Anthony Rapp to Direct BORN BLUE Benefit, 9/8

RENT alum Anthony Rapp (RENT, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown) will collaborate on a one night only reading of BORN BLUE, a new musical written by Caren Tackett (RENT, Hair). Proceeds from the event will benefit New York City based not-for-profit Broadway Impact.

BORN BLUE takes place in a post-apocalyptic dive bar somewhere between life and death where lost souls drink the "Blue House Brew" whose purpose is not to intoxicate, but to flush away one's previous life experiences and prepare them for rebirth. The House band, "Creatrix" ('God'), speaks only the language of music, which they channel through soulful front-woman 'Infinity'.
The concert will take place 8 September 2011 at The Cutting Room located at 44 East 32nd Street (btw. Park and Madison Avenues) at 2PM. Admission is a suggested donation of $20 (cash only) benefiting Broadway Impact.

Cast members for the concert include (in alphabetical order): Jamilah Adderly, King Aswad, Ashley Betton, Mark Richard Ford (Lennon), Nate Gray, Danielle Lee Greaves, Allison Guinn, Adam Halpin (RENT), Phyre Hawkins (Hair) Justin Johnston (RENT), Kaitlin Kiyan (Hair), Josh Lamon (Hair), Dominic Nolfi (Jersey Boys), Kacie Sheik (Hair), Will Swenson (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Caren Lyn Tackett (Hair, RENT), Brandon Uranowitz (Baby It's You, RENT).

Tackett will be pulling double duty with the show. Tackett, who not only wrote the music, lyrics, and book of the show, will also be performing the role of Infinity Blue.

"I was newly cast as a swing in RENT, and the urge to write overtook me. I holed myself up in our dressing room during the shows and wrote furiously. I'm not sure how other writers find their inspiration, but it's been my experience that sometimes it's the other way around; it finds you," says Tackett on the creation of BORN BLUE. "I am a person who has chosen to throw myself into my life experiences the hard way, and learn my lessons in retrospect. It's not just an exploration of the cycles of fear and prejudice regarding sex, race, sexual orientation and organized religion. It's also my own life experience told in metaphor and myth."

Director Anthony Rapp says "I'm honored that Caren asked me to bring her bold and inventive and utterly original show to life. She's a consummate artist and a great friend."

BORN BLUE is being produced by Caren Tackett and Kurt Alger. Music, lyrics, book by Caren Tackett. Directed by Anthony Rapp. Costume, wig, and makeup design also by Kurt Alger. Music direction by Jared Stein and Vocal arrangements by Michael McElroy. For additional information and future updates visit www.bornblueshow.com, or follow the project on Twitter @BornBlueShow.

About Broadway Impact:
We are a community of actors, directors, stage managers, fans, producers - pretty much anyone who has ever seen, been in or worked on a Broadway show - united by the simple belief that anyone who wants to should be able to get married.

Excited by the election of President Obama and angered by the passage of Prop 8, a few friends came together with a hope to educate and inspire our community into action towards equality.
The Theatre community is full of talented, generous, amazing people and what we are able to accomplish together is incredible. Every year, through Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS and other amazing organizations, we raise millions of dollars for charity. When someone needs our help, we are there organizing and rallying together to raise money and show our support. Now, there is a fight that has come to our stage and it is one that we cannot ignore. This fight needs more than just our money... it needs our action.

We hope Broadway Impact can be a place for anyone and everyone out there who loves theatre, is passionate about equality, and wants to know how to sing out and make their voice heard. It's time for us to join together and use that voice in a way to make a huge difference.