Kushner, McDonald Etc. to Take Part in 'Freedom' Benefit

A number of patriotic theatre stars will take part in "Broadway Stands for Freedom!," a benefit concert that will be presented at the Peter Norton Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street) on July 24th.

The event will feature Erich Bergen, Todd Buonopane (Spelling Bee), Michael Cerveris (Sweeney Todd), Richard Easton (The Rivals, Henry IV), Barrett Foa (Spelling Bee, Avenue Q), William Finn (composer/lyricist of Spelling Bee, Falsettos), Jenn Gambatese (Tarzan), Leah Hocking (Hairspray), Cheyenne Jackson (All Shook Up), Celia Keenan-Bolger (Spelling Bee), Audra McDonald (upcoming 110 in the Shade, Ragtime), Thos Shipley (Miss Saigon), and Liana Stampu.

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwight Tony Kushner (Caroline, or Change, Angels in America) will host the event, which will feature musical direction by Seth Rudetsky (Seth's Broadway Chatterbox, Actors' Fund concerts) and direction by Daniel Goldstein. Funds will benefit the youth programs of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

Tickets are $10 (students, members, low-income, senior and union members), $50 (general admission), $100 (priority tickets) and $250 (sponsor packages); call (212) 607-3343 or Symphony Space at (212) 864-5400. Visit www.symphonyspace.org for more information.