"Captured Rainbow", written and performed by Richard Paul Thomas is a musician's journey that should be seen by a larger audience in this town of musicians. Through personal stories and memorable songs written, recorded and produced by Thomas we see the arc of a life from adolescent cover bands in Wisconsin to opening acts for major bands all over the country on behalf of the Cousteau Society to settling in a small town in Texas and postponing his music career. Thomas took a software consulting job to get off the road as a musician to provide for his young family and wound up constantly on the road for his business, not able to pursue his music. Through it all Thomas is upbeat and personable and he will take you with him on this life's journey.”

-Louis Richardson, Playwright & Composer – Austin, Texas

Captured Rainbow Debuts at the Austin City Theatre- Summer Acts Festival

On Thursday July 7th, Composer/Producer Richard Paul Thomas is set to debut his one-person original musical play Captured Rainbow: A Musical Search For Identity at Texas’ 2011 Austin Theatre Festival. First premiered in 1998 at Texas’ Tablerock Festival of Salado, the screenplay introduced Thomas as a phenomenal writer as he composed stories of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness through words and music. Many listeners/audiences became emotionally-involved with the personal lyrics contained through each song of the play. RpT, the character of the play, sings out various emotional and impacting tunes to narrate his own thoughts on topics of troubled relationships (“The Coal & The Flame”), loneliness (“Solitaire”), and love (“I’m Your Man”). (Read More)

On Thursday July 7th, Composer/Producer Richard Paul Thomas is set to debut his one-person original musical play Captured Rainbow: A Musical Search For Identity at Texas’ 2011 Austin Theatre Festival. First premiered in 1998 at Texas’ Tablerock Festival of Salado, the screenplay introduced Thomas as a phenomenal writer as he composed stories of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness through words and music. Many listeners/audiences became emotionally-involved with the personal lyrics contained through each song of the play. RpT, the character of the play, sings out various emotional and impacting tunes to narrate his own thoughts on topics of troubled relationships (“The Coal & The Flame”), loneliness (“Solitaire”), and love (“I’m Your Man”).

Audience members are first introduced to RpT, as he reflects on a difficult moment endured while witnessing the extramarital affairs of his wife. After 7 years of marriage, RpT endures a state of disbelief as his wife disappears with her lover on the day after Christmas. During the play, he mentions, “We were never more than six feet apart from each other, in our van, or on a stage. She was a singer/songwriter and I was her musical partner and driver.” Two years after the divorce, RpT began to write lyrics describing his own personal feelings of loss. He began contemplating his own failed attempts during the marriage. During the track “The Coal & The Flame”, RpT reminisces on his former marriage while singing the lyrics, “…I was so hard to talk to, many a time/I just would not talk at all, those were the times/When I should have listened to about why/She was trying to be heard…/”

After relocating from Wisconsin to Texas, RpT lost touch with many close friends. “You should always have nine friends in your life—three younger than you, three older, and three the same age,” RpT states, “At this time in my life I have very few close friends. If you asked me why, I would have to say it’s because I am not doing what I should be doing with my life.” As the play continues, RpT begins to develop a sense of self worth. Through the song “Solitaire”, audiences are able to witness the emotional feelings of the character as he sings, “…There are times in my life when I need to go solo/To escape and not to fight/Get away, take a break/Leadin’ my own life/Even if it’s only one night…/” RpT describes solitary confinement as a sense of peace and relief from the darkness surrounding him. RpT states, “The need for personal space should be a part of every relationship.”

As the play draws to a close, RpT witnesses two uplifting and memorable events, as both unfold in front of his eyes. After being introduced to Linda, volunteer for the Advertising for the Costeau Society’s Involvement Day, RpT quickly developed a strong attraction to the artist. Through her charismatic personality and humanitarian efforts, RpT began to have an increasing interest in Linda. Through the song, “I’m Your Man”, RpT confesses his admiration to Linda with the serenading lyrics, “…And if your lips wish to be kissed/Desperate for excited bliss/Then baby I’m your man…/”

Eventually, the couple would marry in an intimate setting, while displaying their love for one another. A short time later, RpT and Linda would become first-time parents to their first child, Timothy. Through Timothy’s birth, RpT was able to gain a newfound way of living. RpT sings the track “Timothy” as a personal ode to his first-born child while singing the lyrics, “…In my dreams, I’d see you smile/Long before you became my child…/” Since starting a family, RpT was able to have a new perspective and happier outlook on life.(Read Less)

Article written by Dannielle Davis - Hot Springs, AR – Copyright © 2011