Christina DeCicco, Sean McDermott & More Set for Broadway Artists Connection's Fundraising Event for CAT; Colin Cunliffe to Host

The Broadway Artists Connection (BAC) has announced that it will dedicate its annual fundraising event to the Creative Arts Team (CAT) Youth Theatre. The song and dance filled evening featuring over a dozen Broadway artists will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, the Lower East Side's cultural landmark for more than 35 years and will be hosted by Broadway Veteran Colin Cunliffe (Pippin, Addams Family, Cry-Baby).

"In a climate where arts programs are often cut out of the school curriculum, supporting CAT Youth Theatre was an easy choice," said Tamlyn Brooke Orlando, Founder of BAC. "I have worked with inner city youth and their need for community, self-expression and discipline is imperative. CAT Youth Theatre is an award winning organization fulfilling that need and we are proud to assist their efforts in any way possible."

Jessica McRoberts, the Director of the evening's performance and a Broadway artist herself (Spider-man Turn Off The Dark, Follies and Nine) says that CAT is a wonderful organization that enriches the young teens lives.

"Growing up, theater gave me confidence in my self expression and tools for success in life. I am delighted to support the CAT program with the Happiness benefit and am thrilled to see the Broadway community also respond to this cause, " says Jessica who has lined up a first rate cast representing over 25 Broadway shows for the evening's entertainment.

Under the Direction of McRoberts & Musical Direction of Michael Lavine the following seasoned Broadway artists will volunteer their talents and perform Happiness to benefit CAT Youth Theatre.

(In alphabetical order):

Hettie Barnhill (Leap of Faith, Spider-man Turn Off the Dark, Fela!)
Colin Cunliffe HOST (Pippin, Evita, Addams Family, Cry-Baby)
Christina DeCicco (Evita, Sister Act, Spider-man Turn Off the Dark)
Reg E Gaines (Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk)
Sarah Hunt (The Last Ship)
Brian Charles Johnson (American Idiot, Spring Awakening)
Megan Lewis (If/Then, Spider-man Turn Off the Dark, Grey Gardens)
Sean McDermott (Grease, Falsettos, Miss Saigon, Starlight Express)
Pat McRoberts (Miss Saigon)
Happy McPartlin (Hands on a Hard Body)
Brad Nacht (Billy Elliot)
Tamlyn Brooke Orlando (42nd Street, Dame Edna The Royal Tour)
Heather Parcells (Soul Doctor, Wonderland, A Chorus Line, Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang)
Gabrielle Ruiz (In The Heights, Evita)
*cast is subject to change

In addition, there will be a special performance by the students of CAT Youth Theatre.

Patrons will be treated to complimentary drinks and have the opportunity to meet the artists.

• $50.00 General admission ticket includes (2) drinks
• $100 VIP admission ticket includes pre-show reception with artists

The benefit event will also provide patrons the chance to bid on premiere auction items such as:

• Four (4) prime seating tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular including a backstage meet and greet with Rockette Heather Langham.
• Two (2) night stay in a grand deluxe room & champagne at the Gansvoort Hotel on Park Avenue.
• Four (4) ringside tickets to the Big Apple Circus with the opportunity to have post show dessert with cast members in the ring.
• Two (2) tickets to the brand new Broadway hit play, Disgraced starring Josh Radnor.

Tickets purchased before October 31st include a chance to win the grand raffle prize of tickets and a backstage tour to a Broadway show.

Through this event CAT students received a private workshop by Tony and Grammy nominated artist Reg E. Gaines on October 28. 1-minute video of highlights HERE.

Tickets are on sale now at www.broadwayconnects.org

You can still help support CAT Youth Theatre & be automatically entered into our raffle, by making a tax-deductible gift even if you can not attend this event by clicking here.