Photo Coverage: Tina Denmark Returns to New York in RUTHLESS Benefit!

Tina Denmark, the diabolically talented tyke in the award-winning musical Ruthless! returns to New York for nine performances only to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, continuing September 8; 12-13; 15; 19-20 and 22, 2014 at 7:00pm. Performances will be held at Stage 72 at The Triad (158 W 72nd St, NYC). Check out photos from inside the first performance below!

Ruthless!, the award-winning Off-Broadway musical comedy (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle), opened in 1992 and showcased the early talents of soon-to-be stars Britney Spears, Natalie Portman and Laura Bell Bundy.

The creation of Ruthless! began when Joel Paley (book and lyrics) became inspired by the screen and stage thriller The Bad Seed by Maxwell Anderson. Collaborating with Laird, Paley initially pursued creating a spin-off of the production, but after unsuccessful attempts to secure the rights from Anderson's estate, the pair decided to use their vision to create an entirely new musical, Ruthless!. Influenced by the actions of diabolical eight-year-old Rhonda Penmark in The Bad Seed, Paley pondered what would cause a young girl to murder. "I know," Paley thought, "I would kill for the lead in the school play!" And so Tina Denmark, the pocket-sized demonic diva of Ruthless!, came to life.

In creating the musical, Paley and Laird drew upon inspiration from theatrical films such as All About Eve,The Women and Gypsy. The musical will come to life under the direction of Paley who channeled his inner Tina Denmark saying, "I myself didn't have to kill anyone to get the lead in the school play having been cast as Oliver in Oliver. But if I didn't get the part, who knows?"

Creators Laird and Paley star in this fully staged concert production with guest star Rita McKenzie from the original Los Angeles company as Lita Encore.