The Magical Music of Stephen Schwartz, presented at 6 PM, highlights the Academy Award-winning and Tony-nominated composer-lyricist's writing for theatre and film. Joe Calarco directs the concert that has musical direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Joel Fram. Tim Federle provides musical staging.

Vereen, who starred as the Leading Player in Schwarz's Pippin in 1972, also appeared as the Wizard in Schwartz's hit musical Wicked on Broadway. He is joined by Baldwin (Westport's I Do! I Do!; Finian's Rainbow), Noll (Ragtime) and composer Lippa (The Addams Family, Wild Party). Schwartz is also scheduled to perform.

The concert also boasts Max von Essen (Xanadu), Julia Murney (Wicked, The Wild Party), Darius de Haas (Children of Eden), Katie Clarke (Wicked, Light in the Piazza) and Carole Shelley (Wicked, Billy Elliot).

The gala evening includes cocktails, dinner, a champagne reception and silent auction. In previous seasons Westport celebrated the work of Stephen Sondheim and John Kander and Fred Ebb in star-studded gala concerts.

Schwartz, a five-time Tony nominee for the scores of Pippin, Godspell, Working, Wicked and his lyrics for Rags, has earned Academy Awards for "Pocahontas" and "The Prince of Egypt." He earned three Academy Award nominations for his work on "Enchanted." Schwartz also received Grammy Awards for the recordings of Wicked, Godspell and "Pocahontas."

For tickets, phone (203) 227-5137 ext. 122. Visit WestportPlayhouse.