(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), the professional theater company in-residence at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), will honor Tony Award Winning Broadway and Hollywood legendary composer Stephen Schwartz, at its Gala Benefit on April 29 at 6:00pm at the South Orange Performing Arts Center Loft. 

Stephen Schwartz’ accomplishments include award-winning Broadway shows such as Godspell, Pippin and the worldwide sensation Wicked.  He has won Academy Awards for his work on such films as Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt, and Enchanted.

A prolific composer, Schwartz was ATG’s founding artistic advisor for its New American Musical Reading Series, and will be receiving ATG’s Inaugural New Works/New Voices Award for his contribution to the nurturing of new writers for the American Musical Theater. 

As part of the evening's program, top Broadway talent will pay homage to the legendary composer. Many of his iconic songs will be performed, several of the East Coast’s premier magicians will stroll and delight the crowd, and attendees will get a sneak preview from ATG’s upcoming production of the world premiere musical Small Town Story.

In addition to the various performances and entertainment, guests will have the opportunity to bid on unique silent auction items, such as house seats and backstage tours to Broadway shows, weekend stays at luxury Bed and Breakfast Inns, and a personalized at-home magic show.

Three treats in one!  A once-in- lifetime chance to be in the company of a legendary Broadway composer, experience thrilling magic up close (and maybe personal) and enjoy performances by some of the finest talent Broadway has to offer.

Tickets are $125 and include light bites, sweet treats, open bar and entertainment. All proceeds of the evening’s event will provide support to the American Theater Group. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please go to www.americantheatergroup.org

About American Theater Group, a professional member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, is SOPAC’s theatre company in-residence. Headed by Producing Artistic Director James Vagias, the theatre company presents staged readings of new work in the SOPAC Loft and fully-staged productions on the SOPAC mainstage.

American Theater Group is an ambitious new performing arts company launched in 2012 with co-founders Joe Mancuso, Rick Sordelet and then Mayor of Rahway Jim Kennedy that offers musicals and plays, a new musical reading series and arts-in education programming. Its focus is on producing new and classical works, primarily by American playwrights, with an emphasis on the development of new works and the rediscovery of undeservedly neglected older ones. American Theater Group’s Board of Trustees chairperson is South Orange resident and Tony Award-winning actress Michelle Pawk.

South Orange Performing Arts Center Loft is located at One SOPAC Way in South Orange NJ.