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| Richard's Bio |
Richard Koons merits acclaim for both his leading and comic roles in theaters across the United States and Europe. He has build a reputation as a passionate and captivating performer. The Baltimore Sun heralds, "Koons is a lyric tenor with impressive power and acting skills." Richard is a native of South Bend, Indiana and received his Bachelor's of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. He stayed in the Midwest to continue his studies in music and received a Master's of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. While at University he appeared in several opera productions including THE BARTERED BRIDE, THE IMPRESSARIO, BASTIEN UND BASTIENNE, LA PIZZA CON FUNGHI, LA DIVINA, GIANNI SCHICCHI, LA DAME BLANCHE, L'ELISIR D'AMORE and THE RAKE'S PROGRESS, as well as, performed with several regional opera companies including White Water Opera, Sorg Opera and Indiana Opera North in such operas as HANSEL UND GRETEL, LA TRAVIATA, IL TROVATORE, IL BARBIERE DI SEVILGLIA, LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, DIE ZAUBERFLOTE and RIGOLETTO. He made his debut with the Aspen Music Festival singing the role of 'Sellem' in THE RAKE'S PROGRESS and returned to sing 'Abraham Kaplan' in STREET SCENE under the baton of Julius Rudel. After graduating from the conservatory he moved to New York City to perform and to study voice with W. Stephen Smith (Juilliard School of Music). All though trained as a classical singer Richard's fisrt love has always been Musical theater. While in college Richard split his time performing in both Musicals and Operas. Shortly after moving to NY he decided to pursue a career in musical theater and since feels blessed to be able to call himself a "working actor." Since focusing full time on musical theater he has had the privilege to work with some great coaches and teachers top among these is the incredible singer/actress Carolann Page. Richard is a frequent recitalist and concert performer. He performs regularly with pianist, Russell Wagoner and soprano, Robin Lounsbury as a member of Front Row Center and with Front Row Center he has recorded a Christmas album entitled ONCE UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR and a Broadway album entitled ISN'T IT ROMANTIC. He has also recorded two other albums with pianist Russell Wagoner, the first entitled ON THE WINGS OF SONG and in the summer of 2003 he recorded SAFE WITHIN YOUR ARMS. Also in 2003 Richard premiered in the 'theatrical recital' WIDMUNG (DEDICATION): THE LIFE, LOVE AND LIEDER OF ROBERT AND CLARA SCHUMANN in Madison, Wisconsin. This "theatrical recital" was envisioned and created by Mr. Koons to enhance the audiences experience of the "art song recital." The recital combines both his loves, theater and classical music, featuring letters and diary entries performed by two actors and songs performed by two singers and a pianist. The audience leaves the recital not just entertained but enriched by getting an insight into the lives and music of two prominent composers of the 18th Century.
Some of Richard's recent appearances include ''Christmas Present' in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Dwight/GOD'' in JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA, Horton' in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, 'Barnaby' in BABES IN TOYLAND and 'Aslan' in NARNIA at P.Y.T, 'Mayor Foshay' in SLEEPY HOLLOW at the York Theater, 'Mr Linton' in WUTHERING HEIGHTS, at Theatre Five in NYC, 'Aristocrat' in EVITA at Foothills Theater, 'Governor/Innkeeper' in MAN OF LA MANCHA at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, Florida, 'Enoch Snow' in CAROUSEL and 'Doctor Engel' in THE STUDENT PRINCE at Mac Haydn Theatre, 'Cogsworth' in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Merry Go Round Playhouse, 'Henry Etches' in the National Tour of TITANIC THE MUSICAL, 'Norman Kerry' and 'Lou Mahoney' in the Off-Broadway production of VALENTINO THE MUSICAL, 'Oberon' in Maury Yeston's PHANTOM at Gateway Playhouse in Bell Port, Long Island and Judge Harper' in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET at LaComedia Dinner Theatre in Ohio.
Below is a picture of Richard in P.Y.T.'s production of "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" With music by Alan Menken.
Theatrical Agent: Naomi Kolstein |
