CMOM To Host WEST SIDE STORY Outreach Program Fundraiser 3/7

The Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is hosting a fundraiser for its outreach programs by selling tickets to two performances of the highly anticipated revival of the musical West Side Story. Tickets are available for the Friday evening, March 6 and Saturday matinee, March 7, 2009 performances, with all proceeds going to support CMOM's 48 community outreach programs that take place in and around New York City.

CMOM is offering premium seating at both performances in the first 12 rows of the Center Orchestra. Ticket prices start at $250 and are available at www.cmom.org or by calling 212-721-1223 ext. 233.
"CMOM has long worked to educate and inspire children throughout the five boroughs with programs that prepare them for school and celebrate the arts," said Andrew Ackerman, Executive Director, Children's Museum of Manhattan. "What better way to support CMOM and its efforts to reach New York City's children beyond the Museum than through one of the most famous New York stories and highly anticipated shows of the year, West Side Story."

Broadway's new production of West Side Story recently received rave reviews in Washington, DC, where it opened for a limited run in January. Directed by Arthur Laurents, the production includes Spanish speaking Jets and Sharks, Josefina Scaglione, the 21 year old ingénue making her debut in the United States as Maria, and some of Broadway's brightest young stars who give this production of West Side Story authenticity and power.
CMOM is a leader in preparing all of New York's children for school and lifelong learning through a broad range of educational programs held within the Museum's walls and conducted by CMOM in communities that serve some of the most disadvantaged children. CMOM serves thousands of at-risk children in programs outside of the Museum each year through partnerships with more than 50 community-based organizations, schools, hospitals and libraries.
The West Side Story benefit is the first of two upcoming fundraisers for CMOM. The second will be an exclusive concert by the Laurie Berkner Band with guest David Weinstone and the Music for Aardvarks Band, taking place Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Concert Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture.

About West Side Story: A Benefit for the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Friday, March 6, 2009 8pm
Saturday, March 7, 2009 2pm

Palace Theater
1564 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
CMOM benefit tickets start at $250
Tickets are available at www.cmom.org or by calling 212-721-1223 ext. 233.

Founded in 1973, the Children's Museum of Manhattan is New York City's leading cultural institution dedicated solely to kids and families. CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions. CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages. Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds. For details on all of CMOM's programs, please visit www.cmom.org or call 212.721.1234.