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james-rich Entertainment

james-rich Entertainment is dedicated to the development of stories that celebrate the lives, loves, and legacies of exceptional men in Black history through musicals and plays. Scripts that move away from stereotypes and tell more diverse and dynamic stories about Black men's broad-spectrum are also a strong focus.

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Looking suave and elegant as a world-class entertainer stepping out of the pages of the past and onto the stages of the present, James Rich owned the spotlight at 54 Below on November 9th...THERE WAS A BOY was the discussion of much of the James Rich musical cabaret, with descriptions of scenes and how the music being played at 54 Below related to the play currently in development. And given what the audience was treated to a glimpse of, the musical would appear to be quite a viable property, especially with Mr. Rich leading the way in the leading role...
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JAMES RICH
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Rich, like many tribute artists (not impersonators), find themselves in the “profession” because they look and sound like the icon they sing about. Such a path can be a curse and a blessing. But he enters the Cole arena with reverence and respect...If Rich was pressed into this line of work, as he reports, by numerous associates who compared him to Cole, he’s taken on the mantle with a gentility that’s also much like the “original”—and with a body of knowledge that addresses the man Cole and not the legend...
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Background image: Times Square, NYC

60 Seconds More

"60 Seconds More" is my Vlog featuring fun facts about Nat King Cole, the making of "There Was a Boy" - a new musical about his life, and inspiring stories of exceptional men in Black entertainment history. Join me for an exciting journey! #60seconds #NatKingCole #MusicalTheater #broadway #blackhistory #liveperformance #newyorkcity #thingstodoinnewyork
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in Development

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There Was a Boy is a new musical about Nat King Cole; his successes and failures as a performer, a husband, a father, and a son.
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book by James Rich
music arranged by Matt Falker
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The show has been through numerous cycles of development.
For more details, ​please visit


www.therewasaboy.james-rich.com
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Blink is an original musical about
a 16-year-old ward of the state who
inherits a posh Manhattan shoe store. 
His life changes in the blink of an eye.

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Conceived by James Rich
Music & Lyrics by James Rich

Fully staged workshop production at
St. Vincent Pallotti Arts Academy
April 7-9, 2017


Salon reading, NYC, June 2013
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Red Swans travel in pairs for life. When one swan is about to die, it seeks out
a new mate for the lone swan so
the circle of love will live on.

A shy photographer falls head over heels for a free-spirited singer.
But when he loses the love of his life,
how does she keep the music playing?

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a love story by James Rich

AEA Reading, NYC, 2000

about Me

"...Rich lofts the equivalent of high fly balls."
-The Boston Globe
"Rich's wide ranging voice turns the tender love song...into the show's musical high point." 
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-The Boston Herald
"James sings like a seasoned pro, like a studio singer, and his emotional range is vast." 
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-The Beverly Hills Outlook

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I'm a Syracuse University grad with a BFA in musical theater, and my journey in the entertainment world has been a rollercoaster of awesome gigs. I toured as a backup singer for Harry Belafonte, played Benny in the First National Tour of Rent, and sang in the booth for Saturday Night Fever on Broadway.
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From Off-Broadway to Regional Theater, Tokyo Disney Resort, and fronting bands in New York and LA, I've covered a lot of ground. You might've even seen me in national commercials or caught me doing some guest spots on Everybody Loves Raymond and As the World Turns.

Before Syracuse, I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC). I applied that training as an Assistant Costume Designer on the Emmy Award-winning Season 2 of Dancing with the Stars and served as Artistic Director for Randall Designs. I also took on the role of Costume Designer for That's Dancin' on Crystal Cruises and worked on various regional theater productions.
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My varied creative interests enable me to comfortably switch between being in the spotlight and handling things behind the scenes. When I'm not in the thick of it, I enjoy snapping portraits--I actually took the one you see on this page. Oh, and did I mention I'm a dog lover? Life's all about balance and embracing every creative twist it throws my way!
Acting Resume
Performer Reels
Calendar
Costume Design
Photography
LP "When I Think About Love"

contact James

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