Stephen Schwartz Comes to Melbourne for GODSPELL, PIPPIN and CHILDREN OF EDEN, September 2013

Legendary Broadway composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz travels to Melbourne for three special performances of his works Godspell, Pippin and Children of Eden at Melbourne Recital Centre in September, realised by the award-winning theatre companyMagnormos and a stellar Australian cast including Chloe Dallimore, Rohan Browne, and David Harris.

Spanning four decades, Stephen Schwartz's career has culminated in three Grammys, three Oscars, a Golden Globe, six Tony nominations and a string of hit musicals including Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, and Working. Schwartz was recently awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fameand is the only songwriter in Broadway history to have three shows run more than 1900 performances. Featuring a cast of great Australian talent and a hot house band, celebrate the enduring work of Stephen Schwartz with three special concert performances of the composer's three favourite productions.

A timeless tale of friendship and loyalty, Godspell is one of the world's most beloved musicals. Starring Cameron MacDonald (Jersey Boys) as Jesus and Matthew Hamilton (Legally Blonde) as Judas, the treasured Tony award-winning score is brought to life, including 'Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord', 'Light of the World', 'Turn Back Oh Man', 'Day by Day' and more.

Pippin is a hip and dazzling celebration of the simple joys in life. Featuring Chloe Dallimore (Annie, The Producers) and Rohan Browne (A Chorus Line, Singing in the Rain), the cast revive this vibrant and tongue-in-cheek production, paying homage to Bob Fosse and Stephen Schwartz in true musical style.

Based on The Book of Genesis, Children of Eden is an inspiring tale of growing up and growing apart. David Harris (Miss Saigon, Legally Blonde) and Laura Fitzpatrick (Flowerchildren) lead the cast in a glorious pop-cultural adaptation of the story of Creation through to Noah and The Flood.

Travelling to Melbourne especially for A Stephen Schwartz Celebration, Schwartz will also take the stage for Stephen Schwartz: In Conversation, presenting an exclusive and intimate evening of stories from a stellar career and forum.

Dubbed Melbourne's 'pioneering musical theatre company' (The Age) Magnormos produces innovative and provocative works. Receiving widespread acclaim for their commitment to filling a void in Australian musical theatre development, Magnormos was established in 2002, aptly premiering with an original Australian adaptation of Stephen Schwartz's ever-popular, Working.

A Stephen Schwartz Celebration
Godspell, Pippin and Children Of Eden
Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Magnormos.
Monday 9 September, 16 September & 23 September 7.30pm

Event Details and Artist Biographies overleaf...

EVENT DETAILS:

Godspell
Starring Cameron MacDonald, Matthew Harris and more artists soon to be announced

Monday 9 September 7.30pm

Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30 mins incl. interval)

In keeping with Magnormos triptych tradition, Stephen Schwartz's first major work, Godspell 1971, will open A Stephen Schwartz Celebration. A timeless tale of community, loyalty and friends, Godspell has become one of the world's most beloved musicals. The Tony Award-winning score includes favourites, 'Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord', 'Light of the World', 'Turn Back Oh Man' and 'Day By Day'.

Pippin
Starring Chloe Dallimore, Rohan Browne and more artists soon to be announced

Monday 16 September 7.30pm

Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30 mins incl. interval)

A hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale, Pippin has captivated Broadway audiences since it premiered in 1972. Under the direction of Bob Fosse the dark and dazzling Pippin won five Tony Awards in 1973 and ran for 1,944 performances before closing in 1977. With its energetic pop-influenced score, Pippin is a fourth-wall shattering celebration of theatrical magic and the simple joys of life.

Children Of Eden
Starring David Harris, Laura Fitzpatrick and more artists soon to be announced

Monday 23 September 7.30pm

Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval)
Schwartz's heartfelt 1991 musical uses The Book of Genesis as the foundation for the story of parents and children growing up and growing apart.Children of Eden is joyous, universally relevant, inspiring and also one of Stephen Schwartz's personal favourites.

SINGLE TICKETS
Premium $75

A reserve $65

B reserve $50

THREE-CONCERT PACKAGE AVAILABLE

Standard $210
Includes Premium seats to Godspell, Pippin and Children of Eden plus admission into the special event Stephen Schwartz: In Conversation onFriday 20 September, an intimate evening of stories from a stellar career presented by Broadway legend, Stephen Schwartz himself.

Bookings:

Visit melbournerecital.com.au or phone the Melbourne Recital Centre Box Office on 03 9699 3333

For more information on Stephen Schwartz, visit stephenschwartz.com

For more information on Magnormos, visit magnormos.com