RIALTO CHATTER: Justin Guarini to Become an AMERICAN IDIOT in March

Former American Idol runner up and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown alum Justin Guarini revealed at the Drama League Gala last night that he will be joining the cast of American Idiot in March.  Guarini did not reveal which role he would be assuming. 

Guarini is a first season runner-up on FOX-TV's American Idol, has released two studio recordings - Justin Guarini, produced by RCA and Clive Davis and Stranger Things Have Happened, and is currently at work on a third. In addition to American Idol, his television credits include hosting duties on the TV Guide Channel, Run of the House, and AMC's Fun Fakers, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has starred in the films From Justin to Kellyi with Kelly Clarkson and Fast Girl.

Each year, The Drama League's one-night-only gala concert boasts an incredible roster of Broadway's biggest and brightest stars, performing favorite songs from Broadway seasons past and present. This year, the show included performances highlighting Patti LuPone's unequalled stage career.

Co-directed by Roger T. Danforth and Tony Award winner Cady Huffman, the musical revue was the highlight of The Drama League's annual benefit gala at The Pierre New York. The festive evening began at 7 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction/raffle in the Cotillion Room, followed by a seated dinner at 8 p.m.

"A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF BROADWAY" featured musical direction by Eugene Gwozdz and special written material by Stephen Cole.

All proceeds from "A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF BROADWAY" support The Drama League, which was founded in 1916 as an association of theatre professionals and patrons dedicated to encouraging the finest in professional theatre and has since then developed into the theatre's premiere service organization.

Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas Garcia