Born for Broadway 5 Set for Merkin Concert Hall, 10/13

Born for Broadway has announced that its fifth annual celebrity cabaret, featuring Broadway and TV stars donating their time and talent, will take place at Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th Street, on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 8 PM. Proceeds will benefit Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, a nonprofit that supports international advocacy, education, and spinal cord injury research.

Tony nominee Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime) will direct; Lawrence Yurman (Grey Gardens) will be music director. Rocky Noel (numerous concerts with Liza Minnelli and Kristin Chenoweth) will be production stage manager and lighting designer.

Born for Broadway's mission is to fund spinal cord injury research and support individuals with paralysis in living full and active lives. Its annual cabarets feature established Broadway actors performing alongside emerging talent, including individuals with paralysis. Ali Stroker, an actor living with a spinal cord injury who was featured in The Glee Project, has performed in the Born for Broadway cabaret since its conception. "I love that the theatre community steps up for those people living with paralysis to raise awareness and funds for those who need support," says Stroker. Born for Broadway began 11 years ago as a student-sponsored music revue at Marymount Manhattan College. It has since evolved into a renowned annual musical cabaret that brings together advocates, Broadway stars, elected officials, and the public, all to benefit paralysis-related causes.

The cabaret is produced by founder Sarah Galli and directed by Milgrom Dodge, both of whom have siblings living with paralysis. Says Milgrom Dodge, "My beloved sister, Carole, is a performer and a warrior, and my work with Born for Broadway is a tribute to her undaunted spirit." In 2013, Born for Broadway received the inaugural Heart of New York Award, honoring arts organizations that have benefited the New York community. In 2012, then-Borough President Scott Stringer declared May 21 as "Born for Broadway Day" in the Borough of Manhattan.

Past Born for Broadway cabarets have featured performances by Broadway and TV stars including Tony Goldwyn (Scandal), Tony winner Julie White (The Little Dog Laughed), two-time Tony winner James Naughton (Chicago), Tony nominee Richard Kind (The Big Knife), Jenna Ushkowitz (Glee), Tony nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Kinky Boots), Tony winner Harriet Harris (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Kathie Lee Gifford (Today), Tony nominee Malcolm Gets (Amour), Vicki Lewis (NewsRadio), Tony nominees Orfeh (Legally Blonde) and Andy Karl (Rocky), and Aaron Lazar (The Last Ship). Full talent for the 2014 show will be announced shortly.

Tickets are now on sale, starting at $25. For ticket sales and more information, please visit www.bornforbroadway.com.