Singers and Composers Honor Stephen Schwartz at 25th Anniversary Gala for American Opera Projects

Brooklyn's AOP (American Opera Projects) celebrated its 25th anniversary of developing and producing opera and music theater on Monday, May 12 with a gala that honored Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist of Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell as well as the AOP-developed opera Séance on a Wet Afternoon.

It was a hot night (and not just because the air-conditioning was on the fritz) as a packed house of composers, singers, producers and supporters of new music entertained by a concert of Mr. Schwartz's music performed by a mix of opera and Broadway stars including Lauren Flanigan (Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera), Anthony Roth Costanzo (Metropolitan Opera), and Betsy Wolfe (Bullets Over Broadway).

AOP-produced composers Daniel Felsenfeld (Nora, In the Great Outdoors), Zachary Redler (2014 Jonathan Larson Award, The Memory Show), and Gregory Spears (Paul's Case) were among those who spoke about their connection to AOP and the influence of Mr. Schwartz on their lives.

The event was held at the landmark theater club The Players in New York City and raised funds to support the not-for-profit AOP and its mission.

Pictured: Singers of opera and Broadway perform in honor of composer Stephen Schwartz at AOP's 25th Anniversary Gala on Monday night. (l. to r. Tony Ponella, Bailey Grey, Michael Marcotte, Simone Osborne, Betsy Wolfe, Jessica Phillips, Lauren Flanigan, Bret Shuford, Michael McCorry Rose, Doug Carpenter, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Justin Hopkins).