Shoshana Bean, Annaleigh Ashford and More Join Heels on Wheels, A Homecoming Celebration to Benefit Jerad Bortz & Steven Skeels

The Broadway community will come together on Monday, May 14 at NYC's Stage 48 for Heels on Wheels, A Homecoming Celebration to Benefit Jerad Bortz and Steven Skeels, to support Wicked's Bortz and husband Skeels following a tragic car accident in early February. Hosted by Alexis Michelle ("RuPaul's Drag Race") and featuring performances by some of Broadway's biggest stars and the world's most fabulous drag queens, the event is produced by Ioana Alfonso, Rob Harmon and Betsy Werbel, and sponsored by Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. Tickets are available online here. Stage 48 is located at 605 West 48th Street. Donations can be made here.

Jerad Bortz has been a part of the Broadway community as a cast member of Wicked for over twelve years. This changed on February 4th, when he and his husband, Steven Skeels, a life-long singer/songwriter and performer, were in a horrific car accident. When the car came to a stop, landing on the driver's side, Steven asked, "Are you OK?" "I can't feel my legs," Jerad replied. They were rushed to the local emergency room in the Poconos and subsequently transferred to a trauma center in Allentown, PA. Steven 's injuries resulted in bleeding on the brain, a badly sprained wrist, a severe concussion and whiplash. Jerad had a fracture to his cervical spine which resulted in severe damage to the spinal cord. Doctors performed a surgery to stabilize his spine and fused three vertebrae together with a titanium rod. On February 9th, Jerad was transferred to the Kessler Institute for Spinal Research and Rehabilitation. His doctor there echoed the surgeon's assessment that Jerad will be wheel-chair bound for life. He is currently paralyzed from the chest down with limited movement of his arms and no movement in his hands.

Jerad and Steven created the following video in response to the concern and love of friends, family and fans:

Joining host Alexis Michelle in supporting Jerad and Steven will be some of Broadway's and NYC's biggest stars including Shoshana Bean, Tony Award-winner Annaleigh Ashford and Breedlove, drag queens Shequida, Ariel Sinclair, Gusty Winds, and Davida Jones. In addition, friends from the Broadway companies of Wicked, Beautiful, Kinky Boots and more will also join. The incomparable DJ Heng will keep the party going through the night!

All proceeds will support Jerad and Stevens ongoing medical costs and the cost of adjusting to their new life.

Heels on Wheels, A Homecoming Celebration to Benefit Jerad Bortz and Steven Skeels will take place on Monday, May 14 at Stage 48 at 8pm (doors open at 7pm). Hosted by Alexis Michelle ("RuPaul's Drag Race") with performances by some of today's biggest stars, tickets can be purchased online here. Stage 48 is located at 605 West 48th Street.

Donations can be made here

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos