By Adam Hetrick
17 Aug 2009

Tony nominated and Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz will be celebrated in the closing night concert of the Festival of New American Musicals in Los Angeles on Aug. 22.

The 3-6 PM closing party and concert — directed by Scott Schwartz (Golda's Balcony, Rooms) — will feature Tony winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray), Tony nominees Peter Gallagher (Guys and Dolls, Noises Off) and Susan Egan (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Triumph of Love), as well as Graham Phillips (13), David Burnham (Wicked, Light in the Piazza) and songwriter Georgia Stitt performing Schwartz's songs.

The Festival has also announced a special post-festival reading of the musical Bubble Boy, in a co-presentation with ASCAP. Featuring music and lyrics by Cinco Paul and a book by Paul and Ken Daurio, Bubble Boy is based on the screenplay penned by Cinco and Dario for the 2001 movie of the same title.

Scott Schwartz will also stage the free Aug. 25 and 26 Bubble Boy readings, which will be presented at the Disney Commissary at 8 PM. The director previously staged readings of the musical as part of Carnegie Mellon University's New Works Program.

Stephen Schwartz, a five-time Tony nominee for the scores of Pippin, Godspell, Working, Wicked and his lyrics for Rags, 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 to the closing party/Schwartz celebration (priced $150) and for free Bubble Boy reservations, phone (310) 827-2850.

Visit LAFestival.org