Published June 01, 2018 by Tom Porter

Tyler Micoleau ’91 Nominated for Tony Award

The Broadway musical The Band’s Visit has been nominated for eleven Tony awards, and among the nominees is Tyler Micoleau ’91.

He was selected for his lighting work on the show, which is about a group of Egyptian musicians who mistakenly arrive at a small town in the Israeli desert. The New York Times described the production as a “ravishing musical that whispers with romance.”

Micoleau said it was both “surreal” and “thrilling” to be nominated for a Tony on his first Broadway show. “I’ve been in New York City for twenty-five years, building my career up with hundreds of shows, Off- and Off-Off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally,” said Micoleau.

“Some people have told me it’s about time I had a Broadway show! So, it’s extra special to receive Tony recognition on my first try. The Band’s Visit was a fantastic break-through opportunity for a designer. Most of the story takes place in a desert town in Israel, over a single night. The atmosphere the lighting creates can best be described as isolated, sultry, soft, and wispy. And there’s a roller-disco scene for a change of pace!”

Tyler Micoleau ’91
Tyler Micoleau ’91

Micoleau graduated from Bowdoin with a self-designed major in theater with an emphasis on stage design. “I was super-active in Masque and Gown and got my start designing sets and lighting for plays, dance shows and musicals—all selected, produced, built, run, and acted by students. It was an incredible experience and one that I would not have had in more typical theater training programs. I’m always telling aspiring young designers that the liberal arts education is the best theater education; it’s where you learn how to learn.”

The winners of the Tony Awards “for Excellence in Broadway Theatre” will be announced on June 10, 2018, at 8:00 p.m.