An Evening with the Maestro: MTG Sings Bernstein at Eli and Edythe Broad Stage

Musical Theatre Guild celebrates Leonard Bernstein in Concert to support Youth Outreach Programs!  Carol Lawrence to attend and share memories of the Maestro!

With AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO: MTG SINGS BERNSTEIN, Musical Theatre Guild launches a 2025-2026 season that salutes the musical contributions of theatre giants. Leonard Bernstein’s genius as a composer is the focus of a new concert, created specifically by and for Musical Theatre Guild, with proceeds to benefit the Guild’s Youth Outreach programming. Making the evening even more memorable: an appearance by the legendary Carol Lawrence, who will attend the performance and reflect on her experiences with Bernstein during their collaboration on WEST SIDE STORY. AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO: MTG SINGS BERNSTEIN performs for one night only – Sunday, September 21st, 2025, 7:00 PM – at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica, CA. Tickets are available at musicaltheatreguild.com.

Leonard Bernstein’s wide and varied contributions to music, theatre, and culture are at the heart of AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO: MTG SINGS BERNSTEIN. This concert will celebrate Bernstein’s musical theatre contributions, as well as songs and arias from his many jazz and classical compositions. Created by Director Jason Graae, Musical Director Darryl Archibald, and Writer Michael Kostroff, with Production Coordinators Melissa Lyons Caldretti and Paul Wong, AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO showcases unforgettable moments from Bernstein’s most popular theatre works, including ON THE TOWN, WONDERFUL TOWN, CANDIDE, and WEST SIDE STORY. Of course, as befitting Musical Theatre Guild’s emphasis on lesser-known material, audiences can expect songs from lesser-known Bernstein compositions such as 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, TROUBLE IN TAHITI, Bernstein’s PETER PAN, and BERNSTEIN’S MASS. 

Among Bernstein’s many fans is Jason Graae, who directs the concert.  “What a giant, says Graae. “He spectacularly bridged the musical theatre world with the American modernist classical world. He completely turned musical theatre on its ear.”  The uniqueness of Musical Theatre Guild has special appeal for Graae. “I was unfamiliar with several of the songs that will be performed - there are some real gems, lemme tell ya. You know, Bernstein didn’t write a slew of musicals, but what he did write are classics, mostly, and they too will be well represented.” Adds Graae, “My Guild brethren are a most talented, game, and fun-loving bunch! Everything will be for the best in this best of all possible concerts!”

AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO features performances from over thirty Guild members.  Scheduled to appear: Eydie Alyson, Eileen Barnett, Anastasia Barzee, Roger Befeler, Jennifer Bennett, Jill Marie Burke, Will Collyer, Matthew Patrick Davis, Susan Edwards Martin, Melissa Fahn, Joshua Finkel, Zachary Ford, Julie Garnye, Maura M. Knowles, Valerie Larsen, Ashley Fox Linton, Melissa Lyons Caldretti, Tonoccus McClain, Dana Meller, Barbara Minkus, Ashley Moniz, Taubert Nadalini, Gabriel Navarro, Domonique Paton, Trisha Rapier, Glenn Rosenblum, Brent Schindele, Trance Thompson, Mary VanArsdel, Diane Vincent, Paul Wong, Robert Yacko, and David Zack.  Joining them are guest artists Patrick Beller and Bruno Koskoff.  And topping it all off is an appearance by Carol Lawrence, WEST SIDE STORY’S original Broadway “Maria,” whose presence and shared memories will add to an already unforgettable evening.

Given Bernstein’s lifelong commitment to youth education through his Young People’s Concerts, AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO is a fundraising event to support Musical Theatre Guild’s own Youth Education Outreach programs. Musical Theatre Guild is committed to inspiring and developing the next generations of theatre artists and audiences. Funds raised from this concert will allow the Guild to continue to expand into the community, bringing local high school students to its live theatre performances, as well as offering mentorship to theatre students who shadow theatre professionals behind the scenes of the productions. As a non-profit organization, Musical Theatre Guild relies on donations and community support, and will soon announce other performance and fundraising events for the 2025-2026 season.

Musical Theatre Guild will once again partner with Tectonic Coffee, which will provide coffee and goodies for purchase before the show and at intermission.  Co-owned by Guild member Chelsea Morgan Stock and located in West Hollywood, Tectonic Coffee uses direct trade and long-standing partnerships to ensure that every bean is ethically sourced and meticulously selected for its flavor. They pay above fair-trade prices, guaranteeing sustainable relationships with their growers. Audience members who arrive early can share an upscale coffee experience with their friends.

Celebrate the music of Leonard Bernstein with Musical Theatre Guild and help create and support the next generations of theatre artists and fans!  Join Carol Lawrence and dozens of performers as AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO: MTG SINGS BERNSTEIN launches Musical Theatre Guild’s 2025-2026 season of celebrated American composers!

AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO: MTG SINGS BERNSTEIN performs on Sunday, September 21st, 2025 at 7:00PM, and takes place at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, located at 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA. Ticket prices range from $39-$69. Ticket information is available online at www.musicaltheatreguild.com. The Musical Theatre Guild 2025-2026 Mainstage Season celebrates the life and music of composer Charles Strouse with APPLAUSE on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Both productions will feature ASL access for deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons. Student Rush and Actors’ Equity member discounts will be available at the box office on the day of show with appropriate ID. Discounts and guaranteed seating are available for those who purchase both AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO and APPLAUSE at www.musicaltheatreguild.com.  Additional productions and performance events will take place throughout the year.  Go to www.musicaltheatreguild.com to learn more and to sign up for the Guild’s email list.

Your ticket purchase and donation help Musical Theatre Guild to continue producing the rarely seen Broadway works you love to see year after year.

Musical Theatre Guild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership company of theatre professionals, devoted to preserving the unique American art form of musical theatre by presenting seldom-seen musicals in a staged reading concert format. MTG’s Youth Outreach Program takes specially prepared live performances into Southern California schools, brings hundreds of local high school students to live theatre performances, and offers mentorships to theatre students who shadow our professionals behind the scenes of mainstage productions. All Musical Theatre Guild mainstage productions are signed for deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons.