Felciano, Davis, Etc. Set for Rita Project Benefit, 10/4

Stars of Rent, Altar Boyz and other shows will participate in a concert benefiting The Rita Project.  Hosted by The New School, it will be performed on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 7 p.m. at the Tishman Auditorium (66 West 12th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues)

Scheduled performers include: cast members from Altar Boyz, Karmine Alers (Rent), Marcus Choi (The Times They Are A-Changin,' Wicked, Flower Drum Song), Julie Danao-Salkin (Lennon, Saturday Night Fever, Rent), Frenchie Davis (Rent, "American Idol"), Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd, Brooklyn, Jesus Christ Superstar), Jeremy Kushnier (Footloose, Rent), and Robb Sapp (Wicked, Zanna Don't).

"Rita (Sanskrit for Truth) is a global movement to stop suicide and to celebrate life," according to press notes. More than a dozen actors will perform at the event, and pieces from Rita Studio NYC will also be exhibited starting at 5 p.m. in the lower lobby.

"Every minute, someone attempts suicide in the U.S., and every 18 minutes, someone dies from suicide. To help combat this tragedy, Rita Project advocates using the arts to help survivors of suicide connect with the power of creation to foster transformation...through Rita Studios, Rita Workshops, and Rita Exhibitions, the project offers programming which fosters healing, assists with suicide prevention education, and raises public awareness of the importance of the arts to mental health."

Tickets are $10 with a student ID, and $20 for general admission. Tickets are sold on a first-come first-serve basis and will be available at 5 p.m. on October 4, at 66 West 12th Street.

Visit www.ritaproject.com for more information.