McGovern, who currently plays Marmee in Little Women, and Norah Jones will sing at the event in order to raise money for AIDS research. A yearly event that is expected to draw almost 45,000 New Yorkers, the AIDS Walk will also feature such famous participants as Rita Moreno, John Spencer, Hal Sparks, Bill Brochtrup, Richard Thomas,
Bruce Vilanch and "Queer Eye" guys Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom
Filicia and Jai Rodriguez.Ana Oliveira, the Executive Director of the Gay Men's Health Crisis, has stated that, "The first
AIDS Walk New York was truly a pivotal event in AIDS awareness and
fundraising. As we mark 20 years of walking to fight AIDS, we draw
strength and inspiration from the unceasing commitment of the New York
community to overcoming this epidemic. AIDS remains a serious public
health emergency and on May 15, we will join together with more than
45,000 New Yorkers to change the course of the epidemic." Over the last 2 decades, the walkathon has raised almost $80 million for GMHC and other AIDS-awareness organizations.
McGovern's
career encompasses theatre, concerts, cabaret and recordings. She
co-starred with Sting as Polly Peachum in the 1989 revival of 3 Penny Opera, was a replacement Luisa in the original cast of Nine, and a replacement Mabel in the 1981 Pirates of Penzance revival. She played Mrs. Anna in the national tour of The King and I, and regional credits include Elegies, Dear World, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and South Pacific. She was Mary Turner in recorded concert versions of the Gershwins' Of Thee I Sing and Let Em Eat Cake. As one of the first ladies of the cabaret world, McGovern has released almost a dozen solo albums including Out of this World: McGovern Sings Arlen and The Music Never Ends: The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman. More info can be found on Maureen at http://www.maureenmcgovern.comCalling (212) 807-9255 will secure participation in the 2005 AIDS Walk. Donations
may also be made at www.aidswalk.net/newyork.
