Tony nominee Jeff Blumenkrantz (Urban Cowboy, A Class Act, How to Succeed . . .), Kate Wetherhead (Legally Blonde: The Musical, 25th Annual . . . Spelling Bee), and John Kuether (Phantom of the Opera) are scheduled to join previously announced artists Shuler Hensley (Young Frankenstein, Oklahoma), Malcolm Gets, (The Story of My Life, Amour), director Francesca Zambello (The Little Mermaid, Little House on the Prairie), Lisa Brescia (Wicked, Aida, The Lion King's Nathaniel Stampley, and Billy Elliot's Joel Hatch and a star-studded cast of over 25 Broadway and off-Broadway performers in The Sky is Not Falling, a benefit concert for Milwaukee's Skylight Opera Theatre. Also, joining will be Beverly Ward (Bway Nat'l Tour: Ellie Mae in Show Boat , Polly in Crazy for You , James Moye (Bway: Ragtime revival, A Tale of Two Cities, The Full Monty, Urinetown, Happiness; Bway Nat'l Tours: Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, Little Shop of Horrors, White Christmas).
The concert will be a mix of classic and contemporary musical theatre and opera, similar to the company's eclectic repertoire. Also featured will be new music by composers Josh Schmidt (Adding Machine), James Valcq (The Spitfire Grill), Mark Adamo (Little Women), Josh Rosenblum (Bush is Bad) and Brett Ryback (Darling).
This summer, the Skylight experienced a series of events that left it wounded and struggling, both artistically and financially, when the decision was made to eliminate the position of Artistic Director. Through an unprecedented coming together of the passionate artistic community, many of whom put their livelihoods on the line to express their resolve, and the Board of Directors, who weathered through difficult decisions with strong leadership, this beloved institution begins its 50th Anniversary season with a renewed sense of commitment and support. But the company's financial difficulties remain. In an attempt to help the Skylight's Board raise funds, the artists have rallied.
On October 5th, we will salute the Skylight Opera Theatre - the artists who took a stand and the organization that listened - and how they came together to make a difference. Because art matters.
THE SKY IS NOT FALLING, a benefit concert Monday, October 5th, 2009 8:00 pm
St. Lukes's Theatre - 308 W. 46th Street (off 8th Avenue)
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased through Telecharge by calling (212) 239-6200 or visiting telecharge.com, or through St. Luke's Theatre by visiting the Box Office at 308 W. 46th St.
To make a donation to the Skylight, go to http://skylightopera.chipin.com/the-sky-is-not-falling
All proceeds from ticket sales and any additional donations are tax deductible and go directly to the Skylight Opera Theatre, a 502(c)(3) non-profit organization.
More information at skyisnotfalling.googlepages.co
