Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center Presents BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE: LEONARD BERNSTEIN

Merkin Concert Hall's 2010 Broadway Playhouse series comes to a close on March 7 with a celebration of the beloved composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein. Hailed as one of the most brilliant and innovative composers ever to write for the musical theater, Bernstein's hits include On the Town and Wonderful Town (two delightful comedies written with Betty Comden and Adolph Green), the classically inspired operetta Candide and the immortAl West Side Story, with lyrics by the young Stephen Sondheim.

Directed by Sean Hartley, the Broadway Playhouse concerts introduce children ages 4-11 to classic musicals through captivating medleys, rousing sing-alongs, lively games in which audience members participate, and mini-musicals. Children and their families can sing along to well-known songs and hear the stories behind the making of some of the greatest musicals of all time. The March 7 concert will feature songs and scenes telling the story of On the Town. Audience volunteers will be chosen to compete in musical games including one of Mr. Bernstein's personal favorites, anagrams, in which contestants will try to decipher titles of shows whose letters have been rearranged.

Broadway Playhouse musical revues are fun for adults too! Past seasons have featured Frank Loesser, Jerry Herman, Cole Porter, Ahrens & Flaherty, Bock & Harnick and Lerner & Loewe. The cast includes Jason Robinson, Kathryn Markey, Steve Pacek and Gabriella Stravelli as well as Mr. Hartley, who will host.

For information about special Monday morning Broadway Playhouse performances for school groups, please call Faye Menken Schneier at 212 501 3357.

Merkin Concert Hall's 2010 Family Matinees conclude on Sunday, March 21 with Sunshine, a musical performed by the Poppy Seed Players based on Madeline author Ludwig Bemelmans' book about a music school threatened by a grumpy landlord and the resourceful students who save the day.

Listings Information:
Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center Presents
BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE: Leonard Bernstein
Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 11 am

Tickets: $20

Merkin Concert Hall
129 West 67th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam)
Tickets at 212 501 3330 or www.kaufman-center.org