Oct. 24, 2014

Robert Freedman, who won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, will be coming to The Catholic University of America Department of Drama to discuss his work and answer questions about playwriting, screenwriting, and Broadway theatre. The event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m., at the Hartke Theatre, 3801 Harewood Road, N.E., Washington, D.C. Freedman wrote the book and was co-lyricist for "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder," which won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical of 2014. He is also the author of several television movies, including the teleplays for the Disney film "Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella," with Brandy and Whitney Houston, and the Miramax film "My Life with Judy Garland," with Judy Davis. Video clips from "A Gentleman's Guide," as well as some of Freedman's film work, will be presented, followed by a discussion with Jon Klein, head of the MFA Playwriting program. A Q&A session will follow with the audience.According to Klein, this event will appeal to students of many majors, including drama and music. "The success of 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' is a testament to pure faith," he said. "Robert Freedman, and his composer Steven Lutvak, worked to develop and produce this show for nearly 10 years, encountering several setbacks and obstacles along the way. "Their dedication and persistence finally paid off with the ultimate possible recognition - Broadway success and five Tony awards. Despite all this, Robert's modesty and generosity have never waned, and will be on full display Nov. 5 when he takes time out of his busy schedule to talk to students at Catholic University." This event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. Parking is available on Harewood Road. Hartke Theatre is a short walking distance from the Brookland-CUA stop on the Metro Red Line. For more information, email Jon Klein at kleinj@cua.edu or call 202-319-5358.