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Richard Kagan

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Richard Kagan started writing music 50 years ago at a girls camp in the Pocono Mountains with Marvin Hamlisch. Marvin and Richard remained best friends until Marvin’s death in 2013. He was involved in most of Marvin’s Broadway shows. He co-produced Smile and Goodbye Girl on Broadway (Tony nomination – Best Producer). He was a co-producer for seven other Broadway shows including Leader of the Pack (Tony nomination– Best Producer). In 1989, Richard joined the Board of Directors of Center Theatre Group, one of America’s largest not-for- profit theatre companies. He served as its President for 6 years and Chairman for 3 years.

Shortly prior to his untimely death, Marvin Hamlisch prodded Richard to start writing music again. At his suggesting, Hal David listened to a song and wrote a lyric (his last). Since then, Michael Jay, a legendary song writer has written many songs with Richard. Some have been played by symphonies, and one song “This Feels Just Like Christmas” performed by a boy band called “Forever in Your Mind” that is on iTunes. The legendary lyricist Don Black recently wrote a lyric to one of Richard’s songs. Richard and Michael Jay created 12 songs for West End star Louise Dearman, that were recorded at Angel Studios in London in April.

Richard always was interested in Latin music and culture. He visited Cuba and was moved meeting amazing musicians and hearing stories of what happened to them during the Cuban Revolution. Thus after many years of percolation comes Havana Music Hall. Mr. Kagan’s music is published by Hakawi Music LLC and his music is represented by Richard Leher, Esq. of Richard Leher Law and Dan Black, Esq. of Greenberg Traurig. Kagan was recently on the Board of Directors for Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatres – a not-for-profit championing new musicals.

Richard Kagan Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Musical

Richard Kagan, The Goodbye Girl

Richard Kagan Videos

Richard Kagan News


Louise Dearman Will Perform Her Biggest Solo Concert To Date At Cadogan Hall


West End star Louise Dearman will perform in concert at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 31 May at 6.30pm, her biggest solo concert to date.

Broadway-Bound Musical HAVANA MUSIC HALL Will Hold Industry Presentations In NYC Next Month


Havana Music Hall, a new Broadway-bound musical, will hold industry presentations on November 14 and November 15, 2019 in New York City. The invitation-only presentation will feature an electrifying live Cuban band.

Review Roundup: The World Premiere of HAVANA MUSIC HALL


The world premiere of the new musical HAVANA MUSICA HALL is now playing at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Miami, Florida. The exciting new show centers around the lives of Havana Music Hall's best-known musicians who are just about to get their big break before Fidel Castro seizes power.

BWW Review: HAVANA MUSIC HALL at Actors' Playhouse


My grandparents story, one I have heard many times, is etched into my heart. As a third generation Cuban American living in Miami, Florida, as soon as we start to crawl, you are listening to Cuban music, eating your grandmother's potage (a stew of lentil beans and rice) and hearing about the good ole days before Fidel Castro stole Cuba from the people - people who still long for home. A home that was ripped from their fingers that 60 years later still proudly bleed red, white and blue. People who fled to the United States for the hope of a better life while leaving their hearts in the jewel of the Caribbean, Cuba. At the World Premiere of Havana Music Hall, the sounds of Cuban music filled the lobby and the excitement of audience members, who were dressed for the occasion in guayaberas (traditional Cuban shirts) and hats, bounced off the walls of the Actors' Playhouse on Miracle mile.

Photo Flash: Inside the World Premiere of HAVANA MUSIC HALL


The world premiere of the new musical HAVANA MUSICA HALL is now playing at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Miami, Florida. The exciting new show centers around the lives of Havana Music Hall's best-known musicians who are just about to get their big break before Fidel Castro seizes power.

VIDEO: Preview HAVANA MUSIC HALL at Actors Playhouse


The world premiere of Havana Music Hall at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Miami is now on stage. The brand new original musical features Tony Award nominee John Herrera (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) and rising star Linedy Genao (On Your Feet!) headlining the all-latinx cast of nineteen performers. The limited engagement runs through November 18, 2018. Opening night is set for Friday, October 19.

VIDEO: First Look At HAVANA MUSIC HALL


Rehearsals have begun for the world premiere of Havana Music Hall at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Miami.

John Herrera and Linedy Genao Lead Cast of HAVANA MUSIC HALL Beginning Today


Actors' Playhouse announces the complete cast of the world premiere musical HAVANA MUSIC HALL at Actors' Playhouse this fall in Miami, Florida. Tony Award nominee John Herrera (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) and rising star Linedy Genao (On Your Feet!) headline the all-latinx cast of nineteen performers for the show's limited engagement, October 10-November 18, 2018.

Photo Flash: First Look at HAVANA MUSIC HALL


Get a first look below att Havana Music Hall at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Miami. The limited engagement will run from October 10-November 18, 2018. Opening night is set for Friday, October 19. 

Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with HAVANA MUSIC HALL


Rehearsals have begun for the world premiere of Havana Music Hall at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Miami.

John Herrera and Linedy Genao Lead Cast of HAVANA MUSIC HALL


Actors' Playhouse announces the complete cast of the world premiere musical HAVANA MUSIC HALL at Actors' Playhouse this fall in Miami, Florida. Tony Award nominee John Herrera (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) and rising star Linedy Genao (On Your Feet!) headline the all-latinx cast of nineteen performers for the show's limited engagement, October 10-November 18, 2018.

New Musical HAVANA MUSIC HALL Will Make Its World Premiere In Miami


Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre will present the world premiere of the new musical Havana Music Hall, this fall in Miami, Florida. This new show centers around the lives of Havana Music Hall's best-known musicians who are just about to get their big break before Fidel Castro seizes power. Havana Music Hall will play Actors' Playhouse October 10-November 18, 2018.

Single Tickets For Actors' Playhouse At The Miracle Theatre's 2018-19 Season On Sale Now


Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre has opened sales for the 2018 - 2019 Mainstage Season on Friday, June 1, 2018. Patrons will now have the first opportunity to buy tickets to the company's exhilarating new season, online at www.actorsplayhouse.org, by telephone (305) 444-9293, and in person at the Miracle Theatre Box Office.

BWW Interview: Larry Blank On Being Music Director of the Olivier Awards


Larry Blank is a prolific composer, conductor and orchestrator. He's worked on shows on Broadway and across the States, including Sugar Babies, Phantom of the Opera, A Chorus Line and A Little Night Music, as well as contributing to orchestrations on films like The Producers and Chicago.

Actors' Playhouse At The Miracle Theatre Announces 2018 �" 2019 Mainstage Season


Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is proud to announce the five stellar Mainstage productions secured for its 2018 - 2019 Mainstage Season. Selections include the World Premiere production of Havana Music Hall (October 10 - November 18, 2018), the hilarious comedy One Man, Two Guvnors (January 23 - February 10, 2019), the four-time Tony Award-winning musical Memphis (March 13 - April 7, 2019), the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Doubt (May 15 - June 9, 2019) and the zany musical comedy Murder For Two (July 17 - August 11, 2019).

Is HAVANA MUSIC HALL One Step Closer to Broadway?


The New York Post has reported that Havana Music Hall may be one step closer to being Broadway bound.

SOAP to Bring THE MESSY SHOW to Williamsburg This Summer


NYC sketch group SOAP will host three different performances of "The Messy Show" this summer at a secret DIY outdoor venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

PUMP UP THE VOLUME and More Slated for 5th Avenue Theatre's 2nd Annual NextFest


The 5th Avenue Theatre is proud to present the second annual NextFest: A Festival of New Musicals. The company's rehearsal halls will be brimming with activity this fall as new musicals take shape in readings and intensives, brought to life by local and Broadway talents.

A CHORUS LINE Set for First Spotlight Night of 5th Avenue Theatre's 2014-15 Season Tonight


The 5th Avenue Theatre welcomes audiences to the first Spotlight Night of the 2014/15 season with a free exclusive preview of the show where hopes and dreams take center stage, A Chorus Line. This Spotlight Night is an evening of story and song exploring what makes A Chorus Line one of the most enduring musicals of all time and the life of creative genius that crafted it. Hosted by Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong, Spotlight Night gives the exclusive backstage access and a sneak preview of this groundbreaking hit show.

A CHORUS LINE Set for First Spotlight Night of 5th Avenue Theatre's 2014-15 Season, 8/19


The 5th Avenue Theatre welcomes audiences to the first Spotlight Night of the 2014/15 season with a free exclusive preview of the show where hopes and dreams take center stage, A Chorus Line. This Spotlight Night is an evening of story and song exploring what makes A Chorus Line one of the most enduring musicals of all time and the life of creative genius that crafted it. Hosted by Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong, Spotlight Night gives the exclusive backstage access and a sneak preview of this groundbreaking hit show.

Richard Kagan FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Richard Kagan been nominated for?

Richard Kagan has been nominated for the Best Musical category at the Tony Awards for "The Goodbye Girl."

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