Broadway Inspirational Voices Along with Mary Testa, Justin Guarini and more set for IMAGINE: A CONCERT OF HOPE

The Broadway Inspirational Voices will lead a host of Broadway talent in "Imagine: A Concert of Hope," a benefit concert to raise funds for cancer research through the Brian Werbel Memorial Fund at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. The event will take place Monday, September 8th at 8pm at Le Poisson Rouge and all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Brian Werbel Memorial Fund.

The Broadway Inspirational Voices will be joined by many members of the Broadway theatre community. Scheduled to perform are: Adinah Alexander (Kinky Boots, Wicked), Jenni Barber (Wicked, The Nance), Kelli Barrett (Wicked, Baby It's You),Richard H. Blake (Jersey Boys, Matilda), Matt Bogart (Jersey Boys, Aida), Christine Dwyer (Wicked), Justin Guarini (Wicked, Romeo & Juliet, Season 1 Finalist American Idol), Lisa Howard (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, South Pacific), Marcus Paul James (Motown, In The Heights, Rent), Tamika Lawrence (If/Then, Matilda, Book Of Mormon), Jarrod Spector (Beautiful, Jersey Boys), Mary Testa (Wicked, Guys & Dolls, Xanadu) and Betsy Werbel (Wicked, Les Mis). The evening will be directed by Joe Ricci with musical direction by Jodie Moore.

The Brian Werbel Memorial Fund was established to honor the memory of Brian, who passed away on May 7, 2007 at the age of 29. The mission of the fund is to advance clinical research on cancer-related initiatives, an area in which Brian was deeply involved.

"After losing my brother in 2007, I realized that life is too short and you have to make every day truly count," says Betsy Werbel. "I get to live my dream every night on Broadway. My brother had a dream to find a cure for cancer. Please join us for this celebration of Hope and help me make my brother's dream a reality."

Le Poisson Rouge is located at 158 Bleeker Street. Doors open at 7pm, with a 8pm start.

Tickets for "Imagine: A Concert of Hope: can be purchased at: http://www.uhgiving.org/uh-giving/get-involved/fundraising-events-and-programs/imagine

Broadway Inspirational Voices was originally founded by McElroy in 1994 as the Broadway Gospel Choir and in 1999 was reincarnated to its current form. In addition to numerous concerts, the group has performed on The Tonight Show, "The Rosie O'Donnell Christmas Special," Broadway Sings Elton John, The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Benefit, and The 2000 Tony Awards.. The Broadway Inspirational Voices second album Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas was released on Sh-K-Boom Records in 2003 and received a Grammy Award nomination. The choir is also working on recording their second Christmas album so keep your eyes out for ways to help. Find out more at www.broadwayinspirationalvoices.org , Facebook, and twitter at handle @BIVvoices.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride