Rick Elice
Latest News on Rick Elice:
Duluth Playhouse Opens PETER AND THE STARCATCHER This May (Apr 24, 2024)
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Releases New Block of Tickets Through February 2025 (Apr 22, 2024)
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards (Apr 22, 2024)
Duluth Playhouse Opens PETER AND THE STARCATCHER This May (Apr 24, 2024)
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Releases New Block of Tickets Through February 2025 (Apr 22, 2024)
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards (Apr 22, 2024)
Rick Elice BIO
Elice with Marshall Brickman wrote the book for the Broadway musical Jersey Boys, which received a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk nomination for best book for a musical in 2006. With Roger Rees, he wrote the popular thriller Double Double, which has been translated into 16 languages.
He wrote Leonardo’s Ring (London Fringe, 2003) and Dog and Pony (New York Stage and Film, 2003). Elice was creative director at Serino Coyne, Inc. (1982–2000), where he produced advertising campaigns for more than 300 Broadway shows including A Chorus Line and The Lion King. He was a creative consultant for Walt Disney Studios from 1999–2009.
In 2008, he co-wrote Turn of the Century with Marshall Brickman. The show was directed by Tommy Tune and premiered at The Goodman Theatre in Chicago in September 2008.
Elice collaborated with Brickman once again, this time writing the book for the musical, The Addams Family. After a successful run at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre in Chicago, The Addams Family opened on Broadway on April 8, 2010, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth as Gomez and Morticia Addams.
He wrote Peter and the Starcatcher, based on the 2006 novel of the same name by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, which opened in California in 2009 and played off-Broadway in 2011. The play moved to Broadway, opening at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on April 15, 2012. Peter and the Starcatcher received nine Tony Award nominations, more than any new American play in the history of the Tony Awards. On June 11, 2012, the play won five Tony Awards. The play enjoyed a successful tour throughout North America in 2013–14.
His most recent collaboration with Brickman was for the film of Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood and released by Warner Brothers in June 2014. Brickman and Elice wrote the screenplay, adapted from their book for the stage musical.
A new musical, Dog and Pony, with book by Elice and music and lyrics by Michael Patrick Walker, had its world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego in June 2014, starring Nicole Parker, Jon Patrick Walker, Heidi Blickenstaff, Beth Leavel and Eric William Morris, directed by Rees.
Elice wrote the book for a new musical based on the early life and career of Cher, titled The Cher Show, which opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway in December 2018, starring Stephanie J. Block, Teal Wicks, Micaela Diamond and Jarrod Spector, directed by Jason Moore. The show received two 2019 Tony Awards, for Best Costume Design (Bob Mackie), and Best Actress in a Musical (Stephanie J. Block).
Jerry Mitchell directed and choreographed Elice's next musical, My Very Own British Invasion, based on the teenage years of Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits fame. The show premiered on February 10, 2019 at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ.
In 2019, Disney Theatrical Productions announced that Elice and Tony winner Bob Martin would write the book, and Tony winner David Yazbek would write the score, for a musical adaptation of William Goldman's revered novel and cult film, The Princess Bride, for Broadway.
Rick Elice Photos
Photo: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER; written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker; direction of Amanda Connors; music direction by Andrew Bourgoin;
Cast features Raji Ahsan (Black Stache), Spencer Bang (Boy, Peter Pan), Katrina Michaels (Molly Aster), A
Date:
09/14/2018
From: Photo Flash: Sail the High Seas with Argyle Theatre's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Photo: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER; written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker; direction of Amanda Connors; music direction by Andrew Bourgoin;
Cast features Raji Ahsan (Black Stache), Spencer Bang (Boy, Peter Pan), Katrina Michaels (Molly Aster), A
Date:
09/14/2018
From: Photo Flash: Sail the High Seas with Argyle Theatre's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Photo: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER; written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker; direction of Amanda Connors; music direction by Andrew Bourgoin;
Cast features Raji Ahsan (Black Stache), Spencer Bang (Boy, Peter Pan), Katrina Michaels (Molly Aster), A
Date:
09/14/2018
From: Photo Flash: Sail the High Seas with Argyle Theatre's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Photo: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER; written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker; direction of Amanda Connors; music direction by Andrew Bourgoin;
Cast features Raji Ahsan (Black Stache), Spencer Bang (Boy, Peter Pan), Katrina Michaels (Molly Aster), A
Date:
09/14/2018
From: Photo Flash: Sail the High Seas with Argyle Theatre's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Photo: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER; written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker; direction of Amanda Connors; music direction by Andrew Bourgoin;
Cast features Raji Ahsan (Black Stache), Spencer Bang (Boy, Peter Pan), Katrina Michaels (Molly Aster), A
Date:
09/14/2018
From: Photo Flash: Sail the High Seas with Argyle Theatre's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Photo: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER; written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker; direction of Amanda Connors; music direction by Andrew Bourgoin;
Cast features Raji Ahsan (Black Stache), Spencer Bang (Boy, Peter Pan), Katrina Michaels (Molly Aster), A
Date:
09/14/2018
From: Photo Flash: Sail the High Seas with Argyle Theatre's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Photo: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER; written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker; direction of Amanda Connors; music direction by Andrew Bourgoin;
Cast features Raji Ahsan (Black Stache), Spencer Bang (Boy, Peter Pan), Katrina Michaels (Molly Aster), A
Date:
09/14/2018
From: Photo Flash: Sail the High Seas with Argyle Theatre's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Rick Elice Attending the Opening Night Celebration for the New Broadway Musical JERSEY BOYS at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City. The Evening is inspired by the the Lives and Musical Journey of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. November 6, 200
Date:
05/06/2012
From: Photo Blast From The Past: The 2012 Tony Nominees - The Men
Rick Elice Productions
Writing
Co-Bookwriter
Playwright
Book
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Rick Elice TV Shows
Submissions Only
Don Martin
Don Martin
Rick Elice Awards and Nominations
Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Rick Elice, Peter and the Starcatcher
Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Play
Rick Elice, Peter and the Starcatcher
The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Play
Rick Elice, Peter and the Starcatcher
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Book of a Musical
Rick Elice, Jersey Boys
Rick Elice Videos
Video: Music Director & Conductor Alan Everman on La Mirada's JERSEY BOYS
by Joshua Wright - Apr 18, 2024
Video: Watch the WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Opening Night Curtain Call from the Wings
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 24, 2024
Video: Watch Grant Gustin & Isabelle McCalla Perform 'Wild' From WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Michael Major - Mar 13, 2024
Video: Watch WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Perform 'The Lion Has Got No Teeth' on GMA
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2024
Video: What is PigPen Theatre Co.? Meet the Creators of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 2, 2024
Photos & Video: Inside WATER FOR ELEPHANTS' First Preview Curtain Call
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2024
Video: Songwriting Team For Broadway's WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Performs 'Anywhere'
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2023
VIDEO: First Look at the Regional Premiere of THE CHER SHOW at Ogunquit Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jun 7, 2022
VIDEO: Go Behind the Scenes With JERSEY BOYS' Return to Live Performances
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2022
VIDEO: First Look at New Trailer for THE ADDAMS FAMILY UK & Ireland Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2021
VIDEO: West End Cast of JERSEY BOYS Performs on the Roof of the Trafalgar Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 1, 2021
Rick Elice News
Duluth Playhouse Opens PETER AND THE STARCATCHER This May
Duluth Playhouse fifth Main Stage play of the season is Peter and the Starcatcher, a hilarious and wildly theatrical prequel to Peter Pan.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Releases New Block of Tickets Through February 2025
A new block of tickets is now on sale for the new Broadway musical WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards
Read the full list of 2024 Drama League Nominations! Nominations include Cabaret, Merrily We Roll Along and more.
Photos: First Look at JERSEY BOYS at La Mirada Theatre
Check out production photos from Jersey Boys at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts here!
Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company To Present The Tony-Award Winning Play, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company to present the Tony-Award winning play, Peter and the Starcatcher, at Manes Studio Theatre in Lindenhurst, as its first fully-staged production, to raise money and awareness for Long Island nonprofit charity, Kids Need More.
Video: Music Director & Conductor Alan Everman on La Mirada's JERSEY BOYS
Go inside rehearsals with music director Alan Everman of 3-D Theatricals in association with La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment's production of JERSEY BOYS.
Encore Production of JERSEY BOYS to Return to North Shore Music Theatre
Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre will begin the 2024 musical season early when they bring back the hit 2019 production of JERSEY BOYS. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Stage Right's Season Closes With JERSEY BOYS, Starring Broadway's Russell Fischer
Stage Right's Theatre Company concludes its 2023-2024 season with the multi-Tony Award-winning musical JERSEY BOYS, featuring Russell Fischer.
Harris Center to Host THE CHER SHOW National Tour This May
Harris Center for The Arts will present THE CHER SHOW – A New Musical, performing five times, May 9-12, with Thursday-Saturday evening performances at 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm.
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals of JERSEY BOYS at La Mirada Theatre
Go inside rehearsals for 3-D Theatricals in association with La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment's production of JERSEY BOYS, with book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, musical direction by Allen Everman, choreography by Dana Solimando, and direction by T.J. Dawson.
Review: THE CHER SHOW at The Stifel Theatre
THE CHER SHOW is an eye-popping traipse down memory lane but suffers from drive-by storytelling. While far from perfect as a full-fledged Broadway musical, there are plenty of wildly entertaining moments that make this show more enjoyable than it should be. It is the casting, strong vocal performances, Bob Mackie’s over-the-top costume design, Charlie Morrison’s concert-like lighting design, Jonthan Infante, and Kelly James Tighe’s visually interesting video design that give this production an entertaining musical revue feel. Fans of Cher will not be disappointed with this production. There is plenty of music, talent, glitz, glamour, and fun to satisfy.
Exclusive: How Rick Elice Found the Heart of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Welcome to another Edition of The Roundtable on BroadwayWorld. This week we are talking about writing the book of a musical with someone who changed the game. Rick Elice is the go-to writer for musical biographies after he co-wrote Jersey Boys. That show ushered in a new musical to Broadway and things have never been the same.
JERSEY BOYS Extends Run at Mercury Theater Through Late July
Mercury Theater has revealed additional dates for the first built-in Chicago Production of Jersey Boys. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Grant Gustin Throws First Pitch at Mets vs. Tigers Game
See photos of the cast of Water for Elephants at the Mets game.
Video: On the Opening Night Red Carpet for WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
In this video, watch as BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge hits the red carpet with special guests, including: Andrew Rannells, Katie Brayben, Christopher Fitzgerald, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Jaquel Spivey, Jessica Vosk, and more!
Full Cast Set for JERSEY BOYS at La Mirada Theatre
“Oh, What a Night” as 3-D Theatricals in association with La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment will present JERSEY BOYS. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: JERSEY BOYS at The John W. Engeman Theater
Oh, what a night indeed. The John W Engeman Theater raises the bar yet again with their thrilling production of fan favorite Jersey Boys. Boasting a Broadway caliber cast, this exciting production runs through May 26th at the exquisite Northport, Long Island, venue. Masterfully directed by Engeman vet Paul Stancato, you certainly won't be able to take your eyes off this wonderful production.
Video: Go Inside Opening Night of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
In this video, watch as the new musical Water for Elephants celebrates its opening night at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway.
Broadway Buying Guide: March 25, 2024- HADESTOWN Is (Livin' it Up) on Top
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, March 25, 2024.
TAKE THE LEAD World Premiere & More Set for Paper Mill Playhouse 2024-25 Season
Paper Mill Playhouse has unveiled its 2024–2025 season. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Rick Elice FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Rick Elice written?
Rick Elice has written 8 shows including Jersey Boys (Bookwriter), The Addams Family (Bookwriter), Peter and the Starcatcher (Playwright), The Cher Show (Book), This Ain't No Disco (Book), My Very Own British Invasion (Bookwriter), Water for Elephants (Book), Smash (Co-Bookwriter).
What awards has Rick Elice been nominated for?
Rick Elice has been nominated for several awards, including Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "Peter and the Starcatcher," Best Play at the Tony Awards for "Peter and the Starcatcher," Outstanding Play at The Lortels for "Peter and the Starcatcher," and Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jersey Boys."
Videos
