COLUMBUS — The Columbus Historic Preservation Trust Inc. (CHPT) will present Hammerstein to Sondheim: A Creative Legacy, a captivating lecture exploring the profound influence of Broadway lyricists across generations. Led by musical theater expert Debra Dickinson, this event will take place Thursday, May 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Buddy Rau Room of the historic Stafford Opera House in Columbus.
The lecture will delve into the creative legacies left by legendary Broadway lyricists such as Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II, Stephen Sondheim and Lin Manuel Miranda. Attendees will gain insight into how these influential mentors shaped the careers of aspiring Broadway talents and paved the way for future generations of theatrical excellence.
'This lecture is a celebration of the rich tapestry of Broadway history and the enduring impact of its visionary lyricists,' said Dickinson. “Hammerstein to Sondheim: A Creative Legacy offers a unique opportunity to ex plore the evolution of Broadway's lyrical genius.”
Admission to the event is free for current CHPT members or donors to the Save Our Opera House capital campaign. Interested individuals are encouraged to register online at www.columbushpt. org to secure their seats.
Due to limited seating, RSVPs are appreciated. Complimentary beer, wine and light appetizers will be served to those in attendance.
Non-members are encouraged to join CHPT by visiting www. columbushpt.org. Membership can also be secured by contacting Missy Parker, CHPT executive director, at 817-235-6264 or [email protected]. Several different levels of membership are available.
Hammerstein to Sondheim: A Creative Legacy is sponsored by AL&M Building Supply, Brent and Dr. Mazie Leftwich, Lin and David O’Connor, Tom Vining, and Dent Beall. Event catering is provided by Chef Raoul Catering. About the Speaker:
A member of the Actors' Eq uity Association, Dickinson's many performing credits include Broadway and regional theaters; she appeared as Guinevere in Camelot opposite Richard Burton and Richard Harris, and Jellylorum in the German language production of Cats at Theater an der Wien in Vienna. Dickinson taught Opera Workshop and acting classes at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University for 30 years, in addition to giving lecture classes in the History of Musical Theater in the theater department and the School of Continuing Studies at Rice. She regularly directs Opera Workshop Scenes Programs and Pop Shows at UST.
Dickinson was the assistant director of Naughty Marietta and the associate director for The Pajama Game at the New York City Opera under the auspices of Beverly Sills. She has directed and taught acting and movement for the Young Artists Programs at the Glimmerglass Festival, Brevard Opera, Berkshire Opera, and Chautauqua Opera for many summers. She has been an acting coach for the Young Artist Program for Houston Grand Opera.
Dickinson has directed more than 25 productions for the opera department at the Shepherd School of Music.
