Richard O'Donnell (playwright)

Early life and education

Richard O'Donnell began in the entertainment industry as a professional ventriloquist. He ran away with the Sells & Gray 3-ring tent circus at the age of 15, sleeping in the back of the elephant truck that transported their sole elephant, Bessie. O'Donnell was eventually forced to return home to finish high school, earning a scholarship to attend the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts where he studied theatre alongside classmate Kevin Bacon.

One & One

In 1978, at the age of 22 years, Richard O'Donnell co-authored the book (with Fred Bennett) and the music and lyrics (with Dianne Adams) for One & One (musical comedy) that played The Carter Theatre, in the Carter Hotel, 250 West 43rd street. It opened Off Broadway, November 15, 1978 received three ASCAP Awards, and was later recorded by actor Nathan Lane (The Producers) for the Broadway Backers Audition.

Manhattan Showboat

For Showplace of the Nation, Radio City Music Hall, O'Donnell co-wrote their hit mega-review entitled, Manhattan Showboat produced by Robert Yani in 1979 that celebrated over 100 years of American entertainment. The Manhattan Showboat extravaganza, musical direction and arrangements by Tony award-winning conductor Donald Pippin (A Chorus Line, Cabaret, La Cage aux Folles), and received critical and public acclaim.

The Double R

In the 1980s, billed as "The Double R" comedy duo, in collaboration with writer Richard LaGravenese, O'Donnell co-penned and consecutively performed in several Off-Off-Broadway productions including Spare Parts, Blood-brothers, and Entrees at The 78th Street Theatre Lab, The Lion Theatre, and West Bank Cafe. The Double R were regular guests on the Linda Lichtman Comedy hour, WNBC Radio, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. On the college circuit they opened for Leon Redbone and further developed their work in stand-up comedy clubs such as New York City's Comedy Cellar and Yuk Yuk's in Toronto. While working with O'Donnell, LaGravenese discovered he had a knack for writing dialogue.

Los Angeles, Calf.

He was invited to participate in the American Film Institute's "New Directors" program based on the merits of an original screenplay Closet Lovers, directed by stage and film choreographer Miriam Nelson (Cat Ballou, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Cactus Flower) and scored by Henry Mancini.

Comedy Cabaret

In 1983 Richard O'Donnell was contracted by Tony Award-winning producer James B. McKenzie to create an after-show review to complement evening performances of the Peninsula Players in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. The Comedy Cabaret, as it came to be known, produced by Amy McKenzie, was an immediate success and returned to Door County for a follow-up season in 1984 as New Age Vaudeville in its own 100-seat theater in Baileys Harbor. O'Donnell also took to the main stage at Peninsula Players, starring in two highly acclaimed title roles in Larry Shue's The Nerd and The Foreigner, O'Donnell was featured on the cover of the Chicago Tribune Arts Section, The Summer Stock Life.

Wish Wisconsin

In 1998, O'Donnell was commissioned to write the book, music, and lyrics for a new musical play entitled Wish Wisconsin, to celebrate the state's 150th birthday. Directed and produced by Amy McKenzie, it opened Friday January 2, in the Fish Creek Town Hall Auditorium. Songs of merit included Wish, So Blessed, and the show-stopper Oh!, Wisconsin.

New Age Vaudeville

Following the summer-stock season in 1983 Richard O'Donnell co-founded (with Amy McKenzie) the highly acclaimed Chicago theater company New Age Vaudeville (1984–1987). Throughout its run, O'Donnell produced, wrote, composed, choreographed, and acted in numerous productions with actors Megan Cavanagh, Amy McKenzie, Todd Erickson, Bobby McGuire, Peter Neville, Michael Dempsey, Lisa Keefe, Caroline Schless and Tom Purcell (head writer The Colbert Report). Productions included the cult-hits An Evening with Elmore & Gwendolyn Putts - The Neighbors Next Door and The TV Dinner Hour (the later featured iO, formerly ImrovOlympic, founder Del Close). Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune hailed both productions as "Among the most polished and clever productions of the season, a pair of devilishly inventive and challenging shows that won over critics and audiences."

Stand-up Comedy

As a stand-up comic billed as R. O'Donnell, he played numerous clubs including Zanies, The Chicago Improv, the Funny Firm, Catch A Rising Star, as well as featuring for celebrated comics Chris Rock, Bill Maher, Brian Regan, Rick Overton and Bill Hicks.

New Variety

O'Donnell co-produced the New Variety, which played, among other venues, at the 500-seat Chicago Improv Comedy Club for over 2 years. He was responsible for changing a faltering 3-ring comedy presentation into a successful variety format. The New Variety, which was hailed by the Chicago Tribune as "A cabaret for the 90's!" was a fast-paced, ever-changing volley of acts that included award-winning jugglers, fire-eaters, comics, and sketch comedy groups including the all-girl Nude Coffee, the all-gay The Boys in the Bathroom, and the all-improv Upright Citizens Brigade. Dr. Boom (who literally blew things up on stage) was the highlight of the evening.

Twisted

O'Donnell produced and directed comedy segments for the 1998 New Year's Eve special Twisted, which aired on Fox TV, Chicago featuring Matt Besser (Comedy Central's Upright Citizens Brigade) as well as writing and directing commercials for McDonald's, Toyota, Jiffy Lube, and Ameritech starring Besser and stand-up comic Michelle Garb in a stylistic homage to the works of Ernie Kovacs.

R. Rated

In 1999, O'Donnell went on to Executive Produce and host R. Rated which also aired on Fox TV, Chicago, a comedy anthology featuring short works by The Annoyance Theatre featuring Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live), Mick Napier (The Second City), and Stephnie Weir (MADtv), along with Tim Kazurinsky (Saturday Night Live), among many other independent film and video makers. It is said that O'Donnell hoped his new comedy series would shift the LA and NYC comedy spotlights to Chicago talent.

Journalism and blogging

R. O’Donnell has written for such national publications as Entertainment Weekly and Stop Smiling as well as serving as Editor-at-Large for the latter, and for cultural ezine Static Multimedia where he has a daily blog entitled The Horror.

Brazillia R. Kreep

(a.k.a. The Kreep) is his nom de plume. He has a popular Gothic blog entitled The Kreep. The Kreep, according to Robert K. Elder of the Chicago Tribune, is, “…a Gothic poet and illustrator in the tradition of Edward Gorey.”

As The Kreep, O'Donnell has penned over half a dozen full-scale musical comedies including "An Evening With The Kreep," "Kreepshow," "Kreepmas," and "Alice Isn't All There." Brazillia is currently playwright in residence for the St. John's Conservatory theater in Ogdensburg, N.Y..

Poetry Scream

O’Donnell went on to create and host (sometimes as The Kreep) the Poetry Scream on July 30. 2010. Now an ongoing event, the Poetry Scream features five poets on stage, Thursdays at the Boiler Room in Port Townsend, Washington.

Black Pearl Cabaret

In 2012, O'Donnell founded the Black Pearl Cabaret with the mission to recruit a professional troupe of actors, variety artists and musicians to perform original works of a Gothic and macabre nature. For their first show, Black Pearl Cabaret presented "An Evening With The Kreep", a 60-minute theatrical with book, music, and lyrics accredited to O'Donnell's nom de plume Brazillia R. Kreep. It was presented by the Black Pearl Cabaret on October 25–27, at the Undertown, located in the heart of the Victorian Seaport of Port Townsend, Washington. The "Kreep" show features poetry and song and summons a variety of haunting characters from the Kreep’s darkest dreams. Characters included The Kreep performed by O'Donnell, Parthenia Goste performed by Alanna Dailey, Jack Frost performed by Jason Altamirano, Ms. Autumn performed by Holly Stone-Cabe, and Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave. Songs included Welcome To My Lighthouse, See Me, Wish Myself, I'm Lamenting, and Halloween. The production was directed by Amanda Steurer.

Kreepmas

For their second show, Black Pearl Cabaret presented "Kreepmas," a Gothic, macabre twist on Charles Dickens’ classic “Christmas Carol" with book, music, and lyrics also accredited to O'Donnell's nom de plume Brazillia R. Kreep. It was presented on December 20–23, 2012 at the Undertown in Port Townsend, WA. Characters included The Kreep performed by O'Donnell, Albert T. Krumb performed by Jason "Ares" Altamirano, Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave, Thaddeus Plum performed by Joey Ripely, Matilda Pift performed by Misha Cassella-blackburn and the two-headed Twipple Twins, Twinkle & Dinkle, performed by Cassella-blackburn and Ripley. Costumes where by Mara Palmen, Songs included Kreepmas Celebration, Drink Up For Kreepmas, I'm the Ghost of Been There Done That, The Bells, Why Not For Me, and We Wish You a Merry Kreepmas. The production was produced and directed by O'Donnell.

Bite Me!

For their third show, Black Pearl Cabaret presented "Bite Me," a musical spoof on the vampire film “Twilight” with book, music, and lyrics by O’Donnell. It was presented on February 14, 15, 16, 2013 at the Pope Marine Building on the pier in Port Townsend, WA.. Characters included Joey Ripley as Willy White, Misha Cassella-Blackburn as Ella Bran, Thomas Overman as Otis Bran, Ares Altamirano as Billy Sullen, Aidan McClave as Brody Sullen, R O’Donnell as Dr. Sullen, and Marla Overman as Asthma Sullen. Costumes were by Lynne Cassella-Blackburn, Set by Thomas Overman, stage managed by DJ Adams, and directed by O’Donnell. Songs included Dear Diary, Sparkly, Like Me, So Very Hard To Be, and Bite Me.

Kreepshow

For their fourth show, Black Pearl Cabaret presents "Kreepshow," a 60-minute musical comedy cabaret with book, music, and lyrics accredited to O'Donnell's nom de plume Brazillia R. Kreep. It opened for an open-ended run on March 29, 2013 at the historic Manresa Castle in Port Townsend, WA. Characters include The Kreep performed by O'Donnell, Parthenia Goste performed by Misha Cassella-blackburn, Jack Frost performed by Jason Altamirano, and Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave. Songs include Welcome to My Castle, See Me, How I Miss the Circus, I'm Lamenting, and Kreepy Things. The production is directed by O’Donnell, costumes and props by Lynne Cassella-blackburn, and stage managed by DJ Adams.

Steve Treacy, contributing theater critic to the Port Townsend Leader wrote of the troupe’s skills that, “Overall the group’s singing and dancing numbers, including “I’m Lamenting” and “Creepy Things,” round out one’s “good to be alive” evening.” He went on to praise O'Donnell, saying, “His writing, directing, acting and warbling abilities conspire to make him a quadruple threat. Even his spoken poems, especially “Little Annie Orkle,” are sparkling (no mean feat for that musty old art form).”

St. John's Conservatory Theater

Co-founder of the St. John's Conservatory Theater. JCT is a professional troupe of actors, variety artists, and musicians. It is JCT’s vision to create educational, inspirational, and professional opportunities for local artists of all ages while presenting original works that are based on folklore, literature, and fairy-tales.

Alice Isn’t All There

St. John's Conservatory Theater (JCT) presented an original musical comedy "Alice Isn’t All There", a 90-minute theatrical with book, music, and lyrics accredited to O'Donnell's nom de plume Brazillia R. Kreep. “Alice Isn't All There” is an adaptation on Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice in Wonderland.” It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theatre on October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 2014 at the St. John's Parish House in the city of Ogdensburg, NY. Direction was by Richard O'Donnell, Musical Direction by Angela Conzone Dwyer with Orchestrations by Pat Duffy. Original Alice costumes where created by Ann Losurdo, set and props were hand-crafted by fine artist Stephen Chambers. The cast included Allexa Hooper as Alice Brimble, Hailey Weber as Alice Liddle, Paige Merz as the Cheshire Cat, Sloane Ryan as Boo Hoo and the Caterpillar, Steve Summers as Itsy Bitsy, Deanna Bellinger as the Dormouse, Bill LaMere as the Jack Rabbit, Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Queen of Hearts and Mrs. Zizzlebot, Christopher Dwyer as Tweedledee and Mr. Zizzlebot, Ryan Woodard as Tweedledum, Joel Burke as The Narrator, and R O’Donnell as Belvedere Brumbleton, Derk Powers, The Knave of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter. Other production team included Fr. Michael O’Donnell (Executive Producer), Christopher Dwyer (Technical Director), Alynia Hermaine Rule (Stage Manager), and Dominic Solis (Production Coordinator). The story of Alice is told by the Bells & Wheezle Circus Company, a European-style commedia dell’arte and runs 90 minutes. A contemporary Alice finds herself in Wonderland haunted by the Victorian Alice while interacting with all the usual classic characters. Original songs included The Bells & Wheezle Circus, Tic Toc, Wish Myself, We're All Mad Here, Not For Me, The Oswegatchie, All Hail the Queen/Off with His Head, and Many Reflections.

A Kreepy Christmas Carol

St. John's Conservatory Theater (JCT) presented “A Kreepy Christmas Carol,” a musical comedy adaptation on the Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol" with book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell's nom de plume Brazillia R. Kreep. It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theatre on December 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at the St. John's Parish House in the city of Ogdensburg, NY. Direction was by R O'Donnell, Musical Direction by Angela Conzone Dwyer with arrangements by Ryan C. McNally, technical direction by Christopher Dwyer. Original costumes and makeup were created by Ann Losurdo and Maggie Gebo, set and props were hand-crafted by fine artist Stephen Chambers. The cast (in order of appearance) Sloane Ryan as Nipper, Makayla Lovely as Abby, Hailey Weber as Letty, Jillian LeBel as Gusie, Elizabeth Bascom as Trudy, Cole Siebels as Cager, Anton Skamperle as Ollie, Dee Bellinger as Zinger and Tiny Tina, Christopher Dwyer as Bob Cratchit, R O’Donnell as Scrooge, Brad Mintener as Jacob Marley, Rebecca Bascom as the Ghost of Been There Done That, Ryan Woodard as Fezziwig, Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Ghost of Christmas Presents, and a surprise guest each night as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Original songs included Kreepy Overture, Counting Silver, So Happy Happy, To Be a Zombie, Ghost of Been There Done That, Heed Our Warning, I Hear The Bells A Ringing, and Wish.

Orchard of Hide & Seek

St. John’s Conservatory Theater presented “Orchard of Hide & Seek,” on July 9 – 12 and 16th – 19th. It featured an original story and songs written and directed by Richard O’Donnell. With musical direction by Angela Conzone Dwyer and Ryan C. McNally, arrangements by Ryan C. McNally, choreography by Johanna Carmany, set and prop designs by Stephen Chambers, costumes and makeup by Ann Losurdo and Karen Fischbeck Carmany, technical direction and production coordination by Christopher Dwyer, and stage managed by Sadie Smith. The cast included Taylor Morrill as fairy Queen Gossamer, Myah Myers as Battyboo, Hailey Weber as Stargleam, Emily Gardner as Raindew, Meghan Gardner as Heartglow, Sloane Ryan as Prixy Pringle, Madalyn Bascom as Trixy Tringle, Caitlin Kelly as Ariah Ropidy, Payten Walsh as Opidy Dobity, Grace Wills as Zopidy Yopity, R O’Donnell as pirate Capt. Jean-Pierre Beunet, Stefanie Jones as Scallywag, Lizette Haenel as Shivers, Rebecca Bascom as Ophelia Hollyhock the evil Witch of Hubbub, Angela Conzone Dwyer as Misty Cauldron, and Ryan Woodard as Bob the juggling Troll. The story of the “Orchard of Hide & Seek” concerns Queen Gossamer and her eclectic band of fairies that inhabit the old apple orchard on top of the cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence Sea. They are preparing for their spectacular Midsummer’s Eve celebration when the children of Ennui (the tiny village that surrounds the bottom of the cliff) are playing their annual games of hide and seek. However, unbeknownst to any of them, all are in danger of the Pirate Capt. Jean-Pierre Beunet, Ophelia the Queen Witch of Hubbub, and her cauldron Misty who want to take over the entire Orchard for themselves.

Personal

He is the identical twin brother of best-selling author and award-winning columnist Michael A. O'Donnell. O'Donnell is the father of award-winning animator Valia Dee Lily O'Donnell, Timothy O'Donnell, and Richie O'Donnell.

Honors and awards

3 ASCAP (1978) Music Awards – Music & Lyrics, Off Broadway Musical One & One (shared with Dianne Adams)

In 2008, O’Donnell’s blog The Kreep received a Coraline handmade box numbered 46/50 assembled by the stop-motion animation team at Laika films, honoring their favorite bloggers.