Embrace! A Benefit Concert for the Matthew Shepard Foundation
By: Linda Lenzi Feb. 21, 2004
Michele Helberg, Mark Matukewicz and Jamie McGonnigal Present
Embrace! A Benefit Concert for the Matthew Shepard Foundation
Thursday, February 19, 2004 at the Westside Theatre in New York City
After Party at Hurley's Restaurant
The Matthew Shepard Foundation, founded in December 1998 by Dennis and Judy Shepard, was established in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime.
The Foundation carries out Matthew's legacy by supporting educational projects, activities and documentaries that raise awareness of the issues involving discrimination and diversity.
The Foundation's goal is to educate and replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.
Scroll below the photos for a list of what was performed…
The Host(ess) for the evening, Charles Busch
Producer/Director Jamie McGonnigal, Co-Producers Michele Helberg and Mark Matukewicz, Christopher Maluck from the Matthew Shepard Foundation
Jamie with Barbara & Scott Siegel Producers of the Night Life Awards
and the Broadway by the Year Series
Mark Matukewicz (Producer) & FAME girls Q Smith and Nicole Leach
EMBRACE Concert Producers McGonnigal, Helberg & Matukewicz along
with Christopher Maluck and friends of the Matthew Shepard Foundation
who flew in from Colorado for the event
Andrew Lippa (Composer, The Wild Party) & Marla Schaffel (Jane Eyre)
Christopher Maluck & Scott Nevins
Q Smith & Nicole Leach of "FAME"
Andrew Lippa and Max von Essen (Dance of the Vampires)
The Fab 4...Not the Beatles!
Robb Sapp (Johnny Guitar), Max von Essen, Adam Flemming (Bare)
Sriram Ganesan (Bombay Dreams), Johnathan Sandler, Michael Arden
Jamie McGonnigal and Michael Arden
A shot of the group including Ken of "That's Kentertainment"
Eric Meyers, and Co-Hosts, Charles Busch & Scott Nevins
Act I
Louder Than Words – Colin Stokes, Sandy Rustin & Dana Steer
In Whatever Time We Have – Jenna Green & Robb Sapp
That's All – Adam Fleming
Two Different Worlds – Anne Runolfsson & Michael Hunsaker
I Remember – Janet Metz
I Know – Max von Essen, Robb Sapp & Dana Steer
Sometimes You Just Need to Need – Laura Benanti
Two People in Love – Wes Coulter & Julie Garnye
Bui Doi – Hinton Battle
I See What I Wanna See – Kate Shindle
Make a Rainbow – Deborah Tranelli
Not Afraid – Gavin Creel
Are You There? – Michael Arden & Aaron Lohr
Act 2
Which Witch – Charles Busch
American – Randy Redd
Mommy – William Ryall
Children Will Listen – Marla Schaffel
Who Will Love Me As I Am? – Q Smith & Nicole Leach
N & R – Sriram Ganesan & Jonathan Sandler
Preview of the Little Princess – Andrew Lippa
Take Your Time – Laura Benanti & Gavin Creel
Being Alive – Max von Essen & Adam Fleming
What Matters – Randi Driscoll
Forgiveness's Embrace – Raul Esparza
Videos