Michael Friedman’s work was eclectic, ranging from a punk rock musical about Andrew Jackson, to an investigative piece on the adult entertainment industry, to a post-apocalyptic Simpson’s musical set far in the future. These works were unified by his boundless creativity, the intelligence of his writing, and the specificity he imbued into these stories. He showed us new worlds while also challenging us to see our own in a new light. The Michael Friedman Award is given each cycle, in collaboration with Michael’s estate, to the show most embodying the originality, intelligence, and specificity of his work.
This award in Michael’s name is such a wonderful way to keep his memory and legacy alive, celebrating the talents of young, innovative composers who are helping to change the face of the American theater.
Michael Friedman was an Obie Award–winning composer/lyricist and a founding Associate Artist of The Civilians, the acclaimed investigative theater company. Selected credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (music & lyrics); Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play; The Fortress of Solitude; Unknown Soldier; Gone Missing; In the Footprint; The Great Immensity; Paris Commune (co-written with Steve Cosson); (I Am) Nobody’s Lunch; and This Beautiful City.
Michael received a MacDowell Fellowship, a Princeton Hodder Fellowship, a Meet The Composer Fellowship, and was a Barron Visiting Professor at the Princeton Environmental Institute in 2009. At the time of his death, he was the Artist in Residence and Director of the Public Forum at the Public Theater, and Artistic Director of City Center Encores! Off-Center. In 2018, Michael received a star on the Playwrights’ Sidewalk at the Lucille Lortel Theater.
