ASCAP's Michael Kerker recently hosted an intimate evening honoring Academy Award-winning composer and ASCAP Board member Stephen Schwartz and benefiting The Actors Fund. Held Monday, November 24th in the foyer of Hollywood's historic Pantages Theater, the event attracted a sold-out crowd, who gathered to hear musical tributes as well as personal stories and performances from the composer himself.
Guest performers included the Cal State Fullerton Chamber Chorus, conducted by Eric Whitacre (“Spark of Creation,” from Children of Eden), Michael Arden and Tyrone Giordano ("Corner of the Sky," from Pippin), Susan Egan ("Lion Tamer," from The Magic Show), Karen Morrow ("Blame It on The Summer Night," from Rags), Hila Plitmann ("Wondrous Things," from the forthcoming opera Seance On A Wet Afternoon ), Jason Graae ("Popular," from Wicked), Debbie Gravitte ("It's An Art," from Working), Nashville-based band Philos ("Defying Gravity," from Wicked), and finally a climactic performance of "For Good" from Wicked, sung by the stars of the show's L.A. cast, Megan Hilty and Eden Espinosa. Schwartz closed the night himself with a spellbinding solo rendition of "Can You Imagine That," from his Danish musical My Fairy Tale.
The Actors Fund, a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment, serves those in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio, and dance with a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care.
