Simon, Sheldon Harnick, Wendy Wasserstein and David Zippel will all be on hand to offer reminiscences about their work and friendship with the Tony winning composer. Harnick partnered with Coleman on songs for television and film, Wasserstein worked with him on Pamela's First Musical, and Zippel collaborated with Coleman on City of Angels and Pamela's First Musical.
The May 23 evening at the famed New York City landmark will include selections from Coleman's finest works. Among those scheduled to lend their talents to the proceedings are Lucie Arnaz, Stephen Bogardus, Mike Burstyn, Robert Goulet, Dee Hoty, Judy Kaye, Michele Lee, Dana Moore, James Naughton, Billy Porter, Chita Rivera, Neil Simon, Elaine Stritch, Wendy Wasserstein, Lillias White and Tom Wopat. A preliminary song list has been announced, which features Lillias White singing "Those Hands" and "It Started With a Dream," Elaine Stritch performing "It Amazes Me," Robert Goulet belting out "Witchcraft," Luci Arnaz crooning "The Best Is Yet to Come," Dee Hoty reprising her Will Rogers Follies tune "No Man Left for Me," Tom Wopat offering "Never Met a Man I Didn't Like," Michele Lee performing Seesaw's "I'm Way Ahead" and James Naughton and Stephen Bogardus dueting on "You're Nothing Without Me."
Directed by Jeffrey Martin and John Kroner, It Started With a Dream will be written by Russell Reich. The creative team also features Larry Blank (music director), Tom Schwinn (set designer), Herrick Goldman (lighting designer), Daryl Bornstein (sound designer) and Aleks Rosenberg (projects). Prior to his death, composer Coleman was also involved in the planning of the evening.
The gala begins at 6 PM with cocktails and a buffet dinner followed by the 8 PM performance at the 92nd Street Y's Kaufmann Concert Hall. A dessert reception will follow.
Award-winning composer Cy Coleman, who died in December, won Tony Awards for his scores to The Will Rogers Follies, City of Angels and On the Twentieth Century. He was also Tony-nominated for his scores for The Life, Barnum, I Love My Wife, Sweet Charity, Seesaw and Little Me. Some of Coleman's other Broadway musicals include Wildcat and Welcome to the Club. A revival of Coleman's Sweet Charity is currently playing Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Members of the Charity cast will also take part in the May 23 event. Ticket packages range from $500-$18,000. For reservations call Erica Lebensberg at (212) 415-5488 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.92y.org for more information.
