Book and lyrics by…
Riley is always amazed, albeit never surprised, by the power of the right words being strung together in the right way. She pinches herself upon remembering that she gets to play a part in that magic as a book writer and lyricist. Writing captured her heart as soon as she could hold a pen, and it shows no signs of taking its claws out now.
(Important fact: she loves the words etymology, pseudonym, and citrus.)
Perfect Summer Evening
music by Brooklynn Baca, book and lyrics by Riley Cohen
Set on a Michigan farm in 1977, Perfect Summer Evening is the story of Connie, a guarded young runaway. As he navigates the typical trials and tribulations of growing up, he begins a not-so-typical friendship with Charlie Major and Charlie Minor, a set of conjoined calves. Inspired by Laura Gilpin’s “The Two-Headed Calf”, this tale of family, love, and loss explores the fragility and importance of life itself. How can we make the most of our limited time? By taking care of each other.
“(Escape From) Middle of Nowhere, U.S.A.” from Perfect Summer Evening
music by Brooklynn Baca, lyrics by Riley Cohen
performed by Renee Kauffman, Diego Bly, Emily Phelps, Chandler James Pettus, and Chad McKnight
“Something New Beginning” from Perfect Summer Evening
music by Brooklynn Baca, lyrics by Riley Cohen
performed by Cole Carley and Bella Ray
“Got It!” from Perfect Summer Evening
music by Brooklynn Baca, lyrics by Riley Cohen
performed by Ireland DiBacco and Sara Moore
“Weak Link” from Perfect Summer Evening
music by Brooklynn Baca, lyrics by Riley Cohen
performed by Luis Gonzalez
Developmental Works
music by Brooklynn Baca, book and lyrics by Riley Cohen
From bloodthirsty ballerinas to a forest-dwelling sprite, Riley has created many new worlds with friend and collaborator Brooklynn Baca. Although these stories are still in development, the heart is fully formed within them.
“Girls Will Be Girls” from Coupé
music by Brooklynn Baca, lyrics by Riley Cohen
performed by Waverly Jade, Bella Ray, Dayna Womack, Jayme Pacheco, Lauren Androwski, Audrey Freund, and Fran Marie
“A Different World” from an upcoming untitled project
music by Brooklynn Baca, lyrics by Riley Cohen
performed by Alana Schmidt
Heartstopper
music by Brooklynn Baca, story and lyrics by Riley Cohen
Riley and Brooklynn Baca collaborated again on the Student Emmy nominated film, Heartstopper. Their original song “One Final Encore” was recorded by 8 vocalists (including Riley herself) and a 16-piece jazz ensemble. Heartstopper is a dark fantasy musical about a late singer coming back to life for one last song with her biggest fans, but her darker motivations are quickly brought to light.
“One Final Encore” from Heartstopper
music by Brooklynn Baca, lyrics by Riley Cohen
performed by Kyara Isis Williams, Kaleb Bustamante, Brenden Darrell Smith, and company
A Doll Named Sis +
Haus of Haunts
Riley penned the script for Sis Thee Doll’s 54 Below Show, A Doll Named Sis, in Spring 2023. She continued her collaboration with the actress and activist later that year at her Green Room 42 Halloween show, Haus of Haunts. The spooktacular fundraiser featured monologues by Riley, Antonio Lasanta, and Eva B. Love, an original song with music by Brooklynn Baca and lyrics also by Riley.
Sis Thee Doll’s Haus of Haunts — Full Show
script by Riley Cohen, Antonio Lasanta, and Eva B. Love
Featuring “Once In An Afterlife” music by Brooklynn Baca, lyrics by Riley Cohen
with performances by Sis Thee Doll, Celia Rose Gooding, Kiaya Scott, Jeffrey Cornelius, and more!