Gillett to Host AEA Scholarship Fund Benefit, 1/3

Eric Michael Gillett will host a benefit for the AEA Scholarship Fund for the Singers Forum on Monday, January 3, 2011, at 7pm at Don't Tell Mama. Joining him as special guests are Tony nominee & Broadway star, Karen Akers & Big Apple Circus Ringmaster Kevin Venardos. Musical Direction is by Don Rebic & Jeff Cubeta.

Eric Michael Gillett, a MAC Award-winning Director/Vocalist & Broadway actor (Sweet Smell of Success, The Frogs & Kiss Me, Kate), is also the director of Dance On! the 33rd Edition of Big Apple Circus. Tony nominee & Broadway star Karen Akers, was in the original Broadway productions of Grand Hotel & Nine & is Kevin Venardos is the Ringmaster of Big Apple Circus & former Ringmaster of Ringling Bros./Barnum & Bailey. Joining Gillett, Akers & Venardos, are Melanie Vaughan (10 original-cast Broadway shows including Parade, Ring of Fire, Sunday in the Park With George, etc.), Raissa Katona Bennett (Phantom of the Opera) Bernard Dotson (Ragtime, Sweet Smell of Success & revivals of Finian's Rainbow & Chicago) & Valerie Lemon (Marvin Hamlisch symphony soloist for 12 years). Also on the bill are AEA Scholarship Program Members Chris J. Handley, Maxine Stewart, Candy Benge & Nellesa Walthour, plus Singers Forum Members Cookie & Clune (Cookie Stark and Pat Clune), Pam Palmieri & Kelly McDonald.

Tickets are $20 with a two drink minimum.  Reservations can be made by calling (212) 757-0788 or by visiting Don't Tall Mama's official website.