Callaway, Gravitte, Coulter Set for NJ Schwartz Tribute

Following on the heels of its upcoming but already sold-out Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center series, Drew University, with its new concert hall, is now venturing into professional cabaret concerts.  The first of the concerts is devoted to the works of famed Broadway composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz.

"Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz" will star Tony-nominee Liz Callaway (Baby, Cats, Miss Saigon), Tony-winner Debbie Gravitte (Jerome Robbins' Broadway, Les Miserables), and cabaret star Scott Coulter.

The one-night-only event will be held on Saturday evening, October 7 at 8 p.m. in the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts on the Drew campus.

Schwartz is best known for his scores to Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. The recipient of three Grammy Awards and four Drama Desk Awards, he also won three Academy Awards, two for his work on Disney's animated feature Pocahontas, and one for DreamWorks' The Prince of Egypt.

The cabaret concert coincides with the revival of Godspell, which will be presented by Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn from September 20 through October 22.

"The music of Stephen Schwartz is special because it crosses so many generational lines," said Joseph Patenaude, chair of the theatre arts department at Drew.  "Baby boomers were drawn to Godspell in the early 1970's, and, more recently, Wicked has generated an impressive and deserved following."

Tickets for the performance are priced at $35 and $20, and may be obtained by calling (973) 408-3917.