What are my qualifications? I hold degrees in vocal performance from Ball State University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Although my degrees were all in classical voice and I studied and sang opera for several years, I never lost my love for musical theater. After studying voice with W. Stephen Smith (Julliard School of Music) and singing classical music in New York for about 4 years, I finally decided to follow my true dream and made the transition from singing opera to musical theater. Since that time, I've been very blessed to work with many great actors and companies. You can check out my resumé for more details! (On the right, I am pictured as Squelch in Anderw Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies.)
Biography
Who is Richard Koons? I am a working actor, singer, teacher and, not least of all, a very proud dad! (Pictured on the left is me and my son, Rhys, at two days old.) I am originally from South Bend, Indiana, but I've lived in the New York City area since the fall of 2000, so I feel more like a native New Yorker these days.
CD Recordings
This is a Christmas album recorded in 1999 with soprano, Robin Lounsbury and piainist Russell Wagoner.
Isn't it Romantic
Robin, Russell and I, as Front Row Center, returned to the studio to record some of our favorite Broadway romantic melodies.
On the Wings of Song
This sacred album Russell and I recorded using some of our favorite songs from church services and concerts we have sung over the years.
Safe Within Your Arms
After the release of On the Wings of Song , we recorded a second, sacred album.
What about when I'm not in a show? You might find me singing on the concert stage performing a long side of my husband, pianist Russell Wagoner or with my friends soprano, Sonia Perez and pianist, Omaldo Perez. You can also find me at Syracuse University teaching voice or in my studio in Washingtonville, NY. (On the left is a video selection from "From Broadway with Love" concert with Omaldo at the piano.)
What do I like to sing at home? When Rhys was born in 2012, Russell and I made a few live recordings for him (samples below). Currently, we are working on a new recording project called, A Voice in Your Heart. (On the right is a video of me singing "Impossible Dream" during a cabaret performance at Arizona Broadway Theater.)