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Composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, the man behind numerous musical theater favorites, including "Wicked," "Pippin" and "Godspell," is now drifting away from familiar territory, as he is set to make his New York opera debut with his latest work "Seance On A Wet Afternoon."

"I'm a big opera buff and goer and listener and I always thought someday I might try to write one," he says. "I actually did write a really bad one-act opera when I was in college, so the ambition was lurking there."

This production was commissioned by Opera Santa Barbara and is based on the book by Mark McShane and the 1964 film directed by Bryan Forbes. Billed as a "psychological thriller," "Seance" follows the story of medium Myra Foster and her husband Bill and their plan to kidnap the daughter of a wealthy businessman.

Schwartz wrote the lead role of Myra for celebrated soprano Lauren Flanigan.

"He followed me around for two whole years. Everywhere I went, he was there in the audience. I mean, like little silly things I did like small benefit concerts, there he was," says Flanigan. "So, you know, in his mind he wrote every single note as tailor-made for me."

One can call this production a family affair, as Stephen Schwartz's son Scott serves as director.

"When he was first commissioned to do the opera, he actually talked to me very early about it, asking if I would like to work with him," says Scott Schwartz. "You know, this is my first time working in opera as well as his, so we decided to dive in together."

"I really don't treat him any differently nor does he treat me any differently than when I'm working with Joe Mantello or Gordon Greenberg or any of the other directors I work with," says Stephen Schwartz.

"Seance On A Wet Afternoon" opens at New York City Opera on April 19.