Humbled to be this year’s Kleban award winner for lyrics, alongside the talented librettist winner Madeline Myers.
To quote Edward Kleban, whose lyrics from A Chorus Line and specifically the song “Nothing” live rent free in my head, I’m definitely feeling “something”, and it’s absurdly grateful to the community of family, friends, and fellow writers who encouraged me to keep at it. ❤️🙏
I was lucky enough to receive a Jonathan Larson Grant in the spring of 2020, just as everything shut down. On Monday, the American Theater Wing hosted a concert celebrating the last four years of winners who never got to have an awards concert. I was honored to have the talented Sarah Lynn Marion sing the title song from my musical BORDERLINE. Check out a few photos below from the event, courtesy of Broadway World!
Benjamin Velez and Sarah Lynn Marion
Benjamin Velez and Rona Siddiqui
Stephen Schwartz is a living legend, and I had the incredible honor of receiving the Stephen Schwartz award from him last night at the Dramatist Guild Foundation’s annual gala. I’m still pinching myself. He is not only a huge inspiration on my work and of so many writers old and new, but also just the kindest man. My adrenaline was so high when I got onstage to thank him that I ripped my speech by accident!
I can’t thank him or the Dramatist Guild Foundation enough, as well as the incredible Margo Seibert, who masterfully performed my song “Borderline” from my musical of the same name with book writer Aryanna Garber.
Here’s a video of Stephen introducing me and my acceptance speech!
Photos 2-4 Credit: Rebecca J. Michelson / @rebeccajmichelson
