Eric Matthew Richardson

Eric Matthew Richardson (b. 1992) is a writer and composer based in Chicago, Illinois.

His full-length musicals include The Book of Sebastián, The LEA Project, and Down & Out in Rocky Heights, which was a 2022 Semi-Finalist for the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center National Musical Theater Conference. He was a finalist for the inaugural National Fellowship for Musical Theater through the Dramatists Guild Foundation in 2024 and has been featured as one of William Finn’s Emerging Writers.

His latest a cappella musical, ei hytte (the cabin), was a 2024 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival finalist and performed as part of the Steppenwolf LookOut Series in conjunction with Kokandy Producitons.

Eric Matthew Richardson (b. 1992) is a writer and composer based in Chicago, Illinois.

His full-length musicals include The Book of Sebastián, The LEA Project, and Down & Out in Rocky Heights, which was a 2022 Semi-Finalist for the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center National Musical Theater Conference. He was a finalist for the inaugural National Fellowship for Musical Theater through the Dramatists Guild Foundation in 2024 and has been featured as one of William Finn’s Emerging Writers.

His latest a cappella musical, ei hytte (the cabin), was a 2024 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival finalist and performed as part of the Steppenwolf LookOut Series in conjunction with Kokandy Producitons.

Scripts

ei hytte (the cabin), an a cappella musical

Words & Music by Eric Matthew Richardson

Synopsis

During an unseasonable blizzard, two strangers become trapped inside one of Norway's many off-grid public cabins. Without access to electricity, phone or internet service, the hikers wait out the storm. Veronica is a true crime author, and Colin is a warehouse worker. Neither are inclined to reveal too much about their personal lives beyond that. Pressured by the forces of the unseen Valkyries, the strangers...

During an unseasonable blizzard, two strangers become trapped inside one of Norway's many off-grid public cabins. Without access to electricity, phone or internet service, the hikers wait out the storm. Veronica is a true crime author, and Colin is a warehouse worker. Neither are inclined to reveal too much about their personal lives beyond that. Pressured by the forces of the unseen Valkyries, the strangers push each other to their breaking points.

Down & Out in Rocky Heights

Words & Music by Eric Matthew Richardson

Synopsis

Annie McPherson reluctantly returns to her hometown of Rocky Heights in order to take care of her ailing father, but soon finds herself embroiled in a political showdown that could destroy the town for good.

A modern bastardization of Antigone set in a fictional Northeast Ohio factory town, Down and Out in Rocky Heights is the story of an empire in decline, and the radical actions taken in response.

Annie McPherson reluctantly returns to her hometown of Rocky Heights in order to take care of her ailing father, but soon finds herself embroiled in a political showdown that could destroy the town for good.

A modern bastardization of Antigone set in a fictional Northeast Ohio factory town, Down and Out in Rocky Heights is the story of an empire in decline, and the radical actions taken in response.

The LEA Project

by Eric Matthew Richardson

Synopsis

An online, interactive hypermusical from Eric Matthew Richardson.

The global mega-corporation EthiCo is set to launch LEA 2.0, the latest iteration of their flagship Learning-Enabled Algorithm, until the company’s founder discovers a hidden malware attack infesting the program. As his unwitting assistant, you’ll help uncover the truth behind LEA, as well as learn why she’s so desperately obsessed with the...

An online, interactive hypermusical from Eric Matthew Richardson.

The global mega-corporation EthiCo is set to launch LEA 2.0, the latest iteration of their flagship Learning-Enabled Algorithm, until the company’s founder discovers a hidden malware attack infesting the program. As his unwitting assistant, you’ll help uncover the truth behind LEA, as well as learn why she’s so desperately obsessed with the mysterious Dexter Nelson.

The LEA Project was written, filmed, and produced during the Covid-19 pandemic and is free to experience forever. You can find the original soundtrack on most streaming platforms.

The Book of Sebastián

by Eric Matthew Richardson

Synopsis

Set amid the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, Sebastián - a young Jesuit with a thirst for adventure - sets off into world as the fighting descends upon his hometown. On his journey, he encounters an eccentric ferryman, an underground band of anarchists, and the echoes of his past he can’t outrun.

Loosely based on the classic novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, The Book of Sebastián is a sweeping exploration...

Set amid the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, Sebastián - a young Jesuit with a thirst for adventure - sets off into world as the fighting descends upon his hometown. On his journey, he encounters an eccentric ferryman, an underground band of anarchists, and the echoes of his past he can’t outrun.

Loosely based on the classic novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, The Book of Sebastián is a sweeping exploration of passion, consequence, and how we define God in a modern world.

Pigasus: A Ten-Minute Musical

by Eric Matthew Richardson

Synopsis

Pigasus follows the journey of one small pig from farm to fame as he’s shepherded along by an opportunistic Yuppie. The short musical tells the mostly true story of an unsung Chicago icon.

Pigasus follows the journey of one small pig from farm to fame as he’s shepherded along by an opportunistic Yuppie. The short musical tells the mostly true story of an unsung Chicago icon.