John Cariani

John Cariani made his Broadway debut in the 2004 revival of Fiddler on the Roof and received both an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of Motel the Tailor. He originated the role of Nigel Bottom in the Broadway hit Something Rotten! and again received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for his performance. He also originated the role of Itzik in The Band’s Visit—which won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Musical—and recently appeared as Stuart Gellman in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s acclaimed revival of Caroline, or Change. Most people know John from his role on NBC’s long-running drama Law & Order, on which he played Forensics Tech Beck for five seasons. He also has had recurring roles on CBS’s Numbers and IFC’s The Onion News Network. In addition to his accomplishments on stage and screen, John is a playwright and is best known for his first play, Almost, Maine, which premiered at Portland (ME) Stage Company in 2004 and went on to open Off-Broadway in 2006. It has since become one of the most popular plays in the United States and around the world, receiving more than 5,000 productions to date. Almost, Maine has been translated into more than a dozen languages and has become the most frequently produced high school play of the past decade. John’s other plays include LOVE/SICK, Last Gas, and cul-de-sac. His first novel, Almost, Maine: A Novel, was recently published by Fiewel and Fiends, an imprint of MacMillan. Originally from Presque Isle, ME, John now lives in the Bronx.