Chris D'Arienzo

Chris D'Arienzo wrote the Broadway blockbuster musical "Rock of Ages." which was nominated for five Tony® awards, including Best Musical.

Born in the small farming town of Paw Paw, Michigan, D'Arienzo moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a sketch comedian and actor. While studying at the Groundlings Theater in L.A., he crossed paths with screenwriter Ed Solomon ("Men In Black," "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure") who took him under his wing, got him an agent, and sparked within him a passion for screenwriting.

A musician as well, D'Arienzo spent some years playing in different bands and touring across the U.S. It was during this adventure D'Arienzo began to develop the story and characters for "Rock of Ages."

D'Arienzo also wrote and directed the film "Barry Munday," starring Patrick Wilson, Judy Greer, Chloë Sevigny, Malcolm McDowell, Cybill Shepherd and Jean Smart, which garnered such film festival honors as Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival, Official Selection SXSW Film Festival, and Official Selection Newport Beach Film Festival, Outstanding Achievement In Filmmaking Award.

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