Rupert Replaces Fierstein in 'Rags' Benefit Concert

Tony Award-winner Michael Rupert, soon to be see on Broadway in Legally Blonde, has replaced the previously announced Harvey Fierstein as Avram in the upcoming World AIDS Day concert of Rags.

Fierstein (Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray) withdrew due to a sudden schedule conflict.

Rags will be presented on December 11th, 2006 as the 4th Annual World AIDS Day Concert. This year's presentation, a 20th Anniversary Concert of the Broadway musical Rags, will be held at Times Square's brand new Nokia Theater.

Rags, with music by Tony Award-winner Charles Strouse (Bye, Bye, Birdie; Annie), lyrics by Academy and Grammy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Prince of Egypt), and a book by Tony Award winner Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof, Zorba), premiered on Broadway in August of 1986. Though short-lived on Broadway with only 22 performances, Rags garnered 5 Tony nominations and leading lady, Teresa Stratas walked away with the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical.

Previously announced to appear in this year's concert are 2-time Tony-nominee Carolee Carmello (Mamma Mia!, Lestat, Parade) as Rebecca, 4-time Tony-nominee Gregg Edelman (Wonderful Town, Into the Woods) as Nathan, Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Beaches, "The Nanny") as Rachel, Eden Espinosa (Wicked, Brooklyn) as young Bella, a new immigrant to America, David A. Austin (I Love You Because) as Ben, a young Jewish entrepreneur focused on winning Bella's heart, Lewis Cleale (Spamalot) as Saul, John Treacy Egan (The Producers) as Big Tim, and Struan Erlenborn (last year's Secret Garden concert, Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang) as young David.

Also featured in the concert will be Aaron Berk (Hedwig), Max von Essen (Dance of the Vampires, Les Miserables), Stacia Fernandez (Drowsy Chaperone), Lisa Jolley (Hairspray), David Josefsberg (The Wedding Singer, Altar Boyz), and Colin Hanlon (Rent, I Love You Because), Ciaran Sheehan (Phantom of the Opera),  and Anne L. Nathan (Assassins). The concert will be hosted by MTV News correspondent, Sway.

Rags, "tells the story of Rebecca, an immigrant who finds herself and her young son, David, very much alone in the brand new world of America. Through Rebecca's encounters and relationships with others experiencing similar struggles, Rags tells of the American experience when the 'melting pot,' was an ideal many hoped to be a part of. In a time when immigration is a heavily debated topic, Rags reminds us of the intense struggle so many of our immigrant ancestors fought, to make this country what it is today," state press materials.  

Rupert, a Tony-winner for his work in Sweet Charity, also received nominations for The Happy Time and Falsettos.  His other Broadway credits include Ragtime, City of Angels, Mail and Pippin.  He will play Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde.

Presented by Jamie McGonnigal in association with The Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation, the concert will be directed by Stafford Arima (Altar Boyz, The West End's Ragtime, The Secret Garden in Concert).  Mark Hartman (Avenue Q, Pippin & Children of Eden concerts, Pippin national tour) will serve as music director. Designers joining the team for the upcoming concert include lighting designer Traci Klainer, sound designers Walter Trarbach and Tony Smolenski, set designer, David Korins, costume designers Michael Bottari and Ronald Case, and choreographer Patricia Wilcox. 

The World AIDS Day Concerts were founded in 2003 by McGonnigal and Kate Shindle to help raise awareness of the health holiday, and to establish community within the theatre community. Previous World AIDS Day Concerts include Children of Eden, Pippin and The Secret Garden.

As with last year's event, the proceeds will be benefiting The Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation and Camp TLC (Teens Living with a Challenge), a residential summer camp program for teens living with HIV/AIDS. "JDAF was created in 1996 by Carol DiPaolo, and her son Joey. When Joey was four (1984) he was infected with the HIV, (the virus that causes AIDS) from a blood transfusion during open-heart surgery. At age ten, Joey and family attended Camp Sunburst in California. Empowered and motivated by the camp experience both mother and son began public speaking in 1990 bringing AIDS education to parents, faculty, and students throughout the country. After becoming national AIDS spokespersons for several AIDS organizations, Carol and Joey decided to establish The Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation (JDAF). This foundation is motivated by compassion and hope for young people who are living with HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 51% of all new HIV infections in the U.S. occur in young people under 25, with that statistic in mind, Joey and Carol have provided over 500 AIDS prevention and education programs nationwide. With AIDS a serious global issue, JDAF is extending their Camp TLC program to positive teens living outside the US, in countries devastated by the AIDS pandemic." For more information about JDAF/Camp TLC visit www.jdaf.org .

The Rags concert will take place on Monday, December 11th at 7PM. Tickets for Rags are currently on sale via www.ticketmaster.com, in person at the Nokia Theatre box office or by phone at (212) 307-7171. Sponsor tickets, including invitations to the after party and autographed show posters, are available by contacting RagsConcert@aol.com or by calling 347-431-9102.

Visit www.WorldAIDSDayConcert.org for more information.