Some may argue that the musicals of today don't merit the praise the musicals of, say, the 1940s and '50s. Others would argue the antithesis. Well, now thanks to The Drama Desk, The Clyde Fitch Group and Performing Arts Resources, the aforementioned have a forum to present their arguments.

"The American Musical Has Entered a New Golden Age" is the first in a series of debates dubbed the "Great Theatre Debates." This inaugural forum will take place Jan. 30 at midtown Manhattan's New Dramatists. The focus will be on the current state of the American musical.

Moderating the proceedings will be Robin Pogrebin of The New York Times and David Finkle of The Village Voice. Also participating in the debate will be (for the "pro" position) composer Michael John LaChiusa (Wild Party) and writer-critic Peter Filichia for The Star Ledger, versus (for the "con" position) playwright Gerard Alessandrini (Forbidden Broadway) and writer Steven Suskin from Playbill and Playbill On-Line.

The evening is free and open to the public. The debates will begin at 6:30 PM. For information and reservations (which are strongly encouraged due to limited seating), call (212) 978-0213.

— by Ernio Hernandez