Bill Russell

Bill Russell
Bill Russell received Tony Award nominations for the book and lyrics of the original Broadway production of Side Show (1997). The critically praised revised version played the La Jolla Playhouse and the Kennedy Center and received an acclaimed Broadway revival in 2014 and a London premiere at the Southwark Playhouse in 2016.
Mr. Russell co-wrote the book and lyrics for off-Broadway’s long-running musical Pageant and directed it in the Fringe and West End in London and at theaters around America. He authored the book and lyrics for Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens (music by Janet Hood), directing it in London’s Fringe and West End, among many others. At the end of 2020, he co-directed a streamed version featuring 51 stars of theater, TV and film, including Nathan Lane, Cynthia Nixon, Cherry Jones, Fran Drescher, JK Simmons, Seth Rudetsky, Varla Jean Merman and Norm Lewis, as a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Other musicals for which he authored book and lyrics include Up in the Air (Kennedy Center) and the off-Broadway musicals The Last Smoker in America, Lucky Duck, Fourtune and The Texas Chainsaw Musical. Brave New World (lyrics) premiered in Asheville, NC in 2016. Unexpected Joy premiered in New York and London in 2018. He has honorary doctorates from the Boston Conservatory and Morningside College and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2016. More at www.billrussell.net.
Perform Bill Russell
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Side Show (2014 Broadway Revival)
Henry Krieger, Bill Russell
Full-Length Musical, DramaSide Show (2014 Broadway Revival)
Full-Length Musical, Drama / 7w, 14m
Based on the lives of the legendary Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, Side Show follows the sisters' heartwarming search for love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame. This version is the updated book and score from the 2014 revival.
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Side Show (Concert Version)
Henry Krieger, Bill Russell
Full-Length Musical, DramaSide Show (Concert Version)
Full-Length Musical, Drama / 4w, 7m plus ensemble
A concert adaptation of the hit musical based on the lives of the legendary Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, conjoined twins who search for love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame.
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Unexpected Joy
Bill Russell, Janet Hood
Full-Length Musical, Dramatic ComedyUnexpected Joy
Bill Russell ,Janet Hood
Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 4w
Unexpected Joy is the story of three generations of female singers, long-held family tensions, and a week together where change is in the air.
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Side Show (1997 Broadway Version)
Henry Krieger, Bill Russell
Full-Length Musical, DramaSide Show (1997 Broadway Version)
Full-Length Musical, Drama / 9w, 13m
Based on the life story of the legendary Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, Side Show follows the sisters' heartwarming search for love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame.
Shop Bill Russell
View all-
Side Show (2014 Broadway Revival)
Henry Krieger, Bill Russell
Full-Length Musical, DramaSide Show (2014 Broadway Revival)
Full-Length Musical, Drama / 7w, 14m
Also available as: -
Unexpected Joy
Bill Russell, Janet Hood
Full-Length Musical, Dramatic ComedyUnexpected Joy
Bill Russell ,Janet Hood
Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 4w
Also available as: -
Side Show (1997 Broadway Version)
Henry Krieger, Bill Russell
Full-Length Musical, DramaSide Show (1997 Broadway Version)
Full-Length Musical, Drama / 9w, 13m
Also available as: