Credits
"You are an artist of the highest caliber."
- Patrick Page -
Director, “Romeo & Juliet”, Shakespeare Sedona Festival
Tony nominated Broadway Star
"When they do the movie of my life,
this is the guy I want to score it!"
Courtney Johnson - Director - Be My Baby
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"..stunningly beautiful music."
-violinist Venus Fu
Demos-Plays and Film
Much Ado
About Nothing
Demo-Mix
Demo Pop
Demo-Drama #1
Demo-Drama #2
Demo -Lite
Altarena Theatre
Theater Reviews
South Coast Rep in Tony form with
‘School for Scandal’
“Local theatergoers attending South Coast Repertory’s Main Stage production of ‘The School for Scandal’ undoubtedly have been taken with the lively transitional music between each of the play’s 14 scenes. A niftily satirical score has a vital, upbeat quality. It’s the creation of Richard Jennings, who also composed the subtler background music for SCR’s “Romeo and Juliet” last season. A blend of direction and composition that appeals to both the eye and ear in one of the SCR theater’s most enjoyable productions.”
Space Opera II - To Catch A Comet - San Diego Production
"It's accessible to just about anyone. Its cornerstone is its strong melodies. The melodies are what people go away remembering."
FEMALE, ASHKELNAZI WITH A SEWING MACHINE
Richard Jennings’ music
adds tremendously to the piece.
-Talkin’ Broadway
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Some truly affecting elements here,
including lovely original music.
-READER
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There are moments of song, dance and violin music
weaving in and out of the narrative.
-Chicago Theater
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​..the authentic/antique/Hebraic-esque score,
moving the action through history and fantasy.
-Splash Magazine
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The musical score has its sad and compelling notes,
and Venus Fu, the violinist, performs it very well.
-Around the Town
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The original music by Richard Jennings is finely tuned to Greenblatt’s story. Fu’s performance enhances dramatic scenes and adds sweet undertones to Anna and Benjamin’s romance. Her music also underscores the play’s theme of “roots and wings,” suggesting the importance of both heritage and dreams.​​
-third coast review​
(Director) Jacob’s instincts are unerring in this production. Besides his casting, he has commissioned an ethereal electronic score from Richard Jennings. Only rarely do the production variables fall into place this neatly. San Diego Rep’s “Crossing Niagara” soars.
Whenever Richard Jennings’ thoroughly modern electronic score pipes up, the play takes off.”
“When things really begin to go bad, it's gripping, subtly underscored by ominous music.”
- “Playing My hand” - Altarena Theatre
“Kudos to Richard Jennings original music”
-“The Miracle Worker” Altarena Theatre
“Richard Jennings provides a stately original score.”
-“The Book of Liz”, Altarena Theatre
“Jennings is certainly a master of his craft and has solid academic credentials. He holds music degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, He served as "artist in residence" in a school district under a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Council for the Arts.
Space Opera I - As We Travel Through The Stars
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The Michigan Daily
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"Richard Jennings is an individual of considerable achievement and talent. His abilities as a musical composer are particularly noteworthy."
Space Opera I - As We Travel Through The Stars
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Directors & A D Statements
“You’ve had a long and successful career. I see why. Your designs are so perfect and wonderful. What an absolute pleasure it’s been to work with you.”
-Rebecca Ennals, Artistic Director,
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
Much Ado About Nothing
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“It turned out pretty damn good! Thanks!”
Shannon R. Davis
Director, Much Ado About Nothing
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
“I have had the privilege of working with Richard Jennings for many years now, largely as a collaborator on numerous productions of the plays of William Shakespeare wherein I directed and Richard created original music that supported the production. In all of my time working with Richard I have found him to be the consummate artist combined with the most flexible and creative pragmatist with whom one could ever imagine collaborating. I believe he is an important artist and will continue to contribute at the highest possible level.
To find in one man the kind of practical knowledge of the theatre as well as the brilliant musical talent that Richard possesses is exceptional. In short, I cannot recommend an artist or composer more highly than Richard Jennings.”
- Jared Sakren, A D. Southwest Shakespeare Co. &
Shakespeare Sedona Festival
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"You are an artist of the highest caliber."
- Patrick Page - Director, “Romeo & Juliet”,
Shakespeare Sedona Festival
“He has an unwavering ability to to create a complete piece with depth, heart and humor, time and time again.”
-Rob Ready Artistic Director-PianoFight Productions
“Richard Jennings has the innate knowledge and perceptivity in creating scores for classical and contemporary theatre works that enhance the moments superbly; his musical compositions are always the needed oxygen of the staged work. His instinct, graciousness and kind spirit set him above other composers. A master collaborator, I wholeheartedly rely on him to create perfect gems of music magic for my productions.”
- Clay David - Executive Director, FOGG Theatre
It has been such a pleasure to work with you! I appreciate your professionalism. The music is wonderful! I appreciate your support and commitment to the show.
-John Tranchitella, Director, The Miracle Worker, Altarena
Film/TV Producers
"The whole process couldn't be more convenient. When we're in a quick turn around mode, we need people who can deliver. We'll come back.
- Melody Cavanary - Senior Producer, KAET-PBS
"The music was perfect, as usual.
It was great having an opportunity to collaborate with an artist who was willing to listen as well as give suggestions and just experiment. Not only was the collaboration an enjoyable and easy experience, the music Richard Jennings created added the appropriate, uplifting touch needed. I look forward to my next opportunity to work with Richard.”
-Amy McSheffrey, Producer
"Richard Jennings is an ideal collaborator
and creative partner."
- Suzanne D. Johnson- Producer/Director
"His knowledge and professionalism was
a tremendous asset.”
- David Jon Devoucoux - Producer/Director
“It’s like being a kid in a candy store, all the musical choices you’re giving me…””I’m tickled pink!
- Ivan M. Henry - Producer/Director
“I just wanted to tell you what a spectacular job you did. I started laying your audio down and it really enhances the project. You did a super job!! I am impressed. Thank you very much."
- Jack Colovin,– Editor: Stuntman’s Rodeo
Richard Jennings’ music has been heard by millions world wide as he has composed for documentaries, TV movies, Disney Specials, PBS affiliates, commercials and other media. He’s created music for Tony Award winning theatres, over 30 productions of Shakespeare’s plays (50+ overall) and his critically acclaimed space operas. His work has been showcased in feature stories in The Los Angeles Times. His original musical plays have enjoyed runs in San Francisco, New York and other cities. Jennings is the recipient of the Hollywood Drama Logue Critics Award for “Outstanding Achievement in Theatre” as well as grants from The NEA and various arts organizations. He studied with Pulitzer Prize winning composers and has served on the faculties of colleges and universities. A member of The Dramatists Guild of America, he lives in Berkeley, CA.
Composer of over 20 productions of original musicals, over 50 scores for plays (30 + Shakespeare).
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Credits from Tony Award winning theatres, film, network TV, PBS & Disney.
Author: MUSIC FOR PLAYS, A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Published by American Theatre Magazine
DRAMA LOGUE CRITICS AWARD
"Excellence In Theatre"
PLAYS
Composer-Musical Director.
*Tony Award Winning Theatre
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY*-Costa Mesa
The School For Scandal
Midsummer's Night's Dream
Romeo And Juliet
12 Dancing Princesses
THE MARK TAPER FORUM*-Los Angeles
Five Of Us
THE OLD GLOBE THEATRE* - San Diego
The American Clock
The Recruiting Officer
SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE COMPANY - Phoenix (Composer-In Residence)
A Midsummer's Night's Dream
All's Well That Ends Well
Macbeth
Julius Caesar
The Merry Wives of Windsor
A Comedy Of Errors
Love's Labour's Lost
The Taming Of The Shrew
Romeo and Juliet
Cardenio
Twelfth Night
Richard III
King Lear
Henry V
Hamlet
Our Town
Cyrano de Bergrac
SHAKESPEARE SEDONA FESTIVAL
(Composer-In Residence)
A Midsummer's Night's Dream
Romeo And Juliet
Othello
All's Well That Ends Well
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Our Town
Richard III
Love's Labour's Lost
The Taming Of The Shrew
Cardenio
Twelfth Night
SAN DIEGO REPERTORY
Crossing Niagara
A Christmas Carol
Death Of A Miner
Titus Andronicus
ARTS JUDAICA - Chicago
Female, Ashkenazi With A Sewing Machine
SAN FRANCISCO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Much Ado About Nothing
INVERNESS SHAKESPEARE
The Comedy of Errors
ODYSSEY THEATRE - Los Angeles
Rap Master Ronnie
BERKELEY REP SCHOOL OF THEATRE
Schoolhouse Rock
ALTARENA PLAYHOUSE - Alameda CA
The Miracle Worker
Come Back, Little Sheba
The Book Of Liz
The Gin Game
Playing My Hand
Be My Baby
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THE REALLY RESOURCEFUL PLAYERS - Tempe AZ
El Grande de Coca Cola (Director & Music Director)
MOONLIGHT AMPHITHEATRE - Vista CA
The Wiz
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
Faith, Hope & Charity
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
The Harlot's Curse
A Midsummer Night's Dream
SAN DIEGUITO THEATRE - San Diego
Artichoke
ORIGINAL WORKS
Musical Theatre
The Temptation of Tim - 10 minute Pop Opera
Music, Book & Lyrics - Richard Jennings
-The Harvest Theatre Festival - Chain Theatre, NY
-Dramatists Guild of America Footlight Series -Tides Theatre, San Francisco
-Video Production-Berkeley Community Media
Goin South/Chaos Rules
Book & Lyrics John Sanborn & Richard Jennings Music - Richard Jennings
PianoFight - Off Market Theatre - S.F.
.LOVE
Music, Book & Lyrics - Richard Jennings Additional Lyrics-Ted Newman
-The Marsh Theatre SF
-PianoFight SF
-Berkeley Arts Festival
-Intersection for the Arts SF
Space Opera1(As We Travel Through The Stars)
Music, Book & Lyrics - Richard Jennings
Multi Media opera performed in planetariums, colleges, art galleries, lofts.
To Catch A Comet
Music, Book & Lyrics - Richard Jennings
Multi media opera-toured theatres, colleges, art galleries, lofts.
The Lost Dutchman - Two Act Musical
Music, Book - Richard Jennings Lyrics -Richard Jennings & Ted Newman
Arizona Musical Theatre Institute, Third Street Theatre, Phoenix
The Shyest Witch
Book & Lyrics Alison Luterman Music Richard Jennings
Developmental Reading-Play Cafe
Backslide
Music, Book and Lyrics-Richard Jennings
MUSICAL CAFE Showcase
The Ashby Stage, Berkeley
NITWITS!
Book and Lyrics-Pamela Winfrey Music-Richard Jennings
MUSICAL CAFE Showcase PianoFight, San Francisco
Lord Arthur's Crime
Book-Sandy Kasten Lyrics-Sandy Kasten, Jerome Gentes, Paul Frantz
Music- Richard Jennings & Paul Frantz
MUSICAL CAFE Showcase. -Stagewerx Theatre, SF
The Cricket On The Hearth
Adapted from from the Charles Dickens novella
Book & Lyrics - Pamela Winfrey Music- Richard Jennings
MUSICAL CAFE Showcase.
Aesop's Fables
Book - Doyle Ott, Richard Jennings Lyrics & Music - Richard Jennings
Childrens Fairyland-Oakland
Mexica
Music, Book & Lyrics - Richard Jennings
Childrens Fairyland-Oakland
Ciguapas
Book: Doyle Ott
Music & Lyrics: Richard Jennings
Childrens Fairyland-Oakland
Red Riding Hood, Lost in Fairyland
Book: Karen Block & Jill Eickmann
Lyrics and Music: Richard Jennings
Childrens Fairyland-Oakland
Once Again - 10 Minute Rock Opera
Music, Book & Lyrics - Richard Jennings
PianoFight - Off Market Theatre - S.F.
Round One, Two & Three Cabarets
Featured Revue Material - Music & Lyrics - Richard Jennings
Not Quite Opera Productions
Alcove Theatre, San Francisco
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
(original score)
Music & Lyrics - Richard Jennings
San Diego Youth Conservatory
FILM & TELEVISION
CBS MOVIE OF THE WEEK - Taft entertainment
Kids Like These
DISNEY CHANNEL/BUENA VISTA TV
Earnest Goes To Splash Mountain
KAET (PBS-Phoenix)
Wild Arizona (Lead composer of series)
Politics And Writing
ODYSSEY FILM/GNOSIS LTD.
beadlearchitecture
Mayme Kratz - Stand Still
Pedro Guerrero, Portrait of an Image Maker
TAKE ONE PRODUCTIONS
Asylum
Stuntman's Rodeo
EARTH VISION PRODUCTIONS
Hidden Treasures
SHANE PRODUCTIONS
Larry With a Cause
LBS ASSOCIATES
Nuclear Medicine-Destination Tomorrow
KELLEY PRODUCTIONS
The Food Dudes Eat The Alphabet!
SATO MWR PREMIER NETWORK INT.
P.I.P.E.
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LESTER/CHARMIOUX GALIC M. LOUIS PRODUCTIONS
Maui Athletic StretchYoga I
Advanced Yoga
J. BARNARD PRODUCTIONS
Music Producer, Music Director, Arranger
Pandora
War Babies
The Queen
DEAN WHITSELL PRODUCTIONS
To Tumble
CONCERT MUSIC
In This Place (An American Lyric) SSAA
Text-Amanda Gorman Music & Setting - Richard Jennings
Commissioned by Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus
RECORDINGS
KID BEAT RECORDS
Friends
MACRO MUSIC
Nocturnes
Making Music Every Day
ACADEMIA
PROFESSOR OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC
Michigan State University
Scottsdale College
PROFESSOR OF VOICE
Old Globe Theatre MFA - University of San Diego
PROFESSOR OF VOICE
Musical Theatre MFA - San Diego State University
MASTER OF MUSIC
Applied Voice - Composition
University of Michigan School of Music
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Applied Vocal Pedagogy
Electronic Music - Conducting
Michigan State University
AWARDS & PUBLICATIONS
DRAMA LOGUE CRITICS AWARD
Excellence In Theatre
NEA/Michigan Council for the Arts
Artist In Residence
POMPIDOU CENTER (IRCAM) - Paris, France, Support-Publication
GUADEAMUS FOUNDATION - Holland (Support)
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AMERICAN THEATRE MAGAZINE
Music for Plays, a Step-by Step Guide
LONDON UNIVERSITY PRESS- Publication
Catalogue of Extended Vocal Techniques
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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
DRAMATISTS GUILD OF AMERICA
SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS & LYRICISTS
ASCAP
MUSICAL CAFE (co-founder)
PERFORMANCE
SINGER-SONGWRITER - Years of touring the college concert circuit, coffee houses & clubs. Opening act for Anne Murray, Arthur "Big Boy" Cruddup, Tim Hardin, Kenny Rankin, Dion & others. Network TV, radio, recordings & stage.
CONCERT ARTIST, CONDUCTOR - Specializing in new music, original works, extended vocal techniques and electronics. Across North America and Europe.
Contact: