LIVING FOR TODAY, with musical direction by Nate Patten, and direction by David Alpert, played a one-night-only engagement at the newly renovated Joe's Pub last night, October 17, 2011 at 7:00PM. The fourth annual LIVING FOR TODAY concert showcased Broadway stars in an exciting night of music. This year's concert, titled FIRST NAME BASIS, featured everyone's favorite showtunes, but only those with a first name in the title. Proceeds go to the Gilana Shira Alpert Fund.
Youtube star Randy Rainbow made a special appearance in the video below, which features cameos by Stephen Spinella, Allison Case and Max von Essen. Click below to check it out!
The Gilana Shira Alpert Fund was created in November 2007 as a memorial to Gilana Alpert. Gilana was an incredible woman, very passionate about the causes in which she believed, and a friend to all. Due to a reaction to prescription medications she passed away at the young age of 26. The fund has already raised over $20,000 and is designed to continue the work that Gilana was not able to finish herself. Those causes include Holocaust awareness, theatre education and outreach, human equality advocacy, and sex education.
The production featured a talented cast and ensemble including Tony© Award Winners, Nominees, and several Broadway favorites: Celina Carvajal (Toxic Avenger, Cats, 42nd Street), Alison Case (Hair, Mamma Mia), Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Tony-nominee of Avenue Q, "Scrubs"), Janet Dacal (In the Heights, Wonderland), Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde), Morgan James (Godspell, Addams Family), Aaron Lazar (Little Night Music, Les Miz, Light in the Piazza), Darren Ritchie (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Wonderland), Steve Rosen (Spamalot, Guys & Dolls), Jessica Rush (Gypsy, Jersey Boys), Jason Michael Snow (Book of Mormon, South Pacific), Stephen Spinella (Two-time Tony award winner of Angels in America, Spring Awakening, "Milk"), Max von Essen (Les Miz, Xanadu), Jim Walton (Merrily We Roll Along, Company, And the World Goes Round) Amos Wolff (Follies), and a world premiere video by Randy Rainbow ("Best Week Ever," YouTube Sensation).
Ensemble was compromised of Jeffrey Paul Baker, Brynn Curry, Jana DeBusk, Justin Goodemoot, Killian Patton, and Cassandra Sandberg.
The show was hosted by Chris Blisset.
For additional information, visit: www.gilanasfund.com.
