Jimmy Roberts, Composer-Lyricist-Poet-Episode #287

Storybeat with Steve Cuden

Jimmy Roberts is the composer of the second longest-running Off-Broadway musical in New York theater history, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, which ran for over 5000 performances. It’s been produced around the world in languages as diverse as French, Spanish, German, Finnish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Jimmy's second Off-Broadway show The Thing About Men, won the New York Outer Critics Circle award for Best Musical. His latest show, Welcome to the Big Dipper, co-written with John Daggett and one of my favorite StoryBeat guests, Cat Filloux, is set to open at the York Theatre in Manhattan in November 2024.

Jimmy’s also a sought-after performer, presenting entertaining programs that combine classical and popular music. Recent engagements include: Merkin Concert Hall, the 92nd Street Y, Steinway Hall, and the National Arts Club. The New York Times called Jimmy’s performances, “Brilliant.”

He’s a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with noted pianist, Constance Keene. He’s also a published poet, with several of his poems appearing in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary. Jimmy reads two of his poems during the show.

He's also a collector of historic letters and interesting people.

Please stick around at the end of the show because Jimmy has generously lent us a wonderful song sampler from Welcome to the Big Dipper for your enjoyment.