Testa, Fraser, Etc. to Honor Rusty Magee, October 16

"Sweet Appreciation III, A Benefit in Loving Memory of Rusty Magee," will be presented at the Cherry Lane Theater (38 Commerce St.) on Monday, October 16th.

Starring comedian Lewis Black, the evening--presented by the Ackerman Institute for the Family--will feature performances by a line-up of musicals guests that includes Broadway's Mary Testa (See What I Wanna See, 42nd Street).

"Rusty Magee, composer, lyricist and comedian for theater, film and television—loving husband and father—exemplified invincible courage, unflagging good humor and huge generosity of spirit during his long battle with cancer, inspiring his family, scores of dear friends and myriad fans. Whether arranging and performing music for Tony-award winning House of Blue Leaves, writing his children's opera, Flurry Tale and hundreds more children's songs or acting in Hannah and Her Sisters and The Irish...and How They Got That Way, Rusty Magee brought his unique talent, unforgettable exuberance and love of life to all he touched," state Ackerman notes.

Magee died on February 16th, 2003 of cancer.

Magee's wife, Alison Fraser (Falsettos, Romance/Romance) said, "The Center for Families and Health provided great solace for Rusty in the last, challenge filled year of his life. Only there could he let his guard down and concentrate on his emotional needs rather than those of others, which in Rusty's realm invariably came first. With Evan Imber-Black's guidance, he made an astonishing journey of self-knowledge and acceptance, allowing him to meet death with an unbelievable amount of bravery, generosity and love. His spiritual evolution and essence of peace in the face of his grave illness was a gift to behold. I will be forever grateful for the role The Center for Families and Health played in our family's dire time. I hope that Rusty's legacy will help the Center provide assistance to other families in their hour of need.

Our work with Rusty reminded us that while death may end a life, it never ends a relationship."

To celebrate its relationship with Rusty Magee, and to enable New York families with chronic and/or life-shortening illnesses to receive needed therapeutic support, on October 16, 2006, the Ackerman Institute's clinic will be renamed The Rusty Magee Clinic for Familes and Health.

There will be wine, hors d'ouevres and a silent auction from 6:45 to 7:30, the gala show at 7:30, and an after-show party at 9:15; it will be held at Agave Restaurant.

For more information, visit www.ackerman.org.