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ASCAP Takes NYC 5th Graders to Wicked Performance
By: BWW News Desk Nov. 15, 2006
Click Here for More on STEPHEN SONDHEIM
The ASCAP Foundation Children Will Listen program, which is designed to introduce the American Musical Theater to youngsters who might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience it, will go into high gear today, Wednesday, November 15, as one hundred fifth grade students from P.S. 123, the Mahalia Jackson School located in Harlem, attend the Broadway matinee performance of Wicked.
Free tickets and transportation to the smash musical are being provided to the students and ten accompanying teacher chaperones. Following the performance, Stephen Schwartz, creator of Wicked's music and lyrics, and cast members will engage in an exclusive discussion session with the students in the theater. Schwartz's credits include the scores for Godspell, Pippin and the animated feature films Disney's Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt, both of which earned him Academy Awards.
The ASCAP Foundation Children Will Listen program was established – in honor of ASCAP member and Musical Theater great Stephen Sondheim -- in 2005 to bring the musical theatre experience to young students nationwide. The program was named for one of the songs from his musical, Into the Woods. The students of P.S. 123 are the first beneficiaries of the program. Plans are set to bring The Children Will Listen initiative to Los Angeles in February 2007, which will enable hundreds of schoolchildren to attend a performance of Reprise! Broadway's Best's production of Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George. Stephen Schwartz will take part in the Los Angeles program, as well.
Founded in 1975, The ASCAP Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their development through music education and talent development programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, awards, recognition and community outreach programs, and public service projects for senior composers and lyricists. The ASCAP Foundation is supported by contributions from ASCAP members and from music lovers throughout the United States.
Visit hwww.ascapfoundation.org/ for more information.
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