Lindsay Mendez, Tituss Burgess and More Set for ASTEP's BACKSTAGE FOR CHRISTMAS Benefit

ASTEP/Artists Striving to End Poverty has gathered a group of acclaimed and award-winning New York theatre stars for Backstage for Christmas: A Holiday Cabaret, an intimate benefit concert to be presented in a unique backstage Broadway space, Monday, December 17, 2012, at 6:30 PM.

The up-close cabaret — featuring Tituss Burgess (Jersey Boys, The Little Mermaid, Guys and Dolls), Derek Klena (Carrie, Dogfight, "American Idol" Hollywood Week Finalist), Lindsay Mendez (Godspell, Everyday Rapture, Grease), Julia Murney (Wicked, The Wild Party),Ali Stroker ("Glee Project") and more — will take guests to a private performance space within Broadway's Foxwoods Theatre; access is through the Stage Door. Expect your favorite holiday songs, and some musical surprises.

Backstage for Christmas: A Holiday Cabaret is produced and music-directed by Drama Desk Award-winning orchestrator Mary-Mitchell Campbell, who is also the Founder and Executive Director of ASTEP. Appearing with pianist Campbell will be Damien Bassman (drums/percussion).

Backstage for Christmas: A Holiday Cabaret will take place through the Stage Door entrance of Broadway's Foxwoods Theatre at 214 West 43rd Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenue). Access to the show will provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience of a major Broadway theatre.

The new 2012 concert builds on the foundation of the popular ASTEP New York City Christmas benefit concerts created by Lynne Shankel and preserved on CD. This year, there's a different set of songs and celebrations — plus a few hits from the New York City Christmas album, which will be available for purchase at the event.

General admission is $75. For a $100 ticket, you'll also get a free copy of the New York City Christmas album.

ALL proceeds from tickets to the show and album sales go to supporting ASTEP's mission to connect performing and visual artists with underserved youth in the U.S. and around the world to awaken their imaginations, fostercritical thinking, and help them break the cycle of poverty.

Space is extremely limited. Tickets available by purchase online through Eventbrite at http://aholidaycabaret.eventbrite.com.