Kaufman Music Center's 'Broadway Close Up' Series Kicks Off Tonight with BOUND FOR BROADWAY

Kaufman Music Center's Broadway Close Up series will kick off tonight, October 6th, giving Broadway fans the behind the scenes experience of musicals old and new with eye-opening interviews and inspiring performances by some of Broadway's greatest talents at the renowned Merkin Concert Hall.

This year, get to know Jason Robert Brown, the Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist of The Bridges of Madison County, and the songs of Gypsy songwriterJule Styne. Take a sneak peek at five new shows on their way to New York theaters at Bound for Broadway with Liz Callaway. Plus, find out everything you always wanted to know about Heaven, God and the eternal questions, courtesy of Broadway's greatest writers at Hallelujah, Broadway. For more info on individual shows visit: http://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org

This season's events include:

TONIGHT*** Oct 6, 7:30pm - Bound for Broadway: Be the first to hear songs and scenes from some of the best new musicals on their way to New York theaters at this annual event hosted by Tony nominee Liz Callaway. Meet the creators of these new shows, plus one more TBA:

-Tuck Everlasting - Based on the book by Natalie Babbitt. Music by Chris Miller; lyrics by Nathan Tysen; book by Claudia Shear.

- Ever After - Music by Zina Goldrich; book & lyrics by Marcy Heisler.

-Date of a Lifetime - Music by Rob Baumgarten, Jr.; book & lyrics by Carl Kissin.

-When We Met - Music & lyrics by Julianne Wick Davis; book by Dan Collins in collaboration with Sally Wilfert & Michael Winther

Oct 27, 7:30pm - Jason Robert Brown: The Bridges of Madison County composer/lyricist and Tony winner Jason Robert Brown is best known for his dazzling scores for musicals like the recently revived The Last Five Years and the seminal Parade, he will discuss his past and present projects - and what it's like to work with stars like Kelli O'Hara.

Nov 17, 7:30pm - Hallelujah, Broadway!: Broadway Close Up gets metaphysical at this light-hearted celebration of Heaven, God and the eternal questions as framed by the great writers of Broadway. Featuring music by Cole Porter, Frank Loesser, Kurt Weill, George and Ira Gershwin, Stephen Schwartz, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Bock & Harnick. Featuring Tony nominee Barbara Walsh (Hairspray) and others TBA.

Dec 8 + Dec 10, 7:30pm - Songs of Jule Styne: Jule Styne's career has spanned the Big Band Era, Hollywood and Broadway. With the scores of such Broadway classics as Gypsy, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, Bells Are Ringing, and Funny Girl to his credit, Styne ranks as one of the undisputed architects of the American musical theater. David Loud will serve as musical director, arranger and host with a cast that will include Tony nominee Kate Baldwin (Finian's Rainbow), Heidi Blickenstaff, Tony nominee Howard McGillin (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Julia Murney(Lennon) and Matthew Scott (Jersey Boys).

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski