Robert Lorick

Robert Lorick (1937–2016) was an American lyricist and playwright best known for his work on the beloved 1980s musical The Tap Dance Kid, for which he wrote the lyrics. His contributions to musical theatre combined heartfelt emotion with poetic clarity, helping to bring underrepresented voices and family-centered narratives to the Broadway stage.

Born in 1937, Lorick studied at Northwestern University and pursued a career in writing for both theatre and advertising. He began his creative work as a lyricist and gradually developed a reputation for his ability to craft lyrics that captured the complexities of family life, ambition, and self-discovery.

Lorick’s most celebrated achievement came with The Tap Dance Kid (1983), a Broadway musical with music by Henry Krieger and a book by Charles Blackwell. The story—centered on a young African American boy’s dream of becoming a dancer despite his father’s objections—was groundbreaking for its time, highlighting themes of generational conflict, cultural pride, and personal passion. The show was nominated for several Tony Awards and won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Hinton Battle, and it has continued to enjoy revivals and renewed interest, particularly for its cultural significance.

In addition to his theatre work, Lorick also contributed to television, writing lyrics and scripts for children’s programming, including The Land of the Lost and various animated projects. His versatility and sensitivity as a writer allowed him to connect with audiences across age groups and mediums.

Robert Lorick passed away in 2016, but his work—especially through The Tap Dance Kid—remains a meaningful part of American musical theatre history, remembered for its lyrical warmth, social relevance, and celebration of dreams in motion.