Deborah Grace Winer serves as artistic director of the series, which invites guest artistic directors to curate individual concerts. The 2016 guest artistic directors: Kathleen Marshall, on songs written on the road that became Broadway hits; Billy Stritch, on 鈥檚 jazz side; , on legendary leading lady ; and the team of and Bill Rudman, on Rodgers after Hammerstein. James Naughton, a favorite L&L performer, makes his artistic director debut in a show exploring the time when the American Songbook, country and rock 鈥榥鈥� roll vied for control of the radio.
Here's a closer look at the 2016 series and the artists:
A Funny Thing Happened: Songs from the Road to Broadway
Jan. 9-11, 2016
Cast TBA Kathleen Marshall, artistic director and host
"Sometimes a single song can save a show. Three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall reveals the stories behind 鈥淐omedy Tonight鈥� (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) and other 11th-hour songs penned out of town, only to become Broadway鈥檚 biggest hits."
Battle of the Airwaves! When the Songbook Met Rock & Country
February 27-29
James Naughton, Artistic Director & Host
Once upon a time, , and vied for control of America鈥檚 airwaves. Relive that exhilarating musical moment鈥攚hen the Songbook battled rebellious rock 鈥檔鈥� roll and country鈥攚ith two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton, in his debut as an L&L artistic director.
Witchcraft: The Jazz Magic of Cy Coleman
March 19-21
Billy Stritch, Artistic Director & Host
From to , Cy Coleman is beloved for his Broadway scores鈥攏ot to mention classic standards like 鈥淲itchcraft鈥� and 鈥淭he Best Is Yet to Come.鈥� But he also doubled as a jazz pianist. Join singer-pianist sensation, Grammy winner Billy Stritch for a magic ride to Coleman鈥檚 swinging side. Everything's Coming Up Ethel: The Ethel Merman Songbook
April 16-18
Ted Sperling, Artistic Director & Host
Momma Rose, Oakley--nobody belted the big roles like Broadway titan Ethel Merman. told her never to take voice lessons, and he and his fellow Songbook scribes--from Berlin to Porter鈥� worshipped Merman as a muse. Celebrate the songs, the songwriters and their larger-than-life leading lady with Tony Award-winning music director Ted Sperling.
I Have Confidence: Rodgers After Hammerstein
May 21-23
Ted Chapin and Bill Rudman, Co-Artistic Directors & Hosts
Rodgers and...Sondheim? Harnick? Charnin? Late in life, , one of Broadway鈥檚 greatest composers, partnered with an amazing array of talent. See video interviews, hear unearthed writings and delve deep inside these rich collaborations, with R&H authority Ted Chapin and SiriusXM host Bill Rudman.
Lyrics & Lyricists shows are Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 2 and 7 PM, and Monday at 2 and 7:30 PM. Subscriptions to the five-concert series running from January to May are on sale now, starting at $290. Individual tickets start at $58 and go on sale August 3; 92Y鈥檚 35 & Under program also offers access to steeply discounted tickets for all performances. Phone (212) 415-5500 or visit for tickets and more information.
