Tom Kitt, Montego Glover, Chad Kimball et al. Set for Drama Desk Panel Discussion, 6/18

The Drama Desk, the organization of professional writers, critics and columnists who cover all sectors of New York theater, will present a Panel Discussion and Luncheon at Sardi's on Friday, June 18, from 11:45 AM to 2:30 PM. This year the subject will be "The Music is the Message: Musicals on Topical Subjects," and features a panel of creators of some of this season's most heralded musical productions.

The Panel will include (in alphabetical order): Drama Desk nominee Jeffry Denman, the choreographer of YANK!, who also plays Artie in the production; Montego Glover, whose performance as Felicia in Drama Desk Award winning musical MEMPHIS was honored with a Drama Desk Award as Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical (an award she shares with Catherine Zeta Jones); Chad Kimball, the Drama Desk Award and Tony Award nominee for his portrayal of Huey in MEMPHIS; Tom Kitt, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning composer of NEXAT TO NORAMAL; David Thompson, book writer of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS musical; and David Zellnik, the Drama Desk nominated author and lyricist of YANK!

The Panel Discussion will be moderated by Scott Siegel, the Drama Desk member who is a critic for TalkinBroadway.com and TheaterMania.com, as well as the creator/writer/host of the acclaimed Broadway by the Year series at The Town Hall.

"We are delighted that Scott Siegel has attracted such a distinguished and talented group of theater professionals to participate in this Panel discussion," said William Wolf, President of the Drama Desk. "The Luncheon panels that we hold are always extremely popular."

The luncheon will begin at 11:45 AM followed by the Panel Discussion at 1:00 PM. The cost for Drama Desk members is $45 inclusive, and the cost to non-Drama Desk members is $55 inclusive. (Limited space is available to members of the public interested in the theater.)

Reservations are a must. RSVP now to: PJRJS@aol.com and specify your choice of entrée --- salmon, chicken or pasta. Sardi's is located at 234 West 44th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. The Panel Discussion and Luncheon will be held on the 4th Floor.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.