Schwartz, Maguire, Elliot and Others Participate in Boston GlobeTalks January 21-22

ESPN reporter Jeremy Schapp, actor Chris Elliott, Tony-Award winning composer Steven Schwartz and James Beard Award winner Gordon Hamersley are among the luminaries that will participate in the debut of the Boston Globe 2005 Arts & Entertainment Weekend GlobeTalks series on January 21-22 at the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts.

The GlobeTalks series includes exclusive discussion forms, featuring a wide array of artists in conversation with Globe critics, reporters and editors. This series offers enthusiasts an opportunity to hear directly from cultural leaders. Five GlobeTalks will be held over the course of the weekend, including: Wicked: From Page to Stage; Mark Morris - Dancing Live; ESPN: Sports and Entertainment; Finding The Laughs; and Food in America Today. Tickets for each panel discussion are $19.00 and can be purchased by calling (617) 933-8600 or online at www.bostontheatrescene.com

"From chefs to comedic actors, to sports reporters and choreographers, the debut of our Arts & Entertainment GlobeTalks series features some of the nation's top artistic talent," said Richard Gilman, publisher of the Boston Globe. "As a whole, Arts & Entertainment Weekend allows the Globe to spotlight the rich heritage of the arts, celebrating all that our region has to offer."

The full GlobeTalks schedule is as follows:

Wicked: From Page to Stage

Saturday, January 21, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Join best-selling author Gregory Maguire, Tony-Award winning composer Stephen Schwartz, producer David Stone, and Boston Globe theater reporter Louise Kennedy in a look at how the novel Wicked was transformed into a smash Tony-award winning musical.

Mark Morris - Dancing Live

Saturday, January 21, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Join Mark Morris as he discusses his philosophy on live music only performances for his dance group. Boston Globe classical music critic Richard Dyer talks with Morris, among the world's most important choreographers, about his individual response to music, including the creation of his signature piece, "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato."

Finding The Laughs

Saturday, January 21, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Attend and be entertained with humor as Globe reporter Geoff Edgers explores the art of creating successful TV comedy with actor and writer Chris Elliott ("Get a Life," "There's Something About Mary") and Alan Zweibel, one of the original "Saturday Night Live" writers.

ESPN: Sports & Entertainment

Sunday, January 22, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Join Boston Globe sports columnist Jackie MacMullan along with ESPN reporter Jeremy Schaap, Sr. Vice President and Director of News Vince Doria, and Executive Vice President and Executive Editor John Walsh along with Boston Phoenix Media Critic Mark Jurkowitz as they discuss ESPN's impact on popular culture and its role in making sports a true form of entertainment.

Food in America Today

Sunday, January 22, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.