Second Make-A-Wish Foundation Benefit Performance of THE SECRET GARDEN Added; Daisy Eagan to Host

Following the announcement of Friends in Theater Company and State of Play Productions, a second show of "The Secret Garden" has been added due to high ticket demand. The additional performance will be Sunday, January 17. Directed and choreographed by Curtis Holbrook (If/Then) the performances will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York. The first performance will be Monday, January 11, 2016 AND the second being Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 7:30pm at the Lucille Lortel Theater (121 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014).

Original cast member and youngest Tony Award Winner Daisy Eagan, will host the events.

Eagan will join previously announced original cast members, Rebecca Luker (Mary Poppins) as Lily and Bill Nolte (The Producers) as Ben. Rounding out the cast will be Gabriella Pizzolo (Fun Home) as Mary, Eli Tokash (Finding Neverland) as Colin, Ali Ewoldt (The King and I) as Ayah, and Cortney Wolfson (Kinky Boots) as Martha. The ensemble features an array of up-and-coming performers including Lacey Angerosa, Zech Azazi, Phillip Claflin, Michael Gioia, Emma Grimsley, Megan Johnson, Travis Kent, Jenna Miller, and Michael Yeshion.

This will be a staged production with additional casting to be announced soon.

Jonathan Rose returns as Music Director for this special event, produced by Friends in Theater Company's Phil Accorso and Meryl Ballew with Michael Hull and Alex Rubin. The Secret Garden is written by Marsha Norman (book/lyrics) and Lucy Simon (music).

All proceeds will benefit the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization that has given hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions since 1980. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased through www.friendsintheater.com or calling 212-352-3101.