Luhrmann will host NYMF's opening-night gala celebration and run a master class on the creation of musical works. Featuring clips from his films, this event "will include a discussion about musical theatre performance for stage and screen, the challenges in making a 'contemporary' adaptation, and other insights into Mr. Luhrmann's creative process," according to press notes.

In a statement writer-director Luhrmann said, "In the crowded world of popular culture musical theatre needs to be, and is taking, leaps and bounds into an unchartered future. The New York Musical Theatre Festival is more than just a good idea. It is essential to the future prospects of the next generation."

"We are proud to have Baz as our honorary chairman," added New York Musical Theatre Festival executive director and producer Isaac Robert Hurwitz. "He is a director of great integrity who has worked at the highest level in several mediums. He is an expert on the intersection of musical theatre & contemporary pop culture, and we are very pleased that he has elected to participate in NYMF."

The opening-night celebration will be held Sept. 27 at 9:30 PM at the Hudson Terrace. "Musical Theatre on Film: A Master Class with Baz Luhrmann" will be presented Sept. 30 at a location to be announced; visit www.nymf.org/bazluhrmann for more information.

Admission to the NYMF opening-night gala celebration and the Baz Luhrmann master class is only available to NYMF Members and Patrons. Memberships for the 2010 New York Musical Theatre Festival are available at www.nymf.org or by calling (212) 352-3101. Single tickets for this year's festival will be available for purchase by the general public beginning Sept. 1 at midnight.