About Rick Lewis
In 1985 Rick Lewis had the brilliant idea -- to create a show called The Taffetas , a recreation of a typical 1950’s “girl group”. An experienced musical director/arranger, Rick enlisted the aid of several friends, Richard Bower, and Ruth and Len Schlosberg. Together, they formed a general partnership entitled Select Entertainment Productions, LLC. The Taffetas premiered at the John Houseman
Theatre on Dec. 12, 1986 to an audience of meeting planners and conventioneers. This was followed by two years of development, cast changes, new choreography and “scripted” patter. The Taffetas
opened at the Westbeth Theatre Centre in New York City’s West Village to unanimous rave reviews from all the major NYC papers! Soon the show was optioned by producer Arthur Whitelaw, who moved it to the Cherry Lane Theatre in Greenwich Village. Regional productions followed.
In October 1989, Rick wrote the “male version” of The Taffetas: The Cardigans – Those Swingin’ Singin’ Guys from Alpha Mu Phi Pi . Select Entertainment Productions mounted this show at the Westbeth Theatre Centre just two weeks prior to another "plaid-clad" 50’s revue. New York Backstage magazine awarded The Cardigans “Outstanding Musical Revue of 1989”.
In 1995 SEP presented Rick Lewis' musical spoof of "Up with People," Have A Nice Day! A 70’s Musical Flashback at New York’s Theatre East, to tremendous reviews and press.
Nostalgic musical revues created and arranged by Rick Lewis include A Taffeta Christmas, Taffeta Memories, G.I. Jukebox and G.I Holiday Jukebox .
Rick Lewis' additional NYC credits include: pianist for Sondheim and Lapine's original production of Sunday in the Park with George; Cy Coleman's The Life (Assistant Conductor, Vocal Director (pre-Broadway); Assistant Music Director for Off-Broadway's Charlotte Sweet, Music Director/Conductor for Anything Goes (Equity Library Theatre), Music Director/Arranger for London Days/New York Nights. Rick has written and/or arranged original music for Disney Family Live Entertainment, MGM/UA Home Video, Democratic National Convention, American Hawaii Cruises, Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade, American West Steamboat Company, and American Classic Voyages. Rick developed the Cinnamon Bear Cruise, a holiday staple aboard the Portland Spirit (Portland, OR). Rick is the founder/Artistic Director of Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre (Portland and Salem). As former resident music director of Portland Center Stage, Rick received the Broadway World Award for outstanding musical direction for his work on Fun Home at PCS.