Parsons Dance will honor Wicked and Pippin composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz at its May 15 gala performance at The Joyce Theater.
The evening will feature two pieces created for the evening, including Stranger to the Rain, by Artistic Director David Parsons. The piece will feature live musical accompaniment by Schwartz on piano with Wicked veteran Shoshana Bean. Also planned is Reflections, a world-premiere solo piece by retiring company member Abby Silva Gavezzoli.
“My deep admiration for Stephen Schwartz began almost fifteen years ago when we collaborated on a musical celebrating Hans Christen Andersen at Copenhagen’s Gladsaxe Theater,” Parsons said in a statement. “I then witnessed his incredible imagination and knowledge of music and lyricism. Throughout the years, I have continued to be inspired by how much he knows, how hard he works, and how nice he is.”
Performances will also include Ma Maison by Trey McIntyre; the company’s signature solo favorite Caught; and the debut of Parsons’ Microburst, created in collaboration with tabla player Avirodh Sharma.
Tickets for the May 15 gala, starting at $750, can be purchased online at parsonsdance.org/gala.
