Kate Shindle, Nicholas Rodriguez, et al. Set for 'Little Theatre, Big Dreams' Benefit Cabaret Tonight, 5/21

The West Side YMCA's Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater presents its 2nd annual benefit cabaret, Little Theater, Big Dreams tonight, May 21st. The Off-Broadway gem, located inside the historic West Side Y, will play host to powerful performances from Broadway's brightest alongside the Kids Company, a group of young triple-threats-in-training. All proceeds benefit the on-going youth theatre programs supported by the West Side YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign.

Kids Company performers (6 to 14 years-old) take to the stage with Broadway stars to perform show tunes such as "Buenos Aires" from Evita, the title tune from Footloose, and "Mama Will Provide" from Once on this Island, among others. Performers scheduled to appear and lend their voices include: Kate Shindle (Legally Blonde, Wonderland; Miss America 1998), Nicholas Rodriguez (Disney's Tarzan), Tony Lawson (Les Miserables, First National Tour of Disney's Beauty & the Beast), Karen Burthwright (Jesus Christ Superstar 2012 revival), Felicity Claire (Mamma Mia!), Tiffany Janene Howard (Leap of Faith, Memphis), Amanda Lea LaVergne (Grease 2007 revival), Megan Elizabeth Lewis (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Grey Gardens), Katy Pfaffl (War Horse), and Brandon Rubendall (Anything Goes, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark). The benefit will be hosted by David Rossetti, who also serves as the benefit coordinator and co-director, along with Cedric Hill.

Tickets are $65 for VIP (includes post-show reception with performers), $40 for regular ticket, and $20 for student (1 per ID). For tickets visit www.theatermania.com or call 866.811.4111.

David Rossetti is an actor/choreographer born in Maryland who attended the nationally accredited Theatre program at Valdosta State University and received his B.F.A. Immediately following college. He performed in the World Premiere of Diva Diaries at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and then toured the country & Canada (135 cities in 10 months to be exact) in the Fame National Tour as the trumpet-playing "Goody." He then spent a brief time in the Atlanta theatre scene where he performed at the Tony-award winning ALLIANCE THEATRE in A Christmas Carol and with Theatre of the Stars in their production of "The Music Man"  (which also toured to Houston, TX). David hit the road again with the National Tour of "Hairspray" as 'Brad' and the 'Corny' understudy and would later go on to Assistant Direct for the tour and the critically-acclaimed Paper Mill Playhouse production. He currently works at the West Side YMCA in the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre as a House Manager and Freelance Production Manager, lives in Sunnyside and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association.

Each year the YMCA of Greater New York delivers more than $46 million in sponsored, free and subsidized programs to more than 400,000 members and program participants, assuring all of an equal chance to benefit from the YMCA's programs and services. The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater and the West Side Y Arts Department currently reach over 200 youth. Funds raised help offer new programs, sponsor more youth interested in the arts and ensure continued updates to our theatrical home.

The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater at the West Side Y is a non-profit, independent, Off-Broadway Theater in the West Side YMCA which exists, in part, to: encourage the creative spirit in young people; and empower, educate, and maximize the potential of the young people and emerging artists.