Rupert Holmes

Rupert Holmes is an award-winning British-American librettist, composer, lyricist, novelist, and playwright, best known in the theatre world for his witty, inventive work on the Broadway musical* The Mystery of Edwin Drood*. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ unfinished final novel, Holmes wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the show, which premiered in 1985 and became a major hit, winning five Tony Awards—including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score—making Holmes the first person in Broadway history to win all three categories for a single production.

Born in England in 1947 and raised in the United States, Holmes began his career as a pop songwriter and recording artist. He achieved commercial success in the 1970s with the chart-topping hit “Escape (The Piña Colada Song),” showcasing his talent for narrative storytelling through music. This storytelling flair translated seamlessly to the stage, where he developed a reputation for clever plots, rich character development, and an ability to playfully subvert theatrical conventions.

In addition to Drood, Holmes wrote the book for the stage musical Curtains (music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and Holmes), a backstage murder mystery that earned him another Tony nomination. He also penned the libretti for Say Goodnight, Gracie and Solitary Confinement, both of which earned critical acclaim and Broadway runs.

A versatile and imaginative writer across multiple mediums—including novels, screenplays, and television—Rupert Holmes remains a distinctive voice in American theatre, celebrated for his originality, sophistication, and enduring contributions to musical storytelling.