May 7th marks the beginning of the theater run of Neil Gaiman's novel Coraline. The Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merrit wrote the music and lyrics. Yes. It's going to be amazing. But perhaps more exciting (especially to those who have read the book and say the 3D film last month) is the happening that will be held next Tuesday at the Lucille Lortel Theater in NYC. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for reserved seats.

What's the event you say? Why don't I just quote the press release. "Bill Goldstein, of the New York Times and WNBC's "Saturday Today" in New York, will moderate a discussion between the creative team of Stephin Merritt (composer), David Greenspan (book writer), Leigh Silverman (director), and Jayne Houdyshell (Coraline), and take questions form the audience. The evening will conclude with a first-ever public performance of one of Coraline's songs; performed on the ukelele and sung by composer/lyricist Stephin Merritt."

Click here for more information and tickets. -IL