Summer Theatre of New Canaan
Melody Meitrott Libonati, Artistic Director for the Summer Theater who introduced Stephen Schwartz that evening added, “Stephen enchanted the audience which included many young aspiring artists. What a joy it is to introduce artists to our community who can inspired and transform our audiences.” She paraphrases a line from one of Stephen Schwartz lyrics from WICKED performed that evening to sum up his performance, “Because we have have met you, we have been changed for good.”
The concert’s conclusion was a medley of superstar songs demonstrating the artistry and immense talent of Stephen Schwartz from GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, POCAHONTAS, WORKING, CHILDREN OF EDEN, HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT and of course, WICKED. The audience gave three standing ovations and received two encores.
The evening began with a video of the “history of Summer Theatre”, highlighting the six seasons of shows produced by the Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Following, Ms. Libonati, was the MC for a live auction that included house seats & backstage tours to WICKED, BILLY ELLIOT AND HAIR, New York Giant Football Tickets and luxurious vacation homes. A basket of “Wicked” items was on display created by Priscilla Potenza and raffled off.
Following the performance, Stephen Schwartz and Carol de Giere were on hand to sign her biography, “Defying Gravity, The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz from Godspell to Wicked” and selling out copies to the appreciative crowd. A patron reception following the show with the performers was held at the home of Matt and Mariko LeBaron. Singing “Happy Birthday” to Stephen Schwartz with David Friedman at the piano highlighted the evening.