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ABOUT THE TITLE AND LOGO

For millions of people who were relinquished and adopted under the closed adoption system, gaining access to their sealed source documents - the original birth certificate and court records (hence the lock dangling from the second R in the word "Records") - is like finding the Holy Grail. It can be the key to unlocking mysteries about origins, unknown pieces of heritage and identity (hence the fragmented face sculpture), and vital, even life-saving, history to pass on to future generations. Though a growing number of books, articles and award-winning films have sought to chronicle the complex dynamics of relinquishment  and adoption in the last half of the 20th Century (dubbed the "Baby Scoop Era") FTR is the first full two-act musical theatre show to do so.  

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ABOUT THE CREATOR

Like billions of people confined at home during the pandemic, FTR book writer, composer and lyricist Rich Uhrlaub was looking for a creative outlet. One day, while sitting outside in a hot tub, the Muse's inspiration struck in the form of about 15 song titles. Rich's immediate thought was, "That would make a great musical, and I am absolutely not the right person to do this. Or maybe I am, with some help."   
 

Adopted by devoted parents as an infant, Rich started learning piano at age five, and (sometimes reluctantly) advanced to study with Kathleen Joiner of the (then) Denver Symphony Orchestra. He accompanied various school and church choirs, briefly played keyboards in a band, and schlepped his piano around the country in various moves. 

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He has served as a volunteer facilitator, advocate and national conference speaker dedicated to improving truth, transparency, and outcomes for people touched by relinquishment and adoption for over 20 years. 

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A SHOW IS (BEING) BORN! 

Rich's two passions came together over several years: sharing lyrics with his writing group; taking online digital music production and "how to write a musical" courses; getting feedback from table readings and incredibly talented and big-hearted creatives/performers; waking up in the middle of the night obsessing over lines and lyrics -- All to produce this fresh, unique, heartfelt work-in-progress. 

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Though this story is told primarily through the lens of protagonist Joshua Greenman, born of Mexican-Italian ancestry but adopted by a Jewish couple, the perspectives of parents by birth and adoption - along with an illuminating glimpse into the post-WWII system that was not always compassionate or ethical - are captured in story and song.  Can Joshua, with the help of a supportive like-minded community, overcome obstacles and risks to discover the mystery of his origins, and in doing so fulfill a deep desire for identity and connection?  If so, at what cost?     

 

For the Record(s) is already bringing people to their feet, to tears, to laughter, and together.  We can't wait to see its ultimate impact.