Tony-nominated lyricist and playwright Bill Russell will return to Morningside College on Tuesday, Oct. 21, to talk about the revival of his musical “Side Show” on Broadway in New York City.

Tony-nominated lyricist and playwright Bill Russell will return to Morningside College on Tuesday, Oct. 21, to talk about the revival of his musical “Side Show” on Broadway in New York City.

There will be two events that day. Both will take place in the Yockey Family Community Room in the Olsen Student Center, 3609 Peters Ave. They are free and open to the public.

At noon, Russell will discuss the process of writing, collaborating and adapting for Broadway. At 8 p.m., he will discuss his theatre career, from the Black Hills of South Dakota to Morningside and finally to Broadway. During both events, Morningside students and faculty will perform songs from his musicals.

Russell attended Morningside College from 1967 to 1969. He made his Broadway debut as a writer for “Side Show.” The original musical opened in 1997 and was inspired by the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who became stars during the Depression. The musical received four Tony nominations. “Side Show” is returning to Broadway later this month.

Russell has written other musicals that have been performed across the United States and in London. He co-authored the book and lyrics for the off-Broadway hit “Pageant.” A revival of that show is playing on 45th Street in New York City. Other musical credits include “The Last Smoker in America” and “Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens.”