Bill Russell Will Release New Broadway Memoir in October
The two-time Tony nominee chronicles his journey from South Dakota to the bright lights of New York City.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Variety
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Broadway writer Bill Russell will release his new memoir, Still, Bill: Gay Adventures From Cowboyland to Broadway, on October 27, 2026. Published by Safe Haven Press, the book covers his life from a family ranch in Wyoming to his career in musical theatre.
Why it matters
The book provides a personal look at the life and creative process of a veteran theater artist who has contributed significantly to the Broadway stage. It offers fans an inside perspective on his background and the inspirations that fueled his professional journey.
Bill Russell is a two-time Tony Award nominee whose work includes the musical Side Show, which debuted on Broadway in 1997 and saw a revival in 2014. The upcoming memoir is available for e-book pre-order via Amazon.
The players
Bill Russell
He is a playwright and lyricist who has earned two Tony Award nominations for his work in musical theatre.
Safe Haven Press
This is the publishing house responsible for the release of the upcoming memoir.
The details
The memoir tracks Russell's transition from his origins in South Dakota to his established career within the competitive world of New York City musical theatre. Readers can expect an exploration of his life and professional path through a series of promotional events.
Timeline
1997: Side Show made its Broadway debut.
October 27, 2026: Still, Bill is scheduled for release.
October 29, 2026: A signing and interview will be held at the Drama Book Shop.
November 6, 2026: An appearance is set for the LGBT Community Center.
November 17, 2026: The final scheduled promotional event takes place at the Museum of Broadway.
Industry Dynamics
The publication follows a career trajectory famously marked by the 1997 Broadway premiere of Side Show. This memoir highlights the shift toward personal storytelling in the theater world as veteran creators look to document their contributions to the stage.
Readers can secure early copies of the memoir by pre-ordering the e-book version on Amazon. Fans in New York City have the opportunity to engage with the author directly through scheduled public signings and performances through mid-November.
The takeaway
This memoir provides a deeper understanding of the personal history required to build a lasting career in the arts. Aspiring theater professionals may find the account of the author's path from South Dakota to Broadway particularly encouraging.
What happens next
The author will participate in a series of events across New York City, including a signing at the Drama Book Shop on October 29, 2026, a session at the LGBT Community Center on November 6, 2026, and a final event at the Museum of Broadway on November 17, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the local theater scene in our Variety section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Playbill.
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