Alan Menken, Celebrated Film and Broadway Composer, to Speak at Stepinac High School

Alan Menken of North Salem, the celebrated composer of film scores and Broadway shows and Grammy winner, will speak at Archbishop Stepinac High School on Tuesday, May 15 as part of a concert program by the school’s student band and vocal arts ensemble.  It will be held at 7 pm at the school’s Major Bowes Theatre, 950 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains.

The event, which will benefit Stepinac’s musical programs, will begin with a concert. The young musicians will perform songs from Menken’s 2012 Tony-nominated Broadway musical Newsies based on the 1992 Disney film of the same name. Selections will include “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe.”  The concert will be conducted by Chloe Sasson, member of the Stepinac faculty who directs the school’s music programs.

During the concert, Mr. Menken will discuss his experiences as a young student who developed interest in music at an early age, studying piano and violin. There will be a Q&A with the audience. A private reception will follow.

Mr. Menken’s appearance will come three days before he is presented with the Drama League’s prestigious Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award, part of a very busy year for the talented composer. Currently, he has three shows running on Broadway: Sister Act, Leap of Faith and Newsies. 

Mr. Menken has won eight Academy Awards for Best Original Score for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Pocahontas.    

Ticket costs for concert and appearance by Mr. Mencken are $20 for adult and $10 for student. Cost of the private reception is additional. To order tickets, call (914) 946-4800, Ext. 385.