Richard O'Donnell (playwright)

Richard O'Donnell began in the entertainment industry as a professional ventriloquist.{{citation|periodical=Chicago Tribune, Friday, Page 1, Section 5 Tempo|date=August 13, 1999|title=R. O'Donnell hopes his new comedy series will shift spotlight to Chicago|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-08-13-9908130076-story.html|first=Allan|last=Johnson}} While in Jr. high school, he ran away with the Sells & Gray 3-ring tent circus at the age of 15, sleeping in the back of a truck that transported their elephants, Bessie and Anna May.{{cite web |last1=Kline |first1=Bob |title=Sells and Gray Circus |url=https://www.circusesandsideshows.com/circuses/sellsandgraycircus.html |website=Circuses and Sideshows |access-date=8 February 2022}} O'Donnell was eventually forced to return home to finish school.

In 1974, he won a full scholarship to attend the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts at Bucknell University,{{citation|periodical=Reporter, Pg. 3, Rose Tree Media School District, VOL IX, No. 9|date=April 1974|title=Governor's Talent School Names Penncrest Five|first=Mary|last=Faulkner}} where he studied theatre under Broadway actress, dancer, and playwright Dr. Glory Van Scott.{{cite news |last1=Shuler |first1=Deardra |title="Glory Van Scott: Her Life Among Legends" |url=http://newyorktrendnyc.com/2019/01/15/glory-van-scott-her-life-among-legends/ |work=New York Trend NYC |issue=Books, Entertainment |publisher=New York Trend |date=January 15, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Mary |title=Glory Van Scott collection - 1974 to 2000 |url=https://archives.nypl.org/scm/24929 |website=New York Public Library |publisher=Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture |access-date=8 February 2022}}

In 1975, O'Donnell graduated from Penncrest High School, Media, Pennsylavania. While attending Penncrest, he studied theatre arts and dance under Judy Roman.

In 1978, at age 22, O'Donnell co-authored the book, music, and lyrics for the musical comedy One & One that played the Carter Theatre, in the Carter Hotel at 250 West 43rd street.{{cite news |last1=Barry |first1=Ann |title=Arts and Leisure Guide |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/07/02/archives/arts-and-leisure-guide-of-special-interest.html |issue=Section D, Page 24 |work=New York Times |date=July 2, 1978 |access-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110033547/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/07/02/archives/arts-and-leisure-guide-of-special-interest.html |url-status=live }}{{citation |periodical=Entertainment - East Coast Edition – Vol 1, No. 3 |date=November 28, 1978 |title=One And One |first=Anthony |last=Buonarabo}} It opened Off-Broadway on November 15, 1978,{{cite book |last1=Dietz |first1=Dan |title=Off Broadway Musicals, 1910-2007 |date=2010 |publisher=McFarland and Co., Inc. |isbn=978-0-7864-3399-5 |page=336 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fgOqZWHCLbUC&dq=one+and+one%2C+musical%2C+adams%2C+o%27donnell&pg=PA336 |access-date=15 January 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Archives |title=One & One |url=http://www.iobdb.com/Production/4835 |website=Internet Off-Broadway Database |publisher=Lucille Lortel Foundation}}{{citation|periodical=New York Times Theatre Directory|date=November 15, 1978|title=Off-Broadway}} and O'Donnell won three American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) Awards, shared with Dianne Adams (Vocal Arranger, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder).{{cite web |last1=Archives |title=A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/dianne-adams-mcdowell-495156 |website=IBDB |publisher=The Broadway League |access-date=8 February 2022}}{{cite web|author=Staff Reporter|title=St. John's Conservatory Theater has cast its October show 'Kreepy Hollow|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/st-johns-conservatory-theater-has-cast-its-october-show--kreepy-hollow-20170824|website=Watertown Daily Times|date=August 24, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084404/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/st-johns-conservatory-theater-has-cast-its-october-show--kreepy-hollow-20170824|url-status=live}}

In 1979, for Radio City Music Hall, O'Donnell co-wrote with Scott Bodie [http://ovrtur.com/show/123473 Manhattan Showboat] produced by Robert Yani, which celebrated over 100 years of American entertainment.{{citation|periodical=Chicago Tribune, Friday, Page 2 - Section 7|date=May 15, 1992|title=New Variety a cabaret for the '90s|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-05-15-9202130055-story.html|first=June|last=Sawyers}} It featured musical direction and arrangements by Tony Award-winning conductor Donald Pippin, and John Corry of The New York Times wrote, "Three Cheers! It is slick and attractive, even witty. It has style."{{cite news |last1=Corry |first1=John |title=Stage: 'Manhattan Showboat' |work=New York Times |issue=Section T, Page 16 |date=July 2, 1980}}

In the 1980s, billed as "The Double R" comedy duo, in collaboration with screenwriter Richard LaGravenese, O'Donnell co-wrote and consecutively performed in several Off-Off-Broadway productions including Spare Parts, Blood-brothers, and Entrees at the 78th Street Theatre Lab, the Lion Theatre, and West Bank Cafe. The Double R were regular guests on the Linda Lichtman Comedy Hour, WNBC Radio, 30 Rockefeller Plaza.{{citation|periodical=Rock Radio Scrapbook|year=1984|title=WNBC Lineups|url=http://rockradioscrapbook.ca/radwnbc.html|first=Vince|last=Santarelli|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-date=May 26, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526123235/http://rockradioscrapbook.ca/radwnbc.html|url-status=live}}

On the college circuit, they opened for Leon Redbone and further developed their work in stand-up comedy clubs such as New York City's Comedy Cellar and Yuk Yuk's in Toronto. While working with O'Donnell, LaGravenese discovered he had a knack for writing dialogue.{{citation|periodical=Premiere Magazine, Pages 86-92|date=1991|title=A Writer's Dream|first=Richard|last=Panek}}

In 1983, while living in New York City, O'Donnell was contracted by Tony Award-winning producer James B. McKenzie to create an after-show revue to complement evening performances of the Peninsula Players in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. The Comedy Cabaret, produced by Amy McKenzie and O'Donnell returned for a follow-up season in 1985 with O'Donnell's comedy revue, Dr. Funny Bones, presented by New Age Vaudeville in its own 75-seat theater at the Glidden Lodge resort, Baileys Harbor, WI.{{cite news|last1=Scone|first1=S.|title=Calendar: Dr. Funny Bones|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/190972474/|issue=Page 5|publisher=Green Bay Press-Gazette|date=July 25, 1986|access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=January 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070224/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/190972474/|url-status=live}}

While working the Comedy Cabaret, O'Donnell also took to the main stage at Peninsula Players, starring in title roles of Larry Shue's The Nerd and The Foreigner.{{cite web |last1=Nienhuis |first1=Terry |title=The Foreigner Essay, Larry Shue |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/foreigner#H|website=Encyclopedia.com |publisher=Encyclopedia |access-date=17 August 2023}}{{citation|periodical=Green Bay Press Gazette, TV & the Arts – Page 4|date=October 6, 1985|title=Shue's death is felt deeply at Peninsula Players|first=Warren|last=Gerds}} Both comedies were given two-week extended runs because of ticket demands.

In 1984, for the Peninsula Player's 50th Anniversary, O'Donnell was featured on the cover of the Chicago Tribune Magazine.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Robert |title=Theatre in the Rough |work=The Chicago Tribune Magazine |issue=Arts Section 10, pg 12 |publisher=Tribune Company |date=August 19, 1984}}

In 1998, while living in Chicago, O'Donnell was commissioned to write the book, music, and lyrics for a new musical play entitled Wish Wisconsin, to celebrate the state's 150th birthday. Directed and produced by Amy McKenzie, it opened on January 2, in the Fish Creek Town Hall Auditorium. Songs included "Wish", "So Blessed", and "Oh!, Wisconsin".{{citation |periodical=Resorter Reporter, Pg. 2 |date=January 2, 1998 |title=A Fitting 150th Birthday Salute, New Play Finishing up at Fish Creek |first=Jon |last=Gast}}

In 1983, O'Donnell co-founded (with Amy McKenzie) the professional Actor's Equity theater company New Age Vaudeville (1984–1987). Throughout its run, O'Donnell produced, wrote, composed, choreographed, and acted in numerous productions with actors Amy McKenzie, Bobby McGuire, Caroline Schless, Del Close, Lisa Keefe, Megan Cavanagh, Michael Dempsey, Peter Neville, Todd Erickson, and Tom Purcell (executive producer of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert).

New Age Vaudeville was the first resident theatre company in CrossCurrents history.{{cite news |last1=Kogan |first1=Rick |title=Crosscurrents Take on a New Challenge |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-10-31-8603220066-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |issue=News |publisher=Tribune, Co. |date=October 31, 1986}} It was located at 3207 N. Wilton Ave. Noteworthy productions included O'Donnell's musical comedies An Evening With Elmore & Gwendolyn Putts, The Neighbors Next Door and The TV Dinner Hour (the later featured iO, formerly ImrovOlympic, founder Del Close as The Rev. Thing of the First Generic Church of What's His Name).{{cite news|last=Kogan|first=Rick|title=Comedy Uneven in Del Close's New Show and TV Dinner Hour reviews|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-03-20-8701220060-story.html|access-date=June 16, 2012|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=March 20, 1987}} Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune hailed both productions as "Among the most polished and clever productions of the season, a pair of devilishly inventive and challenging shows that won over critics and audiences."{{citation|periodical=Chicago Tribune|date=May 3, 1987|title=Vaudeville Troupe Takes Leave of City|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-05-03-8702030155-story.html|first=Rick|last=Kogan|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011014033/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-05-03-8702030155-story.html|url-status=live}}

As a stand-up comic, billed as R. O'Donnell, he headlined numerous comedy clubs throughout the 1980s and 90s, including Zanies (where his headshot still hangs on the wall), the Chicago Improv, and Catch A Rising Star, and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCNPGXho5fI the Funny Firm] where he was a regular headliner and also featured for such national comics as Brian Regan, Rick Overton and Bill Hicks.

In the 1990s, O'Donnell co-executive produced and hosted the New Variety, which played, among other venues, at the 500-seat Chicago Improv Comedy Club.{{citation|periodical=Chicago Sun-times, Arts & Show, Section 2|date=August 6, 1993|title=Improv Adds Some Variety To Its Stage|first=Ernest|last=Tucker}} It ran for over two years, and was responsible for changing a faltering three-ring comedy presentation into a successful variety format.{{citation|periodical=The Third Word, Sept/Oct Issue, Pg 10-12|date=October 11, 1993|title=Sex, Drugs, & Cabaret - The New Variety Cabaret Just Might Make Comedy Dangerous Again|first=Eric|last=Spitznagel}}

The New Variety, which was hailed by the Chicago Tribune as "a cabaret for the 90's," was a fast-paced, ever-changing volley of acts that included award-winning jugglers, fire-eaters, comics, and sketch comedy groups including the all-girl Nude Coffee, the all-gay The Boys in the Bathroom, and the all-improv Upright Citizens Brigade. Dr. Boom (who literally blew things up on stage) was the highlight of the evening.{{cite news|last=Adler|first=Tony|title=New Variety Offers Slicker Mix in New Digs|newspaper=Chicago Tribune, Overnight|date=May 27, 1993}}

O'Donnell produced and directed comedy segments for the 1993 New Year's Eve special Twisted, which aired on Fox TV, Chicago featuring Matt Besser (Comedy Central's Upright Citizens Brigade).{{cite news |last1=Larsen |first1=Josh |title=Ch. 32 Airs Chicago Comedy Shorts |work=Screen Magazine |issue=TV |publisher=Screen|date= August 3, 1999 }} He also wrote and directed commercials for McDonald's, Toyota, Jiffy Lube, and Ameritech, starring Besser and stand-up comic Michelle Garb in a stylistic homage to the works of Ernie Kovacs.

In 1999, as R. O'Donnell, he executive produced, wrote, and hosted R. Rated, which aired late night on Fox TV in Chicago. This comedy variety show included short works by the Annoyance Theatre featuring Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live), Mick Napier (The Second City), Tim Kazurinsky (Saturday Night Live), and Stephnie Weir (MADtv), among many other independent film and video makers.

O'Donnell has written for such national publications as Entertainment Weekly and Stop Smiling{{cite news|last=O'Donnell|first=R.|title=My Summer With Del|url=http://www.stopsmilingstore.com/issue17thecomedianissue.aspx|access-date=June 16, 2012|newspaper=Stop Smiling magazine|year=2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217043125/http://www.stopsmilingstore.com/issue17thecomedianissue.aspx|archive-date=December 17, 2008|df=mdy-all}} as well as having served under publisher J. C. Gabel as editor-at-Large for the latter.

He served as editor-at-large for cultural ezine Static Multimedia from 2004 to 2012.{{cite web |last1=Hull |first1=Michael |title=Staff |url=http://www.staticmultimedia.com:80/company/staff |website=Static Multimedia |publisher=Super Unleaded Design, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041206224757/http://www.staticmultimedia.com:80/company/staff |access-date=5 October 2023|archive-date=December 6, 2004 }}{{cite web |last1=Hull |first1=Michael |title=Masthead |url=http://staticmultimedia.com/masthead |website=Static Multimedia |publisher=Super Unleaded Design |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117042314/http://staticmultimedia.com/masthead |access-date=26 September 2023|archive-date=January 17, 2012 }}{{cite web |last1=Hull |first1=Michael |title=Staff |url=http://www.staticmultimedia.com/company/staff |website=Static Multimedia |publisher=Super Unleaded Design |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820090220/http://www.staticmultimedia.com/company/staff |access-date=26 September 2023|archive-date=August 20, 2006 }} He also wrote a daily horror column titled Kreep's Korner and The Horror under his pen name B. R. Kreep.{{cite web |last1=Hull |first1=Michael |title=Kreep's Korner |url=https://staticmultimedia.com/author/kreep/ |website=Static Multimedia |publisher=Super Unleaded Design |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918075507/https://staticmultimedia.com/author/kreep/ |access-date=26 September 2023|archive-date=September 18, 2021 }}

For Halloween, October 31, 2008, O'Donnell's Kreep Blog on Static Multimedia and Super Unleaded Design was the cover story for the Chicago Tribune Movies page Screen Scene titled "Kreep-ing Along Poetically". It chronicled the history of his blog and podcast The Kreep, that reviewed horror films in poetic verse.{{cite web |last1=Hull |first1=Michael |title=Kreep's Korner |url=http://100percentofnothing.com/category/kreeps-korner/ |website=Super Unleaded Design |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002172356/http://100percentofnothing.com/category/kreeps-korner/ |access-date=26 September 2023|archive-date=October 2, 2008 }} It accredited his daughter Valia for encouraging him to go public with his Kreep character and poems.

In 2008, O’Donnell's blog [https://thekreep.wordpress.com/coraline-box-4650/ The Kreep] received a Coraline handmade box, numbered 46/50, assembled by the stop-motion animation team at Laika films, honoring their favorite bloggers.{{cite web|last=Struan|first=John|title=Coraline Boxes|url=http://superpunch.blogspot.com/2008/11/ten-coraline-boxes.html|publisher=Super Punch|access-date=November 27, 2008|archive-date=January 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122105851/http://superpunch.blogspot.com/2008/11/ten-coraline-boxes.html|url-status=live}}

B. R. Kreep (a.k.a. The Kreep) is O'Donnell's pen name. He has a Gothic blog entitled The Kreep. This persona, according to Robert K. Elder of the Chicago Tribune, is, “…a Gothic poet and illustrator in the tradition of Edward Gorey.”{{citation|periodical=Chicago Tribune, Friday, Page 6, Section 3 Movies|date=October 31, 2008|title="Kreep"ing along Poetically|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-10-31-0810300251-story.html|first=Robert K.|last=Elder|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709185803/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-10-31/entertainment/0810300251_1_gothic-o-donnell-chicago-latino-film-festival|url-status=live}}

As B. R. Kreep, O'Donnell has penned numerous poems called Kreeplets{{cite news|last=Treacy|first=Steve|title='Kreepshow': Macabre with a pinch of improvisation|url=http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/kreepshow-macabre-with-a-pinch-of-improvisation/article_24c9dfb5-2354-5424-8774-f8f1d65ac237.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130817221811/http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/kreepshow-macabre-with-a-pinch-of-improvisation/article_24c9dfb5-2354-5424-8774-f8f1d65ac237.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 17, 2013|newspaper=Port Townsend Leader|date=May 29, 2013}} as well as having written and composed over half a dozen full-scale musical comedies including An Evening With The Kreep, Kreepshow, Kreepmas, Mr. Scrooge, Twist, Kreepy Hollow and Alice Isn't All There.{{cite web|author=Staff Reporter|title='Kreepy Hollow' opens in Ogdensburg Thursday night|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/kreepy-hollow-opens-in-ogdensburg-thursday-night-20171025|website=Watertown Daily Times|date=October 25, 2017 |publisher=Johnson Newspapers|access-date=January 9, 2018|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212031748/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/kreepy-hollow-opens-in-ogdensburg-thursday-night-20171025|url-status=live}}

O'Donnell produced and hosted (sometimes dressed as The Kreep) the Poetry Scream{{Cite web |url=http://poetryscream.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/gothic-poet-the-kreep-recites-kreeplets-poetry-scream/ |title=Poetry Scream |date=September 9, 2011 |access-date=June 14, 2012 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313045037/https://poetryscream.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/gothic-poet-the-kreep-recites-kreeplets-poetry-scream/ |url-status=live }} on July 30, 2010. Now an ongoing event, it features five poets on stage, Thursdays at the Boiler Room in Port Townsend, Washington.{{cite web|last=Chew|first=Jeff|title=Poetry Scream Event|work=Peninsula Daily News |url=http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010307309992|access-date=June 14, 2012|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924070654/http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010307309992|url-status=live}}

In 2012, O'Donnell founded the Black Pearl Cabaret with the mission to recruit a professional troupe of actors, variety artists and musicians to perform original works of a Gothic and macabre nature.

In October 2012, Black Pearl Cabaret opened An Evening With The Kreep, a musical comedy with book, music, and lyrics accredited to O'Donnell's nom de plume B. R. Kreep. The show featured the Kreep's poetry and songs, and summoned a variety of haunting characters from the Kreep's darkest dreams.{{cite news|last=Claflin|first=Megan|title=Black Pearl Cabaret presents the Kreep|url=http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/black-pearl-cabaret-presents-the-kreep/article_2f32ad44-5196-5521-ba7f-d884ff629252.html|access-date=November 13, 2012|newspaper=Port Townsend Leader, arts & entertainment|date=October 17, 2012|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110033545/https://www.ptleader.com/stories/black-pearl-cabaret-presents-the-kreep,47908|url-status=live}}

On December 20, 2012, the musical comedy Kreepmas opened. A Gothic and macabre twist on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, it has a book, music, and lyrics by B. R. Kreep. Characters included The Kreep performed by O'Donnell, Albert T. Krumb performed by Jason "Ares" Altamirano, Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave, Thaddeus Plum performed by Joey Ripely, Matilda Pift performed by Misha Cassella-Blackburn, and the two-headed Twipple Twins, Twinkle & Dinkle, performed by Cassella-blackburn and Ripley.{{cite news|last=Claflin|first=Megan|title=A Very Mery Kreepmas|url=http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-very-merry-kreepmas/article_bf938c39-9d1b-5904-a66a-7b1d216facff.html|access-date=January 4, 2013|newspaper=Port Townsend Leader|date=December 19, 2012|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110033546/https://www.ptleader.com/stories/a-very-merry-kreepmas,47447|url-status=live}}

On February 14, 2013, Black Pearl Cabaret opened Bite Me! at the Pope Marine Building. It is a musical comedy spoof on the famed vampire film Twilight. The book, music, and lyrics were by O'Donnell.{{cite news|last1=Leader|first1=PT|title='Bite Me' this Valentine's Day|url=http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/bite-me-this-valentine-s-day/article_e603b21d-7fc9-55af-b447-7f76f05b7f77.html|access-date=August 18, 2015|issue=PT Leader|publisher=PT Leader|date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=November 29, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131129212447/http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/bite-me-this-valentine-s-day/article_e603b21d-7fc9-55af-b447-7f76f05b7f77.html|url-status=dead}}

On March 29, 2013, O'Donnell's Kreepshow was presented for an open-ended run. A 90-minute Gothic musical comedy cabaret, it played weekends at the historic Manresa Castle.{{cite news|last=Urbani de la Paz|first=Diane|title=Cabaret brings 'Kreepshow' to Port Townsend stage|url=http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130329/NEWS/303299997/-1/NEWS/weekend-cabaret-brings-kreepshow-to-port-townsend-stage|newspaper=Peninsula Daily News|date=March 29, 2013|access-date=April 8, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060821/http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130329/NEWS/303299997/-1/NEWS/weekend-cabaret-brings-kreepshow-to-port-townsend-stage|url-status=live}} Characters include B. R. Kreep performed by O'Donnell, Parthenia Goste performed by Misha Cassella-blackburn, Jack Frost performed by Jason Altamirano, and Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave.{{cite news|last=Treacy|first=Steve|title='Kreepshow': Macabre with a pinch of improvisation|url=http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/kreepshow-macabre-with-a-pinch-of-improvisation/article_24c9dfb5-2354-5424-8774-f8f1d65ac237.html|newspaper=Port Townsend Leader|date=May 29, 2013|access-date=January 20, 2014|archive-date=August 17, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130817221811/http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/kreepshow-macabre-with-a-pinch-of-improvisation/article_24c9dfb5-2354-5424-8774-f8f1d65ac237.html|url-status=live}}

Steve Treacy, contributing theatre critic to the Port Townsend Leader, praised O'Donnell's artistry, “His writing, directing, acting and warbling abilities conspire to make him a quadruple threat. Even his spoken poems, especially “Little Annie Orkle,” are sparkling (no mean feat for that musty old art form).”

In a “Best Local Theater of 2013” article published in the PT Leader Arts Section, "Kreepshow," a Gothic comedy cabaret conjuring some spiritual denizens of our Victorian seaport,”{{cite news|last=Treacy|first=Steve|title=Best Local Theater of 2013|url=http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/the-best-local-theater-of/article_08db214c-6c1c-11e3-b761-0019bb30f31a.html|newspaper=Port Townsend Leader, Arts Section|date=December 24, 2013}} was listed as one of the favorite locally written plays penned by Brazillia R. Kreep. Other nods included one of the standout acting performances by R O’Donnell as The Kreep, as well as outstanding achievements in directing and choreography (O’Donnell) and costuming (Lynne Casella.){{cite news|last=Treacy|first=Steve|title=Best Local Theater of 2013|url=http://www.ptleader.com/arts_and_entertainment/the-best-local-theater-of/article_08db214c-6c1c-11e3-b761-0019bb30f31a.html|newspaper=Port Townsend Leader, Arts Section|date=December 24, 2013}}

In 2014, O'Donnell founded the St. John's Conservatory Theater (SJCT),{{cite web |last1=Moe |first1=Todd |title=The Orchard of Hide and Seek: Pirates, witches and fairies in Ogdensburg |url=https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/34125/20170616/the-orchard-of-hide-and-seek-pirates-witches-and-fairies-in-ogdensburg |website=North Country Public Radio |publisher=NCPR |accessdate=June 16, 2017}} a professional troupe of actors, variety artists, and musicians. His vision was to create educational, inspirational, and professional opportunities for local artists of all ages while presenting original works based on folklore, literature, and fairy tales.

On October 10, 2014, at the St. John's Parish Theater the musical comedy Alice Isn’t All There opened. It was a 90-minute musical comedy with book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep. It is an adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.{{cite news|title='Alice Isn't All There' opening a rousing success|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20141018/ADV/141018460|access-date=August 18, 2015|issue=Watertown Daily Times|publisher=Watertown Daily Times|date=October 18, 2014|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129020701/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20141018/ADV/141018460|url-status=live}}

On June 3, 2016 Alice Isn't All There opened with an extended book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep.{{cite web|last1=Staff|first1=Times|title=St. John's Conservatory Theater readies "Alice Isn't All There"|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/st-johns-conservatory-theater--readies-alice-isnt-all-there--20160604|website=Watertown Daily Times|date=June 4, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2018|archive-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107062439/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/st-johns-conservatory-theater--readies-alice-isnt-all-there--20160604|url-status=live}}

On December 6, 2014 A Kreepy Christmas Carol, a musical comedy adaptation on the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol opened. It has a book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep.{{cite web |last1=Moe |first1=Todd |title=Preview: "A Kreepy Christmas Carol" in Ogdensburg |url=https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/26836/20141205/preview-quot-a-kreepy-christmas-carol-quot-in-ogdensburg |website=North Country Public Radio |access-date=11 September 2023}}{{cite news|last1=Purcell|first1=Amanda|title=A new adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' to bring laughs, holiday cheer|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20141208/NEWS03/141208812|access-date=August 18, 2015|issue=Watertown Daily Times|publisher=Johnson Newspapers|date=December 8, 2014|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109065403/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20141208/NEWS03/141208812|url-status=live}}

Mr. Scrooge, a musical comedy adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, was a re-staging of O'Donnell's musical A Kreepy Christmas Carol with book, music, and lyrics accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep.{{cite web|author=Staff Reporter|title=Mr. Scrooge brings musical fun to OFA stage|url=http://www.ogd.com/ogd/mr-scrooge-brings-musical-fun-to-ofa-stage-20171214|website=The Journal|publisher=Johnson Newspapers|access-date=January 8, 2018|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109063717/http://www.ogd.com/ogd/mr-scrooge-brings-musical-fun-to-ofa-stage-20171214|url-status=live}}

Mr. Scrooge, with O'Donnell in the title role, opened December 15, 2017 at the multi-million-dollar, all-digital George Hall Theater, and opened again the following year on December 21, 2018{{cite web |author=Staff writer |title='Mr. Scrooge' to hit Ogdensburg stage Dec. 21 and 22 |url=https://www.northcountrynow.com/featured_events/mr-scrooge-hit-ogdensburg-stage-dec-21-and-22-0248961 |website=North Country Now |date=December 10, 2018 |access-date=March 10, 2021 |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809192637/https://northcountrynow.com/featured_events/mr-scrooge-hit-ogdensburg-stage-dec-21-and-22-0248961 |url-status=live }} both for a limited runs.

On July 9, 2015, the musical comedy Orchard of Hide & Seek opened. It was written, composed, and directed by O’Donnell.

O'Donnell's musical Orchard of Hide & Seek was re-staged at the George Hall Theater.{{cite news|author=Staff Reporter|title="Orchard of Hide & Seek" opens Friday in Ogdensburg|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/-orchard-of-hide-amp-seek-opens-friday-in-ogdensburg-20170616|access-date=December 11, 2017|work=Watertwn Daily Times|date=June 16, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213702/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/-orchard-of-hide-amp-seek-opens-friday-in-ogdensburg-20170616|url-status=live}} It opened June 16, 2017 for a limited run.{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|title=St. John's Conservatory Theater presenting original musical in Ogdensburg|url=http://northcountrynow.com/featured_events/st-johns-conservatory-theater-presenting-original-musical-ogdensburg-0200983|access-date=December 11, 2017|work=North Country Now|date=June 14, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213639/http://northcountrynow.com/featured_events/st-johns-conservatory-theater-presenting-original-musical-ogdensburg-0200983|url-status=live}}

On October 16, 2015, The Kreep's musical comedy Kreepy Hallow with a book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep, and opened for a limited run. An adaptation of Washington Irving's classic short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", it was also produced and directed by O'Donnell.{{cite news|last1=Gardner|first1=Andy|title=Tickets on sale for 'Kreepy Hallow' musical comedy in Ogdensburg|url=http://northcountrynow.com/featured_events/tickets-sale-kreppy-hallow-musical-comedy-ogdensburg-oct-16-17-18-23-24-and-25-01548|access-date=February 22, 2016|work=North Country Now|date=October 12, 2015|archive-date=October 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022110325/http://northcountrynow.com/featured_events/tickets-sale-kreppy-hallow-musical-comedy-ogdensburg-oct-16-17-18-23-24-and-25-01548|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Brock|first1=Chris|title="Kreepy Hollow" coming to Ogdensburg for two weekends in October|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/kreepy-hollow-coming-to-ogdensburg-for-two-weekends-in-october-20150829|access-date=February 22, 2016|work=Watertown Daily Times|date=August 29, 2015|archive-date=September 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913015141/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/kreepy-hollow-coming-to-ogdensburg-for-two-weekends-in-october-20150829|url-status=live}}

On October 7, 2016, O'Donnell's musical comedy Twist, an adaptation of Dickens' Oliver Twist opened for a limited. The production had a book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep, and was also executive produced and directed by O'Donnell.{{cite web|author=Staff Reporter|title=St. John's Conservatory Theater announces cast, dates for "Twist"|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/st-johns-conservatory-theater-announces-cast-dates-for-twist-20160907|website=Watertown Daily Times|date=September 7, 2016 |publisher=Johnson Newspapers|access-date=January 10, 2018|archive-date=January 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174456/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/st-johns-conservatory-theater-announces-cast-dates-for-twist-20160907|url-status=live}}

On October 8, 2017 Twist opened for a limited run at the George Hall theater.{{cite web |author=Staff writer |title=OFA show puts 'Twist' on Dickens classic |url=https://www.nny360.com/news/ofa-show-puts-twist-on-dickens-classic/article_a7b878de-5c30-5c40-8d97-41a9b62f5a92.html |website=NNY360 |date=June 17, 2018 |access-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110033546/https://www.nny360.com/news/ofa-show-puts-twist-on-dickens-classic/article_a7b878de-5c30-5c40-8d97-41a9b62f5a92.html |url-status=live }} The title role received a gender twist from Oliver to Olivia, something O'Donnell has established as a sort of signature with his adaptations (see Kreepy Hollow). The production was executive produced and directed by O'Donnell.

On October 26, 2017 Kreepy Hollow (renamed from Kreepy Hallow) was re-staged at the George Hall Theater for a limited run. The Ichabod Crane character received a gender change and renamed Ichaboda.{{cite web |author=Staff report |title='Kreepy Hollow' returns to Ogdensburg stage this week |url=https://www.nny360.com/artsandlife/kreepy-hollow-returns-to-ogdensburg-stage-this-week/article_19815afc-483e-53e8-9fd9-81fcfa099502.html |website=NNY360 |date=October 25, 2017 |access-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110033546/https://www.nny360.com/artsandlife/kreepy-hollow-returns-to-ogdensburg-stage-this-week/article_19815afc-483e-53e8-9fd9-81fcfa099502.html |url-status=live }} It was executive produced and directed by O’Donnell.{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Larry|title='Kreepy Hollow' cast chosen for October performance in Ogdensburg|url=http://www.ogd.com/ogd/kreepy-hollow-cast-chosen-for-october-performance-in-ogdensburg-20170824?wd_site=ogd|access-date=December 11, 2017|work=The Journal|date=August 24, 2017|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212085827/http://www.ogd.com/ogd/kreepy-hollow-cast-chosen-for-october-performance-in-ogdensburg-20170824?wd_site=ogd|url-status=live}}

Richard O'Donnell is the identical twin brother of Michael A. O'Donnell.

O'Donnell is the father of Valia Dee,{{cite web|last1=Morgan|first1=Mike|title=Eugene Park's "Chicagoland Shorts" premieres at Facets|url=http://reelchicago.com/article/sun-park-s-chicagoland-shorts-premieres-facets150420|website=Reel Chicago|date=April 20, 2015 |access-date=August 19, 2015|archive-date=October 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031013130/http://reelchicago.com/article/sun-park-s-chicagoland-shorts-premieres-facets150420|url-status=live}} Tim, and Rich.{{cite news|last1=Elder|first1=Rob|title='Kreep'ing along, poetically|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/10/31/kreeping-along-poetically/|access-date=August 19, 2015|issue=Motion pictures; Motion picture festivals|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=October 31, 2008|archive-date=July 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709185803/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-10-31/entertainment/0810300251_1_gothic-o-donnell-chicago-latino-film-festival|url-status=live}}

O’Donnell has received three ASCAP (1978) Music Awards – Off-Broadway Musical One & One (shared with Dianne Adams).{{cite web |last1=Archived |title=ASCAP Plus Awards |url=https://www.ascap.com/music-creators/ascaplus#:~:text=The%20ASCAP%20Plus%20Awards%20program%20recognizes%20writer%20members%20whose%20works,would%20not%20otherwise%20be%20received. |website=ASCAP |publisher=The ASCAP Foundation |access-date=8 February 2022}}{{cite web |author=Staff Reporter |title='Kreepy Hollow' opens in Ogdensburg Thursday night |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/kreepy-hollow-opens-in-ogdensburg-thursday-night-20171025 |website= |publisher=Watertown Daily Times, 10/25/2017 |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212031748/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/curr/kreepy-hollow-opens-in-ogdensburg-thursday-night-20171025 |archive-date=12 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}

O’Donnell's blog The Kreep received an honorary Coraline handmade box, numbered 46/50.{{cite web|last=Struan|first=John|title=Coraline Boxes|url=http://superpunch.blogspot.com/2008/11/ten-coraline-boxes.html|publisher=Super Punch|access-date=November 27, 2008|archive-date=January 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122105851/http://superpunch.blogspot.com/2008/11/ten-coraline-boxes.html|url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.iobdb.com/Production/4835 Internet Off Broadway Database]
• [https://www.broadwayworld.com/shows/creative.php?showid=8612#content Broadway World Database]
• [http://ovrtur.com/biography/10127008 Ovrtur]
• [http://thekreep.wordpress.com B. R. Kreep]
• [http://stjct.wordpress.com St. Johns Conservatory Theater]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCNPGXho5fI Stand-up]

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Odonnell, Richard}}

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