Baseball general managers Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees and Theo Epstein of the Boston Red Sox drew a sold-out audience in Shea Auditorium

Stephen Sondheim

Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and baseball general managers Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees and Theo Epstein of the Boston Red Sox drew sold-out audiences in separate events as part of the Distinguished Lecturer Series recently in Shea Center for Performing Arts.

Sondheim, a musical theatre icon, discussed his 50-year career as a composer and lyricist for stage and screen on February 15. Vocal illustrations were provided by Anthony Rapp, best known for creating the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway and film versions of Rent; Sean Patrick Flahaven, of the Sondheim Review, was moderator. Prior to the lecture, Sondheim was the featured topic in a two-day academic conference hosted by the University and organized by Phillip Sprayberry, media relations coordinator.

Joshua Richman (left), a William Paterson student, and Anthony Rapp, rehearse prior to Sondheim lecture		(Left to right) Anthony Rapp, Sean Patrick Flahaven, and Sondheim

The Sagacious Stephen Sondheim Symposium brought an international group of Sondheim scholars to the campus for a wide range of events including papers, panels, and performances.

Cashman and Epstein at a press conference held prior to the evening's lecture

On January 25, Cashman and Esptein, archrivals as well as friends, provided insights as successful, young baseball executives; Kevin Burkhardt ’97, Mets field reporter for SportsNet NY (SNY), moderated the event.

The Distinguished Lecturer Series continues on March 14 with “The Future of the American City,” a panel discussion moderated by Emmy-award winning anchor Steve Adubato. The program will be taped for broadcast on his TV programs, One on One with Steve Adubato and Caucus New Jersey, as the future of America’s cities is discussed by several mayors. For additional information about this event, please check the University’s DLS web site at www.wpunj/dls.

(Left to right) Kevin Burkhardt '97, Mets field reporter for SportsNet NY (SNY), moderates the discussion with Theo Epstein and Brian Cashman