Andrew Lippa named Composer in Residence

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
October 7, 2010

Award-winning Broadway veteran Andrew Lippa has been named the inaugural Composer in Residence of the musical theatre program at Texas State University-San Marcos.

As Composer in Residence, Lippa, will spend a week with the musical theatre students beginning Oct. 17, teaching the musical theatre performance classes. When not teaching, he will spend time working on his new show.

The Department of Theatre and Dance will also produce Lippa's Outer Critics Circle Award-winning The Wild Party at Texas State in the spring of 2011, with Kaitlin Hopkins directing.

“I’ve known Andrew for many years,” said Hopkins. “When we first started talking about having a Composer in Residence program here, I knew Andrew would be an ideal candidate. He’s an amazing teacher, a wonderful composer, an outstanding performer and a top notch human being. We’re so lucky to have him.”

Lippa received a Tony nomination for writing the music and lyrics for the Broadway adaptation of The Addams Family, currently starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. He also wrote the music for the 2007 Broadway production of Aaron Sorkin’s play The Farnsworth Invention as well as the music and lyrics for Asphalt Beach (2006). Other notable works by Lippa include the book, music and lyrics for The Wild Party in 2000, which won the Outer Critics Circle Award for best Off-Broadway musical and the Drama Desk Award for best music; the music for A Little Princess in 2004; and three new songs for the Broadway revival of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown in 1999, including “My New Philosophy” for Tony-Award winner Kristin Chenoweth.

“Bringing in top professional artists is one way we’re really enhancing the educational experience for our students while also helping them build the networks that they will need to succeed,” said Department Chair John Fleming. “In addition, Andrew’s visit coincides with our desire to be on the cutting edge of helping create new works.”

Lippa's many honors include a Grammy nomination, the Gilman/Gonzalez-Falla Theater Foundation Award, ASCAP’s Richard Rodgers/New Horizons Award, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Lippa serves on the council of the Dramatists Guild.

For additional information, contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at (512) 245-3660 or visit www.theatreanddance.txstate.edu.