Bill Russell

Years at KU: 1970-1971
Degree from KU: None

Personal web site: www.billrussell.net

Bill Russell wrote the book and lyrics for the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Side Show, receiving a Tony nomination for book and sharing a nomination with composer Henry Krieger for score. He co-wrote the book and lyrics for Off-Broadway’s long-running musical Pageant (with collaborators Frank Kelly, Albert Evans and Robert Longbottom), and directed it at the King’s Head Theatre in London. That production transferred to the West End. Mr. Russell authored the book and lyrics for Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens (music by Janet Hood), directing it in New York and in London’s Fringe and West End, among many others. His other credits as Bookwriter/Lyricist include: Off-Broadway’s Fourtune and The Texas Chainsaw Musical (co-author), Family Style (Minneapolis) Lucky Duck (Old Globe, St. Louis Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse) and Kept (with Henry Krieger and Steven Chbosky), which premiered at TheatreWorks of California.