Tony Richards, a native of the Pittsburgh area, has spent 25 years on the road performing (while also teaching periodically),
taught belt for many years in Pittsburgh, and is now a teacher of belt in NYC. Tony received a B.A. in Vocal Performance
from Birmingham Southern College working under the late, well-respected baritone Andrew Gainey. After graduating, he
moved to California where he began performing in both opera and musical theatre. Some highlights include leading and
supporting roles with the Los Angeles and San Diego Opera Companies, as well as understudying Sergio Franchi in the West Coast
Premiere of Maury Yeston's
Nine. During this time, he worked with the Metropolitan and Broadway
star Georgio Tozzi, and Lee Sweetland. Working with both of these teachers enabled Tony to perform a variety of vocal
styles in different venues with a solid understanding of the principles of correct singing. His additional experience
working under performer/director Domenico Sunzeri, at the famous Los Angeles night club Luigi's, gave him the knowledge and
confidence to develop his own nightclub act, which he has performed to great acclaim in night clubs and on cruise ships all
over the world.
Tony left Califonia in 1988 upon receiving a contract from the New York City Opera where, for several years, he performed
both leading and supporting roles. In 1992, he was cast as Raoul in the Toronto production of Phantom of
the Opera with Colm Wilkinson and Rebecca Luker. Shortly thereafter, he began touring his nightclub act
for Celebrity Cruises in both the US and Europe.
Tony has performed leading roles in two national tours - Judd in Oklahoma and Pedro in
Man of LaMancha. In addition, he was chosen by Lawrence Welk to tour as a guest vocalist with
members of the Lawrence Welk Television Orchestra. Noted composers Wright and Forrest and Blane and Martin cast him
in the world premiere productions of Song for Cyrano and Weddin' Day.
