Be More Chill, the original musical with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and a book by Joe Tracz is now playing in NYC. Stephen Brackett directs and Chase Brock choreographs the limited off-Broadway engagement July 26 – September 30 at The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street, NYC). For tickets and more information visit bemorechillmusical.com.
Be More Chill was originally commissioned and produced by Two River Theater, Red Bank, NJ. Based on the cult sensation novel by Ned Vizzini, Be More Chill is the story of Jeremy Heere, your average, nothing-special teenager at Middleborough High in nothing-special New Jersey. That is, until the day he finds out about "The Squip." Thus begins a journey that pits Jeremy's desire to be popular against his struggle to remain true to his authentic self.
Be More Chill is an honest, edgy, super-hilarious look at coming of age in the digital age, set to some of the most exciting songs in contemporary musical theater. This original musical comedy looks at modern issues like depression, bullying, and anxiety through the lens of sci-fi films of the 50s, horror flicks of the 80s, and teen movies of the 90s. Little Shop of Horrors meets The Breakfast Club in this celebration of outcasts, teenaged or otherwise.
The orchestrator and musical supervisor for the cast album was Charlie Rosen and the musical director and copyist was Nathan Dame. The Be More Chill cast album was produced by Kurt Deutsch, Joe Iconis and Charlie Rosen. The recording of Be More Chill features original cast members Will Connolly (Jeremy), Eric William Morris (The Squip), Jake Boyd (Jake), Gerard Canonico (Rich), Katlyn Carlson (Chloe), Katie Ladner (Jenna Rolan), Lauren Marcus (Brooke), George Salazar (Michael), and Paul Whitty (Jeremy'Dad/Mr. Reyes/Scary Stockboy). The six-piece orchestra includes Nathan Dame (Conductor and Keyboard), Danny Jonokuchi (Theremin/Trumpet), Dan McMillan (Drums/Percussion), Josh Plotner (Vocoder/Reeds), Mike Rosengarten (Guitar) and Amanda Ruzza (Bass).
The Original Cast Recording of Be More Chill has now been streamed over 100 million times and counting...
“A delight with a pop rock score, written by Mr. Joe Iconis that is unfailingly lively and fresh." - Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal
“In a production boasting many strengths, the greatest is Mr. Iconis’s music. With more hooks than a fishermen’s convention, the music grabs you and does not let you go. The six-piece band is on fire and that the cast are vocal acrobats.” - Stan Freidman, New York Theatre Guide
“Explosive fun. The music keeps the show exciting all the way through!” - James Feinberg, The Broadway Journal
“Be More Chill has the makings of a modern classic. A smart and crowd-pleasing new musical comedy containing superb pop-rock show tunes by Joe Iconis. He has written his finest score to date.” - Matt Windman, AM New York
“Joe Iconis’ pop-rock comedy captures contemporary high school angst with heart and specificity.” - Jake Nevins, Observer
“You will hear, see, and feel the future of musical theater in the Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz creation Be More Chill.” -Martha Wade Steketee, TheaterPizzazz
Click for larger image
