it's an art: the songs of Stephen Schwartz Extends at Davenport's 6/6, 6/14

it's an art: the songs of Stephen Schwartz will add 2 performances June 6 & 14 at 8 PM. Reservations can be placed at www.davenportspianobar.com.

By popular demand, audiences will have two more chances to discover the thrilling creative output from Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked. Once again, the songs of multiple Academy and Grammy Award winner Schwartz will be performed by some of Chicago's leading musical theater talent: Charissa Armon, Courtney Freed and Ryan Lanning. it's an art will not only feature songs from Schwartz's hit musicals Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked, but also lesser-known treasures from The Magic Show, The Baker's Wife, Working, Rags, Children of Eden, and Captain Louie, as well as commentary on Schwartz's creative process. it's an art promises to go behind the music with the songs of Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz!

Charissa Armon has appeared as Mother in Ragtime (After Dark Award & Equity Jeff Nomination) at Porchlight Music Theatre, Catherine in Tomorrow Morning at the Greenhouse Theater and Tess Walker in The Mistress Cycle at the Auditorium Theatre, among others. Charissa is an artistic associate of Porchlight Music Theatre and a proud member of Actor's Equity Association. www.CharissaArmon.com

Courtney Freed has been seen as Antonia in Theo Ubique's Jeff Recommended Man of La Mancha as well as Into the Woods (Witch) and Little Shop of Horrors (Ronette) with Quest Theatre Ensemble. Courtney created a 1980's John Hughes tribute show, I'll Stop The World and Belt With You!, which debuted last summer at Davenport's and Theatre Building Chicago. Her album, Happy Little Bluebird: The Music of Harold Arlen, is available at cdbaby.com. www.CourtneyFreed.com

Ryan Lanning was most recently seen as Curly in Oklahomo for the Holidays at About Face Theatre. He has also worked with Porchlight Music Theatre in The FantasticksCandide (Candide) and understudied in Northlight's production of Grey Gardens, among others. At Bailiwick Repertory, he received a Non-Eq Jeff Award as Molina in Kiss of the Spider Woman. www.RyanLanning.com
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it's an art is hosted and directed by Christopher Pazdernik, who recently brought Davenport's audiences The Distance You Have Come: The Songs of Scott Alan, as well as assistant directing Porchlight's Candide and choreographing both Bombs Away! and Show Us Your Love for Bailiwick. The evening is music directed by Aaron Benham (Promethean's The Fantasticks), who is also a member of the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and an ensemble member of the Democracy Burlesque.

it's an art: the songs of Stephen Schwartz extension runs Sunday, June 6 & Monday, June 14, 2010 at Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago. Showtime both nights is 8:00 PM. Tickets are available by calling 773-278-1830 or by visiting www.davenportspianobar.com. Tickets are $13 with a 2 drink minimum.

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi