Thomas Schumacher Signs & Tours New Book

Thomas Schumacher, producer of the Tony Award-winning The Lion King, will sign copies of his new theater book for young people, "How Does the Show Go On?An Introduction to the Theater" (Disney Publishing Worldwide), this December in New York (December 12) and Los Angeles (December 13).  The $20 book, which gives theater lovers a rare backstage pass to the industry, is currently in stores.

On Wednesday, December 12 at 6PM, Schumacher, co-author Jeff Kurtti and Henry Hodges, who plays 'Michael Banks' in Broadway's Mary Poppins (and wrote an essay for "How Does the Show Go On?") will speak and sign copies of the book at the Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble (1972 Broadway, NYC). 

The next day, Thursday, December 13 at 5:30PM, Schumacher and Kurtti will sign books in Los Angeles at The Grove's Barnes & Noble (189 Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA).  The signing will also include a special performance from the National Touring Stage Production of Disney's High School Musical: On Tour stars Chandra Lee Schwartz (Sharpay) and Bobby List (Ryan). 

On Friday, December 14 at 4PM, Center Theatre Group will host a conversation and reception with Schumacher and Kurtti, moderated by Oscar and Tony Award-winner Joel Grey at REDCAT / Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles (631 West 2nd Street).  For more information, call (213) 972-7662.

On Sunday, January 13 at 10AM, Schumacher and friends, including performances from Mary Poppins (Ashley Brown, Henry Hodges and Lila Coogan) and The Little Mermaid (performers to be announced), will take part in the New York Times' esteemed Arts & Leisure Week with a "Times Talk" entitled "Behind the Scenes and On Stage," during which he will discuss and sign copies of "How Does the Show Go On?".

For more information about these signings and appearances, please visit www.howdoestheshowgoon.com.

The 125-page hardcover book, written with Kurtti, gives readers the opportunity to meet the casts of characters who work onstage and behind the scenes to deliver unforgettable performances, and explore the inner workings of the theater building itself.  Filled with artifacts you can pull out and hold in your hand, "How Does the Show Go On?" is a totally unique guide to what goes on behind the curtain.   From informative descriptions of the playwright, choreographer, stage manager and fight director to explanations about the role of the set designer, composer, usher, director and leading lady, Schumacher has created a stimulating, interactive and all together indispensable introduction to the theater.    

In addition to the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The Lion King, Thomas Schumacher supervised the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast (which ran on Broadway for 13 years)and is the producer of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, Mary Poppins (with producer Cameron Mackintosh), Tarzan and The Little Mermaid.  Schumacher's producing credits also include Disney's High School Musical: On Tour (which will reach more than 60 cities on tour through 2008) and On the Record, a musical celebrating Disney's catalogue of beloved songs.

"How Does The Show Go On?" features include: A Costume Designer's Sketchbook, An authentic Playbill Program, Front of House: From the Street to the Stage Apron, Back of House: From the Stage Apron to the Stage Door, A Day in the Life of a Child Performer and Theater-Speak Glossary

Visit www.howdoestheshowgoon.com