New Dramatists is a renowned, Tony Award-winning playwright development laboratory based in New York City. Founded in 1949, the organization offers seven-year residencies to early to mid-career playwrights to develop their work, collaborate with artists and access vital resources in a supportive community.
Their Annual Spring Luncheon is a star-studded, high-profile event that celebrates the organization’s achievements and honors prominent figures in the theatrical industry for their significant contributions to American theatre. This year, as they honored world-renowned composer Stephen Schwartz, Hollie Maniscalco and I had the chance to hit the red carpet and interview some of Broadway’s biggest stars.
For the event honoring this iconic composer, I asked the guests which composers or Broadway songs had inspired these actors and artists on their journeys in theater. While many expectedly praised Schwartz, guests also shouted out legendary influences like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jason Robert Brown (composer of “The Last Five Years”), while even taking inspiration from Broadway icon Liz Callaway’s performance of “Meadowlark” from “The Baker’s Wife”.
Schwartz, although known for his works like “Wicked”, “Godspell” and “Pippin”, is well known for mentoring the next generation of musicians, writers and artists in the industry. In relation to that, I asked guests if there was a mentor who helped guide them to where they are in the Broadway scene. This was a wholesome moment where many of the performers were able to shout out some remarkable mentors and teachers they had throughout their careers.
Finally, I caught up with a stellar lineup of theater royalty, including Tony nominees Nicholas Christopher, Hannah Cruz and Bryce Pinkham of “Chess”; Ali Louis Bourzgui and Shoshana Bean of “The Lost Boys”, along with the writers David Hornsby and Chris Hoch; Susannah Flood of “Liberation”; Sam Tutty, Christiani Pitts and composers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan of “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)” and Tony-nominated co-directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch of “Cats: The Jellicle Ball”.
When speaking with the Tony nominees, I asked how it feels for them, especially with two weeks until the awards ceremony.
“It’s been such a new experience for me that I don’t really know how to feel about it,” Christopher replied. “I’m taking it moment to moment and enjoying being able to talk about the show that I love …”
When asked, Bean smirked and replied, “I feel good and excited, we have so many tricks up our sleeves,” leaving me and all “The Lost Boys” fans in high anticipation.
To hear each interview, head to Mike Mendez Media on YouTube.
