Merkins Concert Hall Presents 'Broadway Close Up' Series Honoring Jones and Schmidt

Merkin's Concert Hall presents 'Broadway Close Up: An Inside Look at the World of Musical Theatre,' a series of performances that will take place one evening in October, November, and December with a different theme each time.

The first performance on Monday, October 6 at 8:00 PM pays tribute to Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, who launched their New York careers with their now legendary musical 'The Fantasticks,' which became the longest-running musical both in the world and in the history of the American theater. Their subsequent musicals, both on Broadway and off, have continued to be original, innovative and delightfully eccentric. Join lyricist Tom Jones, host Sean Hartley and some of New York's finest performers to celebrate their unique career.  

The second performance in the series will take place on Monday, November 11 at 8:00 PM.  Together Richard Maltby, Jr. (lyricist of 'Miss Saigon' and 'The Pirate Queen') and David Shire (Academy Award-winning composer of 'It Goes Like It Goes' from 'Norma Rae') have created numerous on- and off-Broadway shows, including 'Baby,' 'Big,' 'Closer Than Ever,' 'Starting Here, Starting Now' and the upcoming 'Take Flight.' Maltby and Shire will be joined by some of their favorite singers.

The series will conclude with the 'Bound for Broadway' concert on Monday, December 8 at 8:00 PM.  Liz Callaway hosts the ninth annual look at the best new shows headed for Broadway. Five new musicals will be featured, including candid interviews with the writers and songs from their upcoming shows. Past seasons offered sneak peeks at such shows as 'Avenue Q,' 'The Drowsy Chaperone,' 'Next to Normal' and 'High Fidelity.' 

Single tickets for any of the performances in the series are $40, and a 3-concert subscription is $85.  For tickets call (212) 501-3330 or visit www.kaufman-center.org. The Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Center is located at 129 West 67th Street.

Photo Credit Melissa Bixler