Russ Kaplan

Russ Kaplan is an American composer, lyricist, and musician best known for his work in contemporary musical theatre, particularly as co-creator of the acclaimed musical In Transit, Broadway’s first a cappella musical. Known for his innovative musical style and genre-blending approach, Kaplan’s work spans theatre, jazz, and storytelling, reflecting a unique voice in modern American composition.

Kaplan studied music at Carnegie Mellon University and later earned his MFA in musical theatre writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. It was at NYU that he began collaborating with fellow writer and lyricist Sara Wordsworth, with whom he co-created In Transit. The show, developed over many years, debuted Off-Broadway in 2010 and later opened on Broadway in 2016. In Transit follows a group of New Yorkers navigating love, ambition, and the challenges of urban life, and features a richly layered, entirely a cappella score blending pop, jazz, beatboxing, and Broadway styles. The musical was praised for its originality, heartfelt storytelling, and musical inventiveness.

In addition to his theatrical work, Russ Kaplan is the creator and bandleader of Russ Kaplan + The ‘99, a jazz ensemble that has released original albums and performed at notable New York City venues. His compositions in this context reveal a deep affection for jazz improvisation, cinematic textures, and narrative-driven instrumental music. His album The Ulysses Cycle is a concept piece inspired by Homer’s epic and reflects his interest in myth, structure, and modern reinterpretation.

Kaplan has also contributed music to other theatrical projects, short films, and multimedia works, consistently exploring new formats and musical vocabularies. His style merges contemporary themes with classical influences, and his music often centers around emotional resonance, rhythmic complexity, and character-focused storytelling.

As both a composer and lyricist, Russ Kaplan continues to shape a dynamic and modern approach to musical theatre and beyond. His work is noted for its originality, sophistication, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical storytelling.