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ABOUT THE MUSICAL, TITLE AND LOGO

For the Record(s) is the first musical to capture the heartfelt, secretive, often coercive dynamics of relinquishment and adoption in the last half of the 20th century, dubbed the "Baby Scoop Era." For millions of people who were relinquished and adopted under the closed adoption system, gaining access to their sealed source documents - the original birth certificate and court records - is like finding the Holy Grail. It can be the key to unlocking mysteries about origins, unknown pieces of heritage and identity and vital, even life-saving history to pass on to future generations. The show's logo, which includes a lock and fragmented face sculpture, is symbolic of the core struggles faced by adoptees worldwide. 

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ABOUT THE CREATOR

Rich is a member of ASCAP, an Associate Member of the Writers' Guild, the Colorado Theatre Guild, and a longtime member of the Lighthouse Writers Workshop.

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He began piano lessons at age five, advancing to study with the Denver Symphony's Kathleen Joiner. Accompanying various church and school choirs as a youth, his early theatrical career peaked in the role of Harry Beaton in a high school production of Brigadoon.  In response to his adoptive mother's conflicting messages that, "You have a gift for music, and you really should use it," and "You need to get a steady job with good benefits," Rich opted for the latter. Nonetheless, he schlepped his piano around the country in various moves and continues his love of music as an avocation. He wrote the book for the new 15 minute frozen embryo musical For the Good of Humanity, and is a contributing author to Finding Our Place:  100 Memorable Adoptees, Fostered Persons and Orphanage Alumni, and Adoption and Mothering.

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Like many people stuck at home, the pandemic left him looking for a creative outlet. One day, while Rich was sitting outside in a hot tub, inspiration struck in the form of about 15 song titles. Suppressing intense feelings of baffled unworthiness, Rich dove into the project at the Muse's insistence. Turns out, his background in formalist poetry and music, combined with decades of service as a volunteer non-profit leader, facilitator, writer, advocate and national conference speaker have allowed him to bring powerful stories to light. 

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A SHOW IS (BEING) BORN! 

As a result of valuable feedback from readings, For the Record(s) has  undergone revisions and is ready for next steps toward a full production. 

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Though this story is told primarily through the lens of protagonist Joshua Greenman, born of Mexican-Italian ancestry but adopted by a Jewish couple, the perspectives of parents by birth and adoption - along with an illuminating glimpse into the post-WWII system that was not always compassionate or ethical - are captured in story and song.  Can Joshua, with the help of a supportive like-minded community, overcome obstacles and risks to discover the mystery of his origins, and in doing so fulfill a deep desire for identity and connection?  If so, at what cost?     

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For the Record(s) is already bringing people to their feet, to tears, to laughter, and together.  We can't wait to see its ultimate impact.