John Kander, Stephen Schwartz, et al. to Discuss 'Opera or Musical Theatre', 4/10

New York City Opera's General Manager and Artistic Director George Steel will moderate an in-depth roundtable discussion on what defines the opera and musical theater genres at the Gershwin Theatre on the set of Stephen Schwartz's acclaimed Broadway production Wicked. He will be joined by a panel of distinguished composers and playwrights including Stephen Schwartz, Rufus Wainwright (composer and performer), Adam Guettel (composer of Floyd Collins and The Light in the Piazza), John Kander (composer of Cabaret and Chicago) and David Henry Hwang (librettist for operas such as Alice in Wonderland and The Fly, playwright of M. Butterfly, book for Flower Drum Song, Tarzan and Aida on Broadway). The discussion, which will take place on April 10, precedes the New York premiere of Schwartz's first opera Séance on a Wet Afternoon, opening at New York City Opera on Tuesday, April 19.

Tickets can be purchased through CenterCharge at 212.721.6500 , online at nycOpera.com, or in-person at the David H. Koch Theater Box Office (63rd Street & Columbus Ave).

Séance on a Wet Afternoon, based on the novel by Mark McShane and the film adaptation of 1964, is a psychological thriller that tells the story of Myra, an ambitious psychic who devises an elaborate kidnapping scheme so that her "vision" can ensure a successful recovery, a generous ransom, and the fame she so desperately craves. The plan goes awry as her fragile sanity crumbles. Schwartz's extensive experience in musical theater makes the most of this gripping story, with a compelling and tuneful musical score, keen dramatic pacing and vivid characterizations. Séance is made for fully operatic voices: dramatic soprano, Verdi baritone, lyric tenor and more. And in the hands of City Opera favorite Lauren Flanigan, for whom the opera was written, the character of Myra promises powerful singing and theatrical fireworks.

The company will also honor Schwartz at their Spring Gala on Thursday, April 21. Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz, a concert salute to the composer features a program of songs from his acclaimed Broadway and film works, including Wicked, Godspell, Pippin and Enchanted. Stars of stage and screen Kristin Chenoweth, Raúl Esparza, Ann Hampton Callaway and Victor Garber are scheduled to appear. The concert will be followed by a gala dinner on the promenade.

Séance on a Wet Afternoon and Defying Gravity both take place at the David H. Koch Theater (63rd Street and Columbus Ave). Tickets can be purchased through CenterCharge at 212.721.6500 , online at nycOpera.com, or in person at the David H. Koch Theater box office. For tickets to the gala dinner please contact City Opera's Special Events Department at 212.870.5595 .

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