Richard Schoch is an historian whose research encompasses theater historiography, Shakespeare in performance, musical theater, and cultural history. Richard is the author of eight books, including the recently published Shakespeare's House: A Window onto his Life and Legacy. His latest book is How Sondheim Can Change Your Life, published last November. In 2021 he was elected to the Royal Irish Academy, Ireland’s highest academic honor. Richard Schoch is a professor of drama Queen’s University in Belfast. He graduated summa cum laude from Georgetown University and earned his PhD from Stanford University. He has directed plays in New York City and worked for the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Richard’s book shows how Sondheim’s lyrics relate to us all. But as important, Richard’s book reveals parallel styles between Stephen Sondheim and William Shakespeare.