Keith Herrmann

Keith Herrmann (1952–2020) was an American composer, musical director, and orchestrator best known for composing the Tony-nominated score to the Broadway musical Romance/Romance. With a career rooted in both performance and composition, Herrmann brought emotional sensitivity and melodic sophistication to his theatrical work.

Born on May 9, 1952, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Herrmann began studying piano and composition at an early age. He pursued formal music education at Bucknell University before moving to New York City, where he built a career as a music director and conductor for Broadway and touring productions.

Herrmann’s most acclaimed work came with Romance/Romance (1988), a two-act chamber musical with book and lyrics by Barry Harman. Starring Scott Bakula and Alison Fraser, the show explored love and relationships across different eras and social settings. It received five Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, cementing Herrmann’s reputation as a major musical theatre composer.

In addition to his composing, Herrmann served as musical director or conductor for numerous Broadway shows and national tours, including Cats, Les Misérables, Dreamgirls, and A Chorus Line. His deep understanding of musical storytelling made him a respected collaborator and a mentor to many young performers and musicians.

Later in his career, Herrmann composed for television and educational programming and remained active in developing new musical projects. He also dedicated time to teaching and supporting arts education, particularly encouraging the next generation of theatre artists.

Keith Herrmann passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of heartfelt music, Broadway craftsmanship, and a lifelong commitment to the performing arts. His work continues to be celebrated for its elegance, warmth, and insight into the human experience.