Librettist Desmon and Lyricist Iconis Snag 2007 Kleban Awards

By Kenneth Jones
May 3, 2007

The Kleban Foundation's 2007 award winners, recognizing librettists and lyricists, are librettist Jeremy Desmon and lyricist Joe Iconis.

New Dramatists administers the prize, which comes with $100,000 for each writer. The honor is named after the late lyricist of A Chorus Line.

Desmon wrote book, music and lyrics for The Girl in the Frame, seen regionally, and his musical I See London, I See France (The Underwear Musical) is expected at the New York Musical Theater Festival this year.

Iconis wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the libretto to The Black Suits, expected Off-Broadway in the coming season.

The final committee of judges included Rick Elice (Jersey Boys librettist), Carol Hall (songwriter of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas) and agent Charles Kopelman.

Visit www.newdramatists.org.