Brian Stokes Mitchell Leads Millennium Stage 12th Anniv. 'BROADWAY TODAY' Concert 1/31

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the 12th Anniversary of the Millennium Stage on January 31, 2009 with "Broadway Today"-a star-studded, free concert, produced by Michael A. Kerker and presented in cooperation with ASCAP, in the Opera House as a part of the Center's season-long artistic initiative Broadway: The Third Generation. With the composers at the piano, original cast members and Broadway stars perform signature songs that made these artists household names. Free tickets are required. Tickets will be given away one (1) per person in line in front of the Opera House beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2009.

This celebration will feature three time Academy Award® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pipin); Tony Award® winners, composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Once on This Island); and two-time Tony Award® nominee, composer Jeanine Tesori (Shrek The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie); and Tony Award® nominees, composer Scott Frankel and lyricist Michael Korie (Grey Gardens, Happiness). Broadway stars include Tony® Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell (Ragtime, Kiss Me Kate); Tony Award® nominee Liz Callaway (Baby, Miss Saigon); Tony Award® winner Adriane Lenox (Chicago, Doubt); Capathia Jenkins (Caroline, or Change, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me); and KT Sullivan (Three Penny Opera, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes). In an intimate living room-style setting, the composers and lyricists will discuss their works, perform at least one of their works, and composers will play while selected artists sing their Broadway hits.

The Millennium Stage will host a week of musical theater cabaret, also curated by Michael Kerker and ASCAP, from February 1-7, 2009 at 6 p.m., highlighting up-and-coming composers at the piano with rising stars singing their works that are becoming the "new standards" of Broadway. Featured artists include: Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner with Megan Hilty (Feb. 1); Michael Kooman and Chris Dimond with Anderson Davis and Natalie Weiss (Feb. 2); Benj Pasek and Justin Paul with Leslie Kritzer (Feb. 3); Scott Burkell and Paul Loesel with Stephanie J. Block (Feb. 4); Adam Gwon with Leah Horowitz and Stanley Bahorek (Feb. 5); Joshua Salzman and Ryan Cunningham with Colin Hanlon and Farah Alvin (Feb. 6); Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich with Scott Coulter (Feb. 7). The Grand Foyer will be transformed into a cabaret as tables and chairs are arranged in front of the stage and drinks from the Foyer bars are available.

Photo Credit: Pablo Pimienta