Stephen Schwartz visits MetroStage

There was “magic to do” when Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz arrived at MetroStage for his first look at the premiere of The Stephen Schwartz Project for the 3pm performance on Saturday, April 26th.

An hour before showtime, he sat down with Joel Markowitz (of DC Theatre Scene) to discuss what had attracted him to DC director/choreographer Michael J. Bobbitt’s concept - the unusual takes on his songs and the unconventional arrangements by John Cornelius II.

Schwartz flew to Houston to see the first workshop at Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS). Done with high school students, the concept of a showcase for young talent became part of the show.

Before closing, he talked about his upcoming project for Opera Santa Barbara, an intriguing opera titled Séance on a Wet Afternoon scheduled to open Fall, 2009.

Listen to Joel Markowitz's interview with Stephen Schwartz.

After the performance, he held a talk-back and answered many audience questions and he stayed to sign autographs and take pictures. Below is a photo of Director Michael Bobbitt, Stephen Schwartz and Producing Artistic Director Carolyn Griffin.