UNSUNG: Original Songs by New and Established Composers May 16 at the Zipper

Musical Theater lovers rejoice! For all of the theater goers who are tired of hearing the same songs over and over again at every theater affair they attend, this benefit will be music to your ears. On May 16, 2005, thirteen capable actors will present a collection of new songs composed by some of New York City's most gifted songwriters. Songwriting team and couple Bobby Lopez (of Avenue Q), and Kristen Anderson Lopez have contributed two works to the benefit, as well as Brian Lowdermilk, whose musical "Red," was just awarded the 2005 Richard Rodgers Award. Lowdermilk is providing the evening's exciting opening number. Also featured are Doug Cohen, a member of the BMI Engel Musical Theater Workshop, ASCAP and the Dramatist Guild, and Ben Moore, whose music has been performed by such high caliber artists as Audra MacDonald, Deborah Voigt and Jerry Hadley. All together, thirty-three songwriters have donated music to Unsung, in the hopes that the community will show their support to them, as well as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The concert itself features thirteen up and coming Broadway actors, both Equity and Non-Equity, who are hoping to make a name for themselves in addition to raising money for this noble cause. Equity member Hollis Scarborough had to this say about the project, " As an Equity member, I am proud to be apart of this concert benefiting Broadway Cares. BC/EFA does so much for AIDS related causes and anything I can do to help will bring the world one step closer to finding a cure."

The twelve other actors feel similarly. Todd Adamson and Stephanie Safko, who are not only performing in the concert, but producing it as well, feel that all the work they have done in the past few weeks is nothing compared to the feeling they get knowing that they are supporting AIDS awareness and outreach. Producing a show is no easy task for anyone, let alone two young actors born the year Cats made it to Broadway. Nevertheless, Adamson and Safko seem tireless in their pursuit to find the best New York City has to offer the theater community. Not only have they gotten over thirty composers to contribute their work, gifted actors to perform and wonderful space, (The Zipper Theater on 37th and 8th), to work in, they are being guided by Phillip George, director of Forbidden Broadway. Phil George has worked with Douglas Fairbanks and is a resident director at King's Head Theatre, London, as well as having worked on many BC/EFA benefits in the past. His guidance has been invaluable to Adamson and Safko, as Unsung is their freshmen production effort. Safko and Adamson hope to continue producing theater in future, and eventually own their own stage company.

Unsung: A Night of Original Songs by New and Established Composers, is a must-see for anyone who enjoys musical theater and would like to support Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, the nation's leading industry-based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization. Come enjoy a group of talented actors performing songs from New York City's most brilliant composers at the Zipper Theater on May 16th, 2005 at 8:00 pm. Tickets, $15.00, will be on sale at the box office the night of the show. All ticket proceeds benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.