Lee Roy Reams & Karen Mason Join 2014 TRU Love Benefit Lineup, 11/9

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) will celebrate its 23rd year as a not-for-profit service organization with a celebration of three extraordinary people at the annual TRU Love Benefit, When You Care. The 2014 TRU Spirit of Theater Award, presented to a member of the producing community who has demonstrated exceptional generosity, support and kindness to others in the business, will be awarded to producer Michael Alden (Bat Boy, the Last Session, Grey Gardens, Bridge & Tunnel, The King's Speech, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Disgraced); the TRU Entrepreneur Award, given for consistency, unique thinking and innovation in theater, will be given to investor Neil Danoff (All the Way, Bridges of Madison County, Matilda, Lucky Guy, Spring Awakening, Allegiance); and the TRU Humanitarian Award will be given posthumously to legendary casting director Barry Moss. The event will take place Sunday November 9th at Sardi's, 234 West 44th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenue. It will begin at noon with wine, drinks and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a luncheon at 1pm and the awards ceremony and performances at 1:45pm. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.truonline.org/TRULove14.htm.

The evening will be hosted by Valerie Smaldone ("Spotlight On"), directed by Broadway performer and producer Jana Robbins and will include appearances by Anita Gillette (Guys and Dolls, Gypsy), Cady Huffman (The Producers, The Will Rogers Follies), Karen Mason (Wonderland, Mamma Mia), Lee Roy Reams (42nd Street, An Evening with Jerry Herman, La Cage Aux Folles), Broadway Sings with Pride, and members of the original casts of Spring Awakening and The Last Session.

"All three honorees have been valued members of the TRU family," states TRU president Bob Ost. "This is a way of publicly showing how much we care for the people who support us." Michael Alden is a TRU board member entering his second year as a program director for TRU's Producer Development and Mentorship Program. "We are proud to publicly acknowledge him for facing the challenges of producing with honesty, humility and integrity, gracefully riding the ups and downs of an unpredictable business and generously sharing his experiences and his knowledge with so many others." Neil Danoff has been a generous TRU supporter, and also serves on the TRU Board of Directors. "In a business run amok with above-the-title producers, Neil is unique in his dedication to simply offering financial support for shows he loves, as an investor, proud and simple. He is a passionate friend of theater, providing financial support out of love, never ego; and reminding us all of the dignity and vital importance of the investor." The 2014 TRU Humanitarian Award will be given to Barry Moss for a lifetime of love and support for theater and friends, always placing people ahead of business. "Barry was on our advisory board, and has been a personal supporter of my work as a writer since we met in 1984. The business has lost a legend, and I have lost one of my dearest friends."

The Honorary Benefit Committee lending their names and support to this year's event include John Anastasi, Stefany Bergson, Patrick Blake, Summer Crockett Moore, Doug Denoff, Nancy Gibbs, Tony Glazer, Elizabeth Healy, Stephen Hope, Patricia Klausner, Jana Robbins, Valerie Smaldone, and Cheryl Wiesenfeld. The Benefit Producers are Patrick Goss and Bailie Slevin, Music Director is Ted Arthur, and the Technical Director is Kim Marie Jones.

The proceeds from this event directly benefit the programs of Theater Resources Unlimited, a not-for-profit service organization that educates people in the business of the arts, with a focus on producers, emerging theater companies and self-producing artists. Programs include monthly panels, workshops, a Producer Development and Mentorship Program, a new plays and new musicals reading series and a community e-newsletter of jobs, services, resources and theater events.

Tickets for the event will be $200 Premium Patron Level reserved seating on the first tier near the stage and $175 ($150 for TRU members) for Patron Level reserved seating on the first tier sides and second tier. Non-reserved General Admission tickets may be purchased for $125 ($100 for TRU members). Tickets, VIP tickets, journal ads and tables are available through the TRU Store at www.truonline.org/store-new.html.