Chippewa Valley Times

Larry Lelli, a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire alumnus, has been nominated for multiple Tony Awards in his debut as a Broadway producer. Lelli, who graduated in 1990 with a degree in applied instrumental music, has had an extensive career on Broadway as a drummer and percussionist.

Reflecting on his time at UW-Eau Claire, Lelli credits his involvement in organizing the university's Jazz Fest for providing him with essential skills that have proven valuable in his current role. "Jazz Fest was a massive operation that taught me so much about, literally, operating a Broadway show," he said. The annual event brings hundreds of middle and high school music students to campus.

Last year marked Lelli's first venture into producing with two musicals: “Water for Elephants” and “Gutenberg! The Musical!” Both shows have received nominations for the 2024 Tony Awards—“Water for Elephants” for best musical and “Gutenberg! The Musical!” for best revival of a musical.

Lelli expressed his astonishment at the dual nominations: "It’s kind of ridiculously lucky," he said. "To have my first two musicals that I have produced both be nominated for Tonys is an outrageous and outlandish thing to even think about."

The Tony Awards ceremony will take place on June 16 at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City and will be broadcast on CBS.

During his undergraduate years, Lelli was actively involved in the music program at UW-Eau Claire. He played drums in a jazz band and participated in producing the annual “Cabaret” musical. These experiences opened his eyes to behind-the-scenes work such as orchestrating music and working with corporate sponsors.

"I learned so many important skills—how to work with people, how to delegate tasks to team members," Lelli noted. He also acknowledged Robert Baca, professor of trumpet and director of UW-Eau Claire's jazz studies, and Ronald Keezer, a former associate professor of music, for their support during his educational journey.

Baca praised Lelli's dedication: "While attending UW-Eau Claire, he was the epitome of a positive, principle-oriented person," Baca said. "This award simply draws attention to the results capable of a person with Larry’s gifts."

Lelli's Broadway career includes performing and conducting in shows such as “The Producers,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” and “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” His transition from musician to producer involved taking on roles such as conductor, music director, music supervisor, music contractor, and coordinator.

"It was quite a transition moving... across the table," Lelli explained regarding becoming a producer. Producing involves responsibilities like raising money, casting decisions, and making creative choices—a different mindset compared to performing.

Producing Broadway shows is also financially demanding; costs can range from $3 million for small plays to $25 million for large musicals. According to Lelli, about 80% of shows are not financially successful.

"It’s very high pressure [and] very stressful," he said. "You have a massive responsibility to all of your investors."

In addition to financial responsibilities, Lelli is deeply involved in the musical aspects of productions—crafting scores and ensuring songs fit appropriately within shows. Once rehearsals begin at the theater, he works long hours with the creative team.

"You sacrifice a lot of your life to get into this business," he remarked about the commitment required in Broadway production.

Lelli's two Tony-nominated shows differ significantly; “Gutenberg! The Musical!” features a two-person cast while “Water for Elephants” combines acting, dancing, singing within an elaborate circus tent setting.

"In both productions we created the best productions we possibly could," he said. Despite their differences both have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Lelli appreciates the recognition from Tony nominations but also acknowledges that UW-Eau Claire played an integral role in shaping his career path.

"I didn’t know this is where I was going to end up... I’ve had the most wonderful life so far," he reflected on his journey from education at UW-Eau Claire to success on Broadway.

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