celebrating its 24th year, the Broadway Teachers Workshop is an enormously popular three-day series of interactive workshops and seminars with prominent Broadway artists, tickets to four (4) hit shows, and post-show discussions with cast and crew.
Video: Hear 'Time and Place' From PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK

BroadwayWorld premieres a song from the upcoming musical PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, directed by Jo Bonney. See the video!
MCC Theater to Host ARTIVIST TOWN HALL Next Week

MCC Theater has announced a special one-night-only public engagement event, Artivist Town Hall, which will take place at MCC Theater.
Review: Betty Buckley Enchants at Joe's Pub

From the first notes of 'It's a Lovely Day Today,' Betty Buckley's iconic voice resonated through the intimate venue. It was the perfect start to an evening that blended new songs and beloved classics. It truly was a collage of perfection. Buckley is unparalleled when it comes to song interpretation. I’d go as far to say she is the master’s master.
Review: Arts in Motion's Production of BIG FISH at the IPAC

BIG FISH is perhaps the ultimate Father’s Day musical, which is why I found it so ironic that I saw the Arts in Motion production of it the day before Mother’s Day. 
Video: First Look At Carrie St. Louis & David Toole in Fulton Theatre's THE LAST 5 YEARS

Get a first look at Fulton Theatre's The Last Five Years in its 4th Floor Tell Studio Theatre as part of the Ellen Arnold Groff Studio Series. Check out the cast in action!
Review: Linda Kahn's Splendid WAIT TILL YOU SEE WHAT'S NEXT CD Release Show at Don't Tell Mama

There were so many beautiful songs and arrangements, that you’ll simply have to acquire the album or stream it (on Spotify and Apple Music) for yourself to hear the magic that is Linda Kahn!
Cast Recording Will Be Released For I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE Starring Santino Fontana

A cast recording will be released this fall for the Classic Stage Company’s acclaimed 2023 revisal of I Can Get It For You Wholesale, starring Tony Award® winner Santino Fontana, alongside Rebecca Naomi Jones and Tony nominees Judy Kuhn and Julia Lester, among others.
STEREOPHONIC, SUFFS & More Win Outer Critics Circle Awards

The Outer Critics Circle, the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, announced the winners of the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards. Check out the Full List of winners here!

Jason Robert Brown FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Jason Robert Brown written?

Jason Robert Brown has written 12 shows including Betty Boop Project (Composer/Lyricist), Parade (Composer), Songs for a New World (Bookwriter), The Waverly Gallery (Composer), The Last Five Years (Bookwriter), Urban Cowboy (Composer/Lyricist), 13 (Composer), The Bridges of Madison County (Composer), Honeymoon in Vegas (Composer), My Paris (English Lyrics and Musical Adaptation), 13 the Musical (music and lyrics), The Connector (Composer & Lyricist).

What awards has Jason Robert Brown been nominated for?

Jason Robert Brown has been nominated for various awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Connector," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Mr. Saturday Night," Outstanding Orchestrations at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Prince of Broadway," and Best Score at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "The Bridges of Madison County." He has also received nominations for Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards for "Parade," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Urban Cowboy The Musical," and more. Brown's work has been recognized across different award platforms for his contributions to musical theatre.

What awards has Jason Robert Brown won?

Jason Robert Brown has won several awards, including Best Score at the BroadwayWorld Awards for The Bridges of Madison County, Outstanding Music and Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards for The Bridges of Madison County, Outstanding New Score at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Bridges of Madison County, Best Orchestrations and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for The Bridges of Madison County. He also won Most Promising Musical Theatre Lyricist, Outstanding Musical Direction for Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Dinah Was, Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Parade, and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for Parade.

How many Broadway shows has Jason Robert Brown been in?

Jason Robert Brown has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Jason Robert Brown been in?

Jason Robert Brown has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Jason Robert Brown's first West End show?

Jason Robert Brown's first West End show was Jason Robert Brown which opened in 2024

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