Jack Richman
"Talk to Her"
- When did you first discover theater/what was your first experience?
My first experience with theater was when my grandma took me to see The Little Mermaid on Broadway when I was 5. It was a life-altering experience, and the Disney and theater magic made me fall in love with the stage.
- When/how did you become a writer? Is there a writer, show, or text that particularly inspired you?
I started writing theater and pop songs when I was very young but more seriously in middle school, and have grown through my training, particularly in college. I have been inspired by many writers particularly Alan Menken, Stephen Flaherty, Stephen Sondheim, Adam Guettel, and Michael John LaChiusa.
- How do you describe your style/work?
My style takes from a multitude of influences but I tend to really enjoy the influence of the golden age of musical theater. Sprinkled into my work as a composer is swing, contemporary sounds like Jason Robert Brown, afro-cuban rhythms and figures, and much more. I tend to be pretty specific and intentional with my writing as a composer and lyricist. I love form and how it can support the listening of a song at first go. I love perfect rhymes and experimenting with all the ways to shape a song, give it motion, and highlight particular moment.
- What is most rewarding to you about writing music?
The most rewarding part of writing music is hearing it come to life for the first time. When a song leaves the page and comes into actuality it's super exciting and inspires me to write more, especially when the performers are of a certain caliber.