LIHSA is so fortunate to have shared many iconic moments with Tony nominated composer Joe Iconis. He participated in “Broadway Supports LIHSA” several years ago where he shared that his first on stage kiss was on LIHSA’s stage as a high school student attending LIHSA’s summer program. He conducted an artistic residency in Spring 2020 which concluded remotely due to the pandemic. And, in November, he joined both our AM and PM sessions to work with the students his play Family Album. He provided insights and candid advice as students asked him about a career in musical theatre.
LIHSA faculty member Kimberly Larkin had been classmates with Joe at NYU. “Choosing this show and having my students get to work with Joe Iconis on his material was truly a full circle moment in my career. I have been a huge fan of his work since attending NYU with him and I am thrilled that our LIHSA students got to work on this new project directly with him. A revue style show allows for opportunities to showcase each student’s individual talents and utilize their creativity as an ensemble to create characters and scenes that do not come from a specific storyline. It was also very exciting to witness the audience’s reaction to a piece they were just learning.”
Lily Wasoski (AM LIHSA student) shared, “Working with Joe was so amazing! He was unique, and his personality was so refreshing compared to other people I know in the business. You got the feeling that he truly wasn’t judging you and was genuinely happy to be working with you. It was so nice to work in a judge-free environment where I could collaborate with people around me and be myself. I will remember this experience with him and I hope I meet more people like him in the future.”
Sophia Schoen (PM LIHSA student) said, “Working with Joe was such a privilege that I still am grateful to have experienced. On top of being such a talented individual, he is such a genuine person and so enjoyable to talk to. It’s a part of my high school experience that I will never forget.”
Family Album was performed at LIHSA on Jan 10th and 11th and was the world premiere of the Teen Version. Photos from the production will be available soon. Keep scrolling to see photos from Joe Iconis’ visit to LIHSA.
