The Rise and Fall of Isabella Rico, by Larry Beinhart and Neil Rolnick, is a musical theater piece being developed by the Director’s Company (New York, NY) for the legitimate theater. With 25 songs and two full years' worth of active workshop development, including extensive re-writing and collaboration on both musical and narrative issues, this work is being prepared for a not-for-profit production. Excerpts from the piece have been performed by the Albany Symphony.

“The work captivates ... and you don't find lyrics as witty as Beinhart's anywhere this side of Sondheim.”

 

“Although ‘Rico Songs & Interludes’ is compositionally sophisticated and boasts equally smart lyrics, the work captivates mostly because of how much fun it is. Hummable and engaging, the hourlong piece leaves you wanting more.”

 

- Steve Barnes, Albany Times Union

 

“The Rise and Fall of Isabella Rico took the group into salsa over film noir-ish video images. Odd meters enlivened the pop texture… accompanied by a sentimental childlike violin solo, to chilling effect.”

 

- Kyle Gann, Village Voice