Spacey, Redgrave, Ehle, Etc. Set for Stars in the Alley

According to the New York Times and Stars in the Alley's website, Kevin Spacey, Vanessa Redgrave, Jennifer Ehle, Xanthe Elbrick, Swoosie Kurtz, Jan Maxwell, Martha Plimpton and Julie White will join the casts of dozens of Broadway show for the annual concert "Stars in the Alley," which will be held in Shubert Alley (West 44th St., west of 7th Ave.) on June 6th at 11 AM.

Stars in the Alley features performances and special appearances by Broadway's most popular musicals and plays, including Tony Award winners and nominees. Participating shows include: Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Company, Curtains, The Drowsy Chaperone, Frost/Nixon, Grey Gardens, Hairspray, Inherit the Wind, Jersey Boys, Journey's End, Legally Blonde the Musical, Les Misérables, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Monty Python's Spamalot, A Moon for the Misbegotten, The Phantom of the Opera, The Pirate Queen, Radio Golf, Rent, Spring Awakening, Tarzan, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Wicked, Xanadu, The Year of Magical Thinking and more. (*All performances are subject to change).

For the first time ever, Broadway fans were invited (through June 3rd) to vote online for their favorite play and musical and enter to win a "Night on Broadway" prize package. The biggest vote-getters will earn the title of "Fan Favorite" at this year's concert. Nominees include currently running shows, as well as any show that opened in the 2006-2007 season. Announcing the winners will be Max Crumm and Laura Osnes who were voted the favorite "Danny" and "Sandy" by America and will star in the new production of Grease, opening on Broadway on August 19th. Fresh off their win from NBC's talent competition series "Grease: You're the One that I Want!" Max and Laura will introduce the fans' favorite musical and play.

This year the annual Star Award, which recognizes an individual in public or government service who has demonstrated significant support for Broadway, will be presented to The Actor's Fund of America to honor the Fund's 125th Anniversary. Accepting on behalf of the organization will be President Brian Stokes Mitchell and Executive Director Joe Benincasa.

Stars in the Alley leads up to the 61st Tony Awards on Sunday, June 10, 2007 and is produced by The League of American Theatres and Producers. Stars in the Alley is presented by Continental Airlines, official sponsors are Visa and The New York Times and additional support is from Junior's.

Founded in 1882, The Actors' Fund of America is a national, nonprofit organization serving all entertainment professionals and performing arts professionals in theater, film, music, opera, television and dance through comprehensive services and programs. The Fund's broad spectrum of programs includes comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. Administered from offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, The Actors' Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis, or transition.

Additional information about the concert, the "Fan Favorite" voting and "Night on Broadway" sweepstakes can be found at www.StarsintheAlley.com.  Visit www.actorsfund.org for more on the Actors' Fund.

Photo of Kevin Spacey by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.