Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 20, 1970 in Tarrytown, NY

 

Jason Robert Brown is a renowned American composer, lyricist, and playwright who has made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre. He was born on June 20, 1970, in Ossining, New York, to a Jewish family. Brown's parents were both musicians, and his father was a conductor and arranger. Growing up, Brown was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and pop. Brown began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied composition and conducting. After graduating, Brown moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theatre. Brown's first major success came in 1995 with the Off-Broadway production of his musical "Songs for a New World." The show featured a series of songs that explored different themes and characters, and it received critical acclaim for its innovative structure and powerful music. "Songs for a New World" has since been performed all over the world and has become a beloved classic of the musical theatre canon. In 1998, Brown made his Broadway debut with the musical "Parade," which was based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man who was falsely accused of murder in Georgia in 1913. "Parade" was a critical success, earning Brown a Tony Award for Best Original Score and a nomination for Best Book of a Musical. The show's powerful music and poignant story resonated with audiences and cemented Brown's reputation as a major force in musical theatre. Brown continued to write and compose for the stage, creating such works as "The Last Five Years," "13," and "Honeymoon in Vegas." "The Last Five Years," which premiered Off-Broadway in 2001, tells the story of a failed marriage from two different perspectives: the man's story is told in chronological order, while the woman's story is told in reverse. The show's innovative structure and emotional music earned it a cult following and have made it a popular choice for regional and community theatres. "13," which premiered on Broadway in 2008, was a coming-of-age story about a group of teenagers preparing for their bar mitzvahs. The show featured a cast of young actors and a pop-infused score that appealed to a younger audience. "Honeymoon in Vegas," which premiered on Broadway in 2015, was a musical adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name. The show featured a score that blended traditional Broadway-style music with elements of country and western. In addition to his work in musical theatre, Brown has also composed music for film and television. He wrote the score for the 1999 film "The Last Five Years," which was based on his Off-Broadway musical of the same name. He has also written music for several television shows, including "Sesame Street" and "The Bridges of Madison County." Throughout his career, Brown has been recognized for his contributions to musical theatre. In addition to his Tony Award for "Parade," he has received several other awards and nominations, including Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize nomination for "The Last Five Years." He has also been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. In conclusion, Jason Robert Brown is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre. His music is known for its emotional depth, innovative structure, and powerful storytelling.

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