#joe iconis' birthday

[ron456]

It's Joe Iconis' Birthday today!!! 🥳🎉

I' ve already started celebrating by listening to the Be More Chill Album while I did the dishes this morning :)

(I mean, I would've listend to it anyway but STILL)

He's made an impact on so many people's lifes and really does deserve recognition!!

[unproduciblesmackdown]

first 14th annual joe iconis christmas extravaganza rehearsal & director joe simpkin's birthday ft. video from jackie sanders / hellojacks & photos from jenashtep

[nonbinarytheatrekid07]

WHO WAS GOING TO TELL ME THAT JOE ICONIS HAS THE SAME BIRTHDAY AS ME THATS SO COOL

[ringobingo42]

Thank

You

For

Helping

Me

To

More

Than

Survive

Here’s to 4 years

[neverheardnothing]

Love In Hate Nation - a new musical by Joe Iconis

Intro

Hey, y’all, wonder what our favorite Tony nominated composer is up to these days? Well, a lot. He has 3 upcoming musicals, but we’re gonna talk about one in particular, his next one. It’s called Love In Hate Nation, for which he is writing the music, lyrics, and book.

Here’s the description from Joe’s website:

A turbulent rock romance set in a 1960s Juvie Hall, Love in Hate Nation uses classic “bad girl” movies as the inspiration for the story of young people caught between eras of a changing America. Sixteen-year old Susannah Son is carted off to the National Reformatory for Girls to get her head put on straight. There she meets the aggressively incorrigible Sheila Nail, and a relationship forms which leads to an all-out “revolution in the institution” as they attempt to break out of the boxes society has created around them. Girl Group Wall of Sound harmonies are filtered through a punk rock spirit in this rebellious and romantic new musical.

The show will make its world premiere at Two River Theater in New Jersey (the place where BMC started!) and will run from November 9th to December 1st 2019. 

TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE! CHECK OUT THE LINK ABOVE!

Cast/Creatives

The cast will feature Sydney Farley (Gloria “Ya Ya” Meeks), Amina Faye (Susannah Son), Jasmine Forsberg (Brenda “Rat” Ratowski), Lauren Marcus (Miss Asp), Kelly McIntyre (Sheila Nail), Lena Skeele (Dorothy Donaldson), Emerson Smith (Kitty Minx), Ryan Vona (The Guy), and Tatiana Wechsler (Judith Ramone).

The rest of the creative/design team includes: scenic designer Meredith Reis, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designer Jen Schriever, and sound designer Palmer Hefferan. Orchestrations and music supervision are by Charlie Rosen, with music direction by Geraldine Anello, and choreography by Mayte Natalio.

Although this is its world premiere, there actually was a previous production of this show in 2018 by Penn State’s musical theater program (where John Simpkins works), who originally commissioned Joe to write the show. The cast included Amina Faye, Katie Griffith, Talia Suskauer (a swing in BMC!), Lena Skeele, Jasmine Forsberg (cast member of Broadway Bounty Hunter), Morgan Hecker, MiKayla McKasey, Caleb Smith, and Kevin Dort. Amina, Lena, and Jasmine will be reprising their roles. 

Press/Reviews

Jennifer Ashley Tepper wrote a review of the 2018 production on her Facebook, which has some information about the characters.

Review from The Theater Times

Review from Sun Gazette

Review from PSU Underground

About the initial development of LIHN

Songs

If you want to hear what we currently have from the shows, I’ve made a YouTube playlist of all the videos I’ve found. It contains some songs, scenes, and interviews.

Since there’s a lot of duplicates, I’ve linked my favorite of each version here:

I Hope

Three Failed Escape Attempts of Sheila Nail

Revolution Song

I Was A Teenage Delinquent (this song was actually written way before the show was commissioned!)

Susannah’s Song

Generally Rebellious

Lovelier

Revolution Song (which is my favorite). Featuring Rachel Lee, Alexandra Ferrara, and Danielle Gimbal at an Iconis and Family concert.

But if you only listen to one of these, listen to Three Failed Escape Attempts of Sheila Nail. It’s an incredible song and an incredible performance which speaks for itself. Go, watch it. I beg you.

Three Failed Escape Attempts of Sheila Nail sung by Talia Suskauer at the Be More Swing show.

Pictures

And now here’s some pictures from the 2018 Penn State production below the cut if you want to see what it looked it!

Amina Faye as Susannah Son

Amina Faye as Susannah Son and Talia Suskauer as Miss Asp

Katie Griffith as Sheila Nail and Amina Faye as Susannah Son

Talia Suskauer as Miss Asp and Lena Skeele as Dorothy

Morgan Hecker, Caleb Smith, Jasmine, Mikayla McKasy, Lena Skeele, and Katie Griffith

[musical-whovian27]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE ICONIS

[nblesbianjeremy]

[twoplayer-gays]

NAME A MORE ICONIC DUO

[heizouscases]

ATTENTION BE MORE CHILL/JOE ICONIS FANS

I am currently organizing a project for Joe’s birthday, where we would record and edit a massive fan cover of Kaboom.

• I am currently waiting on someone else to help me make an instrumental but when it’s ready we’ll use that

• If you are uncomfortable showing your face on camera, feel free to cover with a Playbill, drawing, etc

• Videos must be submitted by September 8th

• If you can do harmony, do harmony! I think it’ll add to it even more

• If interested, DM me here or on my Instagram @below.average.cosplay or my Twitter @Squiptacs

[acemenagerie-a]

Repost With The Words You Most Associate With Your Character

Tagged by:  @xfaucheuse​ Tagging:  go for it!!

JONAH

Animal:  snake Cryptid:  does a crossroad’s demon count? Color:  green and gold Month:  february  Astrological Sign:  pisces Three Songs:  Mr. Malum - The Dear Hunter ; The Guide To Success - Joe Iconis ; The Faulty Feline Philosophy - Ferry ft. Gumi ENG Number:  8 Day or Night:  day Plant:  hemlock Season:  early spring, when some plants are trying to bloom but will likely be killed by a sudden frost Gemstone:  emerald Smell:  old paper and ink Food:  stolen birthday cake Candy:  cherry cordial Drink:  red wine Element:  air Positive Traits:  quick-witted, charismatic, observant, determined Negative Traits:  impulsive, vain, arrogant, manipulative, self-centered

[heereandthere]

~A Massive Thank You to @bemorechillmusical~

As I’m sure all of you know, today marks a bittersweet ending to a glorious journey: “Be More Chill” has officially finished its 5-month Broadway run. I’m really sad to see it ride off into the sunset so soon, but I’m also really proud of everyone who has made this show what it is today and helped so many people get out of very bad places. This show means so much to so many people, and though it’s disappointing to see it being taken away, it’s remarkable that everyone made it this far.

Thank you, “Be More Chill”, for introducing me to theatre and helping me find a place where I really belong, for guiding me to an outlet for the stresses of the world. This show helped me discover that the root of my issues was having no way to project by introducing me to the world of drama because “it seemed fun”, which led to some of my fondest memories. I now volunteer frequently at my local theatre, and, since I was also helped in figuring out what path I want to choose in life, I have wild dreams of making my Broadway debut.

Thank you, “Be More Chill”, for being there for me when I felt the most lost. When I first found this show is when a lot of emotional issues began to worsen for me, and I remember very fondly how BMC became, much like theatre, an outlet for all of those problems. I was having difficulties with my friends that I didn’t understand or could articulate properly, which made Michael’s story, in particular catch my eye; “Michael in the Bathroom” always helped me with a healthy cry, and flashing back to songs like “Two-Player Game” always put a smile on my face when I needed it.

Thank you, “Be More Chill”, for changing my life with only one performance and making a birthday I was secretly dreading one of the best ones possible. This was the very first Broadway show I had ever seen and, thanks to my amazing family, I was able to see it on the day I encountered a very big birthday that would change the course of my life. I was terrified of this day and, honestly, there was a part of me that just wanted to hole up in my house for the weekend and let it come and go. But, I wound up doing the exact opposite, and for those two hours I spent watching Jeremy’s story play out, I was convinced that things were going to be perfectly fine. The fears I had about fighting for my spot on Broadway and the troubles that would come with it dissipated, and I felt completely comfortable in my skin for the first time in I didn’t know how long. Being at the Lyceum made everything feel perfectly alright, and, in the words of the wise Evan Hansen, it gave me a reason to believe I’ll be okay.

Thank you, Will Roland and Jeremy Heere, for teaching me that, no matter how much I may dislike myself or how bad my anxieties get, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and the best person for me to be is myself. There will always be voices in my head telling me ridiculous things, but there’s only one me, and I need to embrace this me and enjoy life while I still can.

Thank you, George Salazar and Michael Mell, for making me smile when I needed it most while also showing me that it doesn’t matter whether or not the world is watching. You taught me that self-love does not equal narcissism and is pivotal to living your best life, and that the condescending looks from your peers don’t matter as long as you’re being your best self.

Thank you, Stephanie Hsu and Christine Canigula, for teaching me that a little weird in this world is a good thing. It’s okay to be quirky, especially when things seem the worst, and oftentimes being odd is the best way to be. Times are confusing and scary and I may feel pensive about letting my inhibitions go, but sometimes letting loose and making some of the most obscure noises known by humankind is what can do you best.

Thank you, Katlyn Carlson and Chloe Valentine, for teaching me that confidence is possible, even when it feels like you have to fake it. Other people being self-confident and happy is not a comment on me and my progress, and even if it may take me a bit longer to reach that station in life, if I can break away from that negative mindset, I’ll be able to achieve a pure confidence in myself one day.

Thank you, Lauren Marcus and Brooke Lohst, for teaching me that I’m strong and deserve better than to be walked all over. I don’t have to take toxic behavior on the chin and wear it, because my mental health and feelings are just as crucial to care for as anyone else’s. I am no one else’s toy, and no one has any right to use me and expect me to stay when they hurt me.

Thank you, Tiffany Mann and Jenna Rolan, for teaching me that my voice matters, too. I shouldn’t let people take advantage of me for one exclusive thing, no matter what it is, and that friendship is a two-way street of effort. I’m important despite what the behavior of other people may lead me to believe, and I’m allowed to leave relationships if they’re toxic to me. I’m allowed to speak out against what I don’t believe in.

Thank you, Gerard Canonico and Rich Goranski, for teaching me that I do have a say in who I want to be. No matter what mold society tries to place me in, it is possible for me to break that and fight to be my own person, with all of my quirks and peculiarities in the mix. If people don’t like who I really am, it may hurt, but that’s okay because as long as I’m living my best life, it doesn’t matter.

Thank you, Britton Smith and Jake Dillinger, for teaching me that vulnerability isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I don’t have to suppress my thoughts and feelings for other people, and it’s okay to open up about what’s bothering me. I’m never alone, no matter how barren my life feels, and it’s worth it in the long run to confide in someone, anyone. It’s okay.

Thank you, Jason Tam and the squip, for teaching me that my inner voices are intimidating and controlling, but don’t define who I am, as long as I put up a fight. I don’t always have to listen to what my brain tells me because, even if it is an extension of me, there are times when it’s wrong and irrational, and so if I assert myself and keep my true self in mind, it’s possible to deny my mind the luxury of hurting me.

Thank you, Jason Sweettooth Williams and Mr. Heere (and, of course, Mr. Reyes and the Scary Stockboy), for teaching me that sometimes you have to defy what your emotions tell you and stand up for your loved ones. It may feel like my problems control me, but it’s always okay and even encouraged to stand up and fight back, especially in the name of those you care about. Recovery is possible.

Thank you, Cameron Bond, Troy Iwata, Morgan Siobhan Green, Anthony Chatmon III, Joel Waggoner, and Talia Suskauer for working so incredibly hard on this show and in memorizing all of your roles, prepared to go on at a moment’s notice. You’ve fought for this just as hard as anyone else, and you deserve all of the respect and credit in the world for the times you’ve stepped up and absolutely killed it on both the Signature and Lyceum stages.

Thank you, Ned Vizzini, for creating a book that would come to inspire so many in such a great way, and for giving us the courage to stand up and be ourselves through the whole ordeal that is adolescence. This musical and this community wouldn’t exist without you and your work, and you laid the groundwork for what all of this would become. None of us would be here if it weren’t for your creation.

Thank you, Joe Iconis, Joe Tracz, Stephen Brackett, Chase Brock, Beowulf Boritt, Bobby Frederick Tilly, Tyler Micoleau, Ryan Rumery, Alex Bosco Koch, Dave Bova, Charlie Rosen, Emily Marshall, Michael Aarons, J. David Brimmer, Amanda Michaels, and every other intern, backstage worker, and stage managers for creating a show that has made me laugh, cry, and felt like I’m where I need to be, for creating a show that has helped me find a community of amazing people, both locally and online, and helped me feel like I was a little less alone. I know there are thousands of people just like me who say these same things, but I have no idea where I would be if it weren’t for this show, and I feel like I’m a better person for having found it.

Congratulations on an amazing comeback and a fantastic Broadway run, and I wish every single person who ever worked on this show the very best. It’s been an honor watching you get where you are today. I look forward to seeing you guys making theatre headlines once more very soon.

~Sincerely, Me

[longisland-amphibians]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOE ICONIS!

Thank you for all the amazing musicals you’ve written and lives you’ve touched.

[bemorechillmusical]

Talk about an EPIC birthday present!!! We’re so happy that Joe Iconis made that March 5th phone call to Will Roland offering him the role of Jeremy. Only 18 days until he and the rest of the crew hit Broadway!! #TheSquipsAreComing

[nonbinarytheatrekid07]

So I'm watching Tick Tick Boom on Netflix for the first time(yay) so here are my thoughts(i hope you guys are ready for me to be a fanboy)

Ok I didn't know that he could actually sing

When MJ Rodriguez came on i screamed a little

When Ben Levi Ross came on I screamed very loudly, I hope I'm not worrying the neighbors

ok if MJ and Ben don't get to sing I will cry

Play this on my 30th birthday it goes hard

wait was that Lauren Marcus?

IT WAS HOLY SHIT

this is going to make me cry isn't it?

Is it bad that I have never actually listened to rent

it's kind of hard to put a lot of thoughts down because these were real people

this is shot like an indie music video and i kinda like it

HOLY SHIT JOE ICONIS

I mean I kind of have to listen to rent now dont I?

this is going to put me on emotional life support

Oh hi Lin

Lin Manuel Miranda said "I am putting everyone I know in this musical, there is no limit"

politely, go to the hospital right now

emotional life support backed by musical theatre

damn right, clean up your life before everything goes to hell(well...everything else)

I walk away for one minute to make tea and suddenly he's dying. This hurts physically

my emotional state cannot handle this

MY EMOTIONAL STATE CANNOT HANDLE THIS

ok that's all I really enjoyed it

[ibroughtyoumybullets-ningy]

Don’t log into tumblr ever anymore, but saw that my pal @riathedreamer tagged me in something!  So, here goes!

1. Birthday: December 17

2. Zodiac: Sagittarius

3. Height: 5′8″.  I was stunted at 68 inches.

4. Last Song I Listened To: That I put on myself?  No clue, but most likely “Pitiful Children” by Joe Iconis and Jason Tam.

5. Hobbies: Writing, doodling, ignoring my mental problems, forgetting to eat, forgetting to do homework, singing, studying roller coaster history, reading about lost media, pirating Broadway musicals.

6. Favorite Color: Lime green, baby.

7. Last Movie I Watched: MEGAMIND.  THE BEST DREAMWORKS MOVIE.

8. Favorite Book: Don’t make me pick.  Lately I’ve been loving both “The Adventure Zone” adaptations and Ned Vizzini’s library of works.

9. Dream Job: Too many to list.  Author, playwright, somewhere working on my own cartoon series...

10. Meaning behind my URL: I was 14 and wanted to make a manga series.  Now I’m too attached to it to change it.

Tagging: Well, I never really log in here anymore, but I think @asilcorner would have fun with this.

[jaycewriteslikealot]

Tag Game!

Thank you for tagging me @chraneness you're so sweet 😘💜💜💜

Rules: answer questions and tag friends! 💜

Nicknames: JJ, Jaycee (/Jaycy/Jayci; different friends spell it differently lol), J, CupcakeOfAwesomeness (my Uncle Ron legitimately calls me this 😂), JJ Bean, plus a bajillion more embarrassing nicknames that I won't list from my parents and fake sister 😂

Zodiac: Arthur Leigh Allen Aquarius 😂

Last movie I saw: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse! It was AMAZING 😍😍😍

Favorite musicians: dodie, Us the Duo, Superchick, tobyMac, Tessa Violet, Britt Nicole, Jamie Grace, Switchfoot, Reliant K, and so many more 😂 rn all my playlists are filled with musical soundtracks, so it's more, like, Joe Iconis and Tim Minchin and Andrew Lloyd-Weber and etc 😂😂😂

Song stuck in my head: One Day (from Groundhog Day OBC! It's a very good musical lol)

Other blogs: I have a few others; however, I literally do not use them anymore at all, so don't bother 😂 I mean, if you want a stockpile of memes, go to my old main, @cupcakeofawesomeness 😏 or if you want specifically Nancy Drew memes, go to @gummybeartheater ✌

Do I get asks: occasionally!! Mostly from friends💜, and pretty much only when I reblog an ask meme

Normal hours of sleep: not enough 😂 approx 6-7 hours? If I get to sleep in, it's way more, if it's a Sunday, way less

Lucky number: 2 or 14 (my birthday 👀)(also it's not actually "lucky" for me, those are just the numbers I always choose when playing Deal Or No Deal: Deluxe at Chuck E. Cheese or Castle Fun Park 😂😂😂😂😂)

What I’m wearing: Game Theory pyjama pants, Hogwarts t-shirt, Hufflepuff robe! Plus one of my [many] pandas stuffed animals under my arm (Princess Penelope Pumpkin, aka Loppy) and curled up in my bright yellow blanket, leaning against my literal giant panda stuffie, creatively named, Mr. Panda 🐼

Dream job: Author!!! Possibly an English teacher, but really? Ultimate dream is being a full-time author and letting my future husband have the well-paying job 😂😂😂

Favorite food: cupcakes for unhealthy food and anything with potatoes in it for healthier food 😂✌🍟

Play any instruments: I can play, like, three songs on piano🎹, I know a few guitar chords and can messily pluck my way through the Gravity Falls theme song🎸, but I played trumpet (badly) for around two years, so that one's the one I'm best at🎺 (though I still suck at that—I'm just honestly not adept at instruments, but I much prefer singing, so it's okay)

Favorite song: can't choose one, but if you pick any song from a musical, that's probably a good bet 😂

Random fact: uhh, i have type one diabetes! It sucks but y'know I'm used to it 💉💉💉

Now, allow me to tag a few friendos!!

@lightningandthetumbllr @hiriahb @sleepy-and-anxious and uhhh I'm too anxious to tag anyone else but NO PRESSURE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THIS BUT I LOVE YOU GUYSSS 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜