Jorge Miguel Rivera-Herrans, affectionately known as Jay, is a multifaceted artist from Dorado, Puerto Rico. He is a playwright, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur who has significantly contributed to the world of musical theater.

Rivera-Herrans’s journey into the arts began unexpectedly during his college years at the University of Notre Dame, where he initially pursued a medical career.

However, his passion for musical theater soon took center stage, and he wrote the university’s first original musical, Stupid Humans, which later developed into My Heart Says Go.

EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans

This innovative nine-part collection of concept albums draws inspiration from Homer’s The Odyssey.

The sung-through musical adaptation chronicles Odysseus’s voyage from Troy to Ithaca, featuring encounters with deities and mythical creatures.

Rivera-Herrans, a playwright, composer, lyricist, and performer, developed both music and lyrics, combining various genres, including pop, electronic, rock, and orchestral elements, with influences from anime and video game soundtracks.

The Troy Saga

This saga sets the stage for Odysseus’s legendary journey home after the Trojan War, blending musical theater with modern storytelling techniques inspired by video games and animation.

1. The Horse and the Infant

In the heartwarming tale of The Horse and the Infant, a touching bond forms between two unlikely companions, weaving a narrative of trust, protection, and the transformative power of friendship.

2. Just a Man

Just a Man poignantly examines the human experience, exploring themes of sensitivity, strength, and the quest for self-discovery.

This distinctive story digs into life’s difficulties, highlighting the challenges and victories that shape our existence.

3. Full Speed Ahead

Full Speed Ahead from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans presents a vibrant and spirited composition that advances the story through its pulsing tempos and commanding vocal delivery.

4. Open Arms

Open Arms presents a moving yet inspiring melody that examines themes of faith, emotion, and the impact of compassion.

Showcasing the abilities of Steven Dookie alongside the EPIC Ensemble, this composition delivers an engaging storyline.

5. Warrior of the Mind

Warrior of the Mind from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a powerful and extraordinary song that explores themes of identity, purpose, and the complexities of heroism.

The Cyclops Saga

The Cyclops Saga is the second chapter of Jorge Rivera-Herrans’s EPIC: The Musical, a sung-through adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey.

This saga narrates Odysseus’s encounter with Polyphemus, the infamous Cyclops, and his crew’s daring escape from the island.

6. Polyphemus

Polyphemus from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is an interesting song that brings to life the legendary encounter between Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus.

7. Survive

Survive is a high-energy song that captures the intensity of battle and the will to survive against overwhelming odds.

It emphasizes the urgency and desperation of Odysseus’s men as they face the Cyclops Polyphemus.

8. Remember Them

Remember Them is a song that reflects on the sacrifices made during Odysseus’s journey and urges the recollection of fallen comrades.

This track combines powerful vocals with a compelling narrative, focusing on themes of loyalty, honor, and the never-ending legacy of those who have fallen.

9. My Goodbye

My Goodbye from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a heartfelt ballad that explores the bittersweet moments of departure and the longing that follows.

This song captures the emotional complexity of saying goodbye, weaving together themes of love, loss, and the never-ending bonds that go beyond time and distance.

The Ocean Saga

The Ocean Saga is an album of Jorge Rivera-Herrans’s EPIC: The Musical.

This saga continues Odysseus’s epic journey as he dodges the challenges of the sea and faces gods and monsters who attempt to prevent his return to Ithaca.

10. Storm

Storm from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans depicts a riveting composition that portrays the vigor of Odysseus’s voyage as he sails through perilous waters.

This piece merges commanding vocal performances with a compelling storyline, highlighting qualities of persistence and resolve when confronting formidable challenges.

11. Luck Runs Out

Luck Runs Out from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans offers a compelling melody that examines concepts of chance, uncertainty, and authority.

This selection from The Ocean Saga explores the friction between trust and questioning as the figures pass over hazardous terrain and face divine forces.

12. Keep Your Friends Close

Keep Your Friends Close from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans tells the story of trust tested and bonds questioned.

This song, part of The Ocean Saga, brings together the talents of Kira Stone and Armando Julian. It shows how people can doubt those closest to them when facing tough situations. The music highlights the fine line between having faith in allies and watching for possible tricks.

13. Ruthlessness

Ruthlessness from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a powerful song that delves into the complexities of mercy and vengeance, as embodied by Poseidon’s wrath towards Odysseus.

This track, part of The Ocean Saga, explores themes of justice, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

The Circle Saga

The Circle Saga is part of EPIC: The Musical, a fantasy-filled adventure that blends magic, heroes, and villains.

With powerful vocals and grand music, it explores themes of redemption, courage, and self-discovery. The saga offers an immersive experience through dramatic storytelling and emotional musical numbers, making it a journey for the audience.

14. Puppeteer

Puppeteer from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a reflecting song that explores Circe’s manipulative powers as she transforms Odysseus’s men into pigs.

This track is part of The Circe Saga and features a dynamic cast, including Armando Julián as Eurylochus and Talya Sindel as Circe. It delves into themes of control, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.

15. Wouldn’t You Like

Wouldn’t You Like from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a Beguiling song that explores the themes of temptation and power as Hermes offers Odysseus a magical solution to defeat Circe.

16. Done For

Part of The Circe Saga, this track features poignant lyrics and a haunting melody.

It explores themes of hopelessness and the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of magical manipulation.

17. There Are Other Ways

There Are Other Ways, this track, part of The Circe Saga, features a dynamic blend of musical styles. It explores the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between manipulation and kindness.

The Underworld Saga

The Underworld Saga is Jorge Rivera-Herrans’s EPIC: The Musical and marks the conclusion of the Act.

This saga depicts Odysseus’s harrowing journey into the Underworld to consult the blind prophet Tiresias, as instructed by Circe. It is a pivotal chapter that explores themes of loss, transformation, and moral conflict.

18. The Underworld

The Underworld from The Underworld Saga explores feelings of regret, past moments, and the burden of choices made.

As Odysseus meets the spirits of deceased friends and faces tough questions about his leadership, the narrative deepens.

19. No Longer You

No Longer You from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans presents a chilling melody that studies the ideas of prediction, giving up something valued, and personal change.

This selection from The Underworld Saga shows Tiresias sharing troubling forecasts that hint at Odysseus’s life both past and coming days, hinting at broken trust, needed losses, and what Odysseus must pay to finish his trip back home.

20. Monster

Monster from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is moving song studies feelings of remorse, taking charge, and the unclear boundaries between good and bad actions.

It asks if doing tough things might be necessary to stay alive during hard times.

The Thunder Saga

The Thunder Saga is the sixth installment in Jorge Rivera-Herrans’s EPIC: The Musical. It is part of Act 2 and explores Odysseus’s perilous journey as he faces Zeus’s wrath and navigates deadly challenges.

21. Suffering

Suffering from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a touching song that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of survival.

This track features a heartfelt duet with Anna Lea, digging into the emotional depths of Penelope’s longing and the challenges faced by Odysseus.

22. Different Beast

Different Beast from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a powerful song that captures Odysseus’s transformation into a formidable force against his enemies.

Part of The Thunder Saga, this track features a dynamic narrative that explores themes of resilience, deception, and the emergence of “man-made monsters” who conquer their foes.

23. Scylla

Scylla from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a haunting and intense song that captures the terrifying encounter between Odysseus and the sea monster Scylla.

This track of The Thunder Saga explores themes of betrayal, survival, and the moral complexities of leadership as Eurylochus’s secret threatens to destroy the crew’s bonds of trust.

24. Mutiny

Mutiny from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans shows the rising conflict and broken trust among Odysseus’s team as they doubt his decisions and the costs paid during their risky travels.

This piece from The Thunder Saga features strong singing by Armando Julian and the other performers. It examines bonds between people, control issues, and the difficult choices made when trying to live through hard times.

25. Thunder Bringer

Thunder Bringer from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a powerful song that explores themes of power, judgment, and the moral complexities faced by Odysseus.

This track, part of The Thunder Saga, features a dynamic performance by Luke Holt, Anna Lea, Armando Julian, and the cast, digging into the tension between leadership and sacrifice.

The Wisdom Saga

The Wisdom Saga is the seventh installment in Jorge Rivera-Herrans’s EPIC: The Musical. This saga delves into themes of love, deception, and divine manipulation as Odysseus faces new challenges on his journey home.

It continues the story of Homer’s Odyssey, blending emotional storytelling with modern musical styles.

26. Legendary

Legendary from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a triumphant song that celebrates the enduring legacy of Odysseus’s journey, weaving together themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the power of storytelling.

This track, part of the musical’s finale, features a dynamic ensemble performance that captures what it means to be remembered as a legend.

27. Little Wolf

Little Wolf from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans tells a moving story about standing firm, being brave, and fighting against those who misuse their position.

This song in The Wisdom Saga showcases the talents of Ayron Alexander, Teagan Earley, and fellow cast members. It brings to life Telemachus’s personal growth as he stands up to the suitors and discovers his own inner power with help from Athena.

28. We’ll Be Fine

We’ll Be Fine”from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a hopeful song that captures the resilience and optimism of Odysseus’s crew as they face challenges.

This track features an uplifting melody and reassuring lyrics, emphasizing the bonds of friendship and trust that sustain them through adversity.

29. Love in Paradise

Love in Paradise from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a romantic and engaging song that explores the themes of love, longing, and the search for a peaceful haven.

30. God Games

God Games from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a powerful song that delves into the themes of fate, power, and the intervention of the gods in human affairs.

This track features a dynamic performance that explores the moral complexities of divine manipulation and the consequences of playing with mortals’ lives.

The Vengeance Saga

The Vengeance Saga is the eighth installment of Jorge Rivera-Herrans’s EPIC: The Musical.

It explores Odysseus’s continued journey as he faces new challenges, including the deadly whirlpool Charybdis, and digs deeper into themes of love, betrayal, and survival.

31. Not Sorry for Loving You

Not Sorry For Loving You from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a heartfelt ballad that explores the themes of love, regret, and the unapologetic passion that defines the human experience.

This track, part of The Wisdom Saga, features a touching duet, capturing the emotional depth of a love that transforms time and circumstance.

32. Dangerous

Dangerous from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a gripping song that captures the tension and danger faced by Odysseus and his crew as treacherous landscapes and confront formidable foes.

This track features a dynamic performance that explores themes of risk, deception and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

33. Charybdis

Charybdis from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a haunting song about Odysseus’s terrifying encounter with the sea monster Charybdis.

Part of The Vengeance Saga, this track features powerful visuals that capture the fear and desperation of being trapped between the jaws of destruction and the whirlpool’s deadly grasp.

34. Get in the Water

Get in the Water from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a thrilling song that captures the urgency and danger of Odysseus’s journey through the treacherous waters of the sea.

This track features a dynamic performance, exploring themes of survival, trust, and the ultimate test of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity.

35. Six Hundred Strike

Six Hundred Strike from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a powerful song that explores the themes of battle, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of war.

This track, part of The Vengeance Saga, features a dynamic ensemble performance. It captures the intensity and chaos of combat and the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership.

The Ithaca Saga

The Ithaca Saga, the final installment of Jorge Rivera-Herrans’s EPIC: The Musical, concludes Odysseus’s epic journey as he returns home to Ithaca after 20 years.

This saga depicts Odysseus confronting the Suitors vying for his wife Penelope’s hand, culminating in his triumphant victory and reunion with Penelope and their son, Telemachus.

36. The Challenge

The Challenge from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a motivational song that captures the spirit of competition and the drive to overcome adversity.

Part of The Ithaca Saga, this track features a dynamic performance, exploring themes of resilience, determination, and the ultimate test of character in the face of overwhelming challenges.

37. Hold Them Down

Hold Them Down from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a gripping song that explores the themes of power, control, and the moral complexities of leadership.

This track features a dynamic performance, capturing the tension between authority and rebellion as Odysseus faces the challenges of reclaiming his throne.

38. Odysseus

Odysseus from EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans is a powerful song that captures the essence of the hero’s adventure. It goes through themes of identity, leadership, and the enduring legacy of Odysseus’s epic quest.

Part of The Ithaca Saga, this track features a dynamic performance. It digs into the complexities of heroism and the moral dilemmas faced by those who must distinguish between myth and reality.

39. I Can’t Help but Wonder

I Can’t Help but Wonder is a tearful song that explores the themes of doubt, reflection, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of a long and arduous distance.

Part of The Ithaca Saga, this track features a heartfelt duet, capturing the emotional depth of Odysseus’s reunion with Penelope and the lingering questions about the cost of his adventures. 

40. Would You Fall in Love with Me Again

Would You Fall In Love With Me Again is a romantic song that explores the themes of love, forgiveness, and the enduring power of relationships.

Part of The Ithaca Saga, this track features a thoughtful duet, capturing the emotional depth of Odysseus’s reunion with Penelope and the longing for a love that goes beyond time and circumstance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did EPIC: The Musical Gain Popularity?

EPIC: The Musical gained popularity through social media platforms like TikTok, where Rivera-Herrans shared his songwriting process.

What is the Structure of EPIC: The Musical?

The musical is divided into nine sagas, each representing a narrative arc of The Odyssey. These sagas are released as concept albums and feature a diverse cast chosen through TikTok auditions.

What Themes does EPIC: The Musical Explore?

The musical explores themes of heroism, leadership, moral dilemmas, love, and the struggle between human will and divine destiny.