Thomas Schumacher Holds SF Book-Signing Feb.7

Thomas Schumacher, producer of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical The Lion King, will sign copies of his popular new theater book for young people, "How Does the Show Go On? An Introduction to the Theater" (Disney Editions), on Thursday February 7 at San Francisco's Book Passage book store (1 Ferry Building, #42) at 6PM.  The producer/author, who grew up in the Bay Area, will make a presentation, followed by the book signing.

On Wednesday February 6, Schumacher will be the special guest at Children's Musical Theater San Jose (CMT), the prestigious Bay Area theater that shares Schumacher's goal of using musical theater to nurture and educate today's youth to become the artists and leaders of tomorrow.  The special event, which will include a presentation and book signing, begins at 6PM at CMT (1401 Parkmoor Avenue).

The 125-page hardcover book, written with Kurtti, gives readers the opportunity to meet the casts of characters who work onstage and behind the scenes to deliver unforgettable performances, and explore the inner workings of the theater building itself.  Filled with artifacts you can pull out and hold in your hand, "How Does the Show Go On?" is a totally unique guide to what goes on behind the curtain.   From informative descriptions of the playwright, choreographer, stage manager and fight director to explanations about the role of the set designer, composer, usher, director and leading lady, Schumacher has created a stimulating, interactive and all together indispensable introduction to the theater.   

In addition to the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The Lion King, Thomas Schumacher supervised the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast (which ran on Broadway for 13 years) and is the producer of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, Mary Poppins (with producer Cameron Mackintosh), Tarzan and The Little Mermaid.  Schumacher's producing credits also include Disney's High School Musical: On Tour (which will reach more than 60 cities on tour through 2008) and On the Record, a musical celebrating Disney's catalogue of beloved songs.

 "How Does The Show Go On?" features include:
A Costume Designer's Sketchbook
An authentic Playbill Program
Front of House: From the Street to the Stage Apron
Back of House: From the Stage Apron to the Stage Door
A Day in the Life of a Child Performer
Theater-Speak Glossary

For more information about the book signing and appearances, please visit www.howdoestheshowgoon.com.