THE STOREFRONT presents
"It's An Art: The Music of Stephen Schwartz"
to benefit a new theatre company.

Premiering a song from Schwartz's new musical, Wicked Based on the book: "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" and featuring Tom Andersen*, Heidi Blickenstaff, Phil Geoffrey Bond, Jim Caruso*, Kevin Cordova, Brandon Cutrell, Camille Diamond, Amanda Green, Emily Holmes, Jen Jurek, Karen Mack, Lizz Manners, Karina Michaels, Chad Miller, Julia Murney, Ryan Perry, and Eric Pickering and Musical Director, Brett Kristofferson.

Following the success of "Taking the Wheel: The Music of John Bucchino," THE STOREFRONT is pleased to present the second in its celebrated "Music Masters" series: "It's An Art: The Music of Stephen Schwartz." "It's An Art" will play Sundays: March 11th, 18th, and 25th at 5:00 pm at THE DUPLEX (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 212-255-5438). On Sunday, April 1st, the company will host a special "pre-MAC Awards" performance at 5:00 pm, in honor of one of cabaret's biggest nights, and the conclusion of cabaret month in New York City. All shows are open to the public. There is a fifteen-dollar cover charge and a two-drink minimum. MAC members will be charged 1/2 price admission at all performances.

THE STOREFRONT was founded late in 2000 and is quickly becoming one of the hottest new companies in New York. The company's first venture, "Taking the Wheel," was cause for The New York Post to dub the collective "a talent-rich new company," while LGNY raved "completely engaging ... a thoroughly entertaining revue which, one hopes, sets the stage for many more wonderful evenings to come." Established with the intent of producing cabaret, plays, musicals, revivals and solo performance pieces ("whatever we want," according to its mission statement), Æ the young company is off to a roaring start.

Stephen Schwartz is a staple of the musical theatre, who truly needs no introduction. The prodigy began his career in 1969 when he composed the title song for the hit Broadway play BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE. Since then, he has gone on to compose, co-compose or contribute to the legendary scores of PIPPIN, GODSPELL, Leonard Bernstein's MASS, THE BAKER'S WIFE, THE MAGIC SHOW, WORKING (Drama Desk Award Æ Best Director), RAGS, A ... MY NAME IS STILL ALICE, THE TRIP, PERSONALS and CHILDREN OF EDEN among others. Also an established composer for film, Stephen's lyrics have graced the scores of "Pocahontas" (dual Academy Awards), and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." He also composed the music for Dreamwork's "The Prince of Egypt" (Academy Award) and the ABC-TV Movie, "Geppetto." His solo album, "Reluctant Pilgrim," is a gem of well-structured and haunting songs, performed by the composer himself.

As a special treat, Stephen has lent a song from his new musical, WICKED, based on Gregory MacGuire's book, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," to THE STOREFRONT to premiere, as part of "It's An Art." Happily, Schwartz plans to join the company for one performance and will hopefully perform some of his own music at that time.

Featured in the company of "It's An Art" are many regulars of the cabaret community, including 2000 Bistro Award-winner Jim Caruso, MAC Award-winners Tom Andersen, Amanda Green and Karen Mack, and dancer/choreographer Karina Michaels. Julia Murney (Queenie in MTC's THE WILD PARTY, currently appearing in TIME AND AGAIN), will debut the song from Wicked. Also in the company is a host of seasoned, up-and-coming and already accomplished young people. Please plan to join THE STOREFRONT as we celebrate the work of a man who has truly earned his place in theatrical history.

* Mr. Andersen will appear on April 1st only, Mr. Caruso will not appear on March 11th

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