Urban Stages to Open Winter Rhythms Series with Mary Martin Celebration, 12/3

Urban Stages , in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano will kick off its Fifth Annual Winter Rhythms Benefit Series with Mary Martin: A Centennial Celebration on Tuesday, December 3 at 7pm.. Hosted by noted author Stephen Cole, this evening will pay tribute to the 100th Birthday of one of the greatest performers of the American Musical Theatre and the shows she starred in, including The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Peter Pan, etc. The show will be at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $50 and includes a champagne reception. Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444 by searching for "Winter Rhythms 2013."

The evening features celebrated, award-winning cabaret artists Liam Forde, Janice Hall, Marissa Mulder, Barbara Porteus, Julie Reyburn, Corinna Sowers-Adler, Susan Winter and Bill Zeffiro interpreting some of Ms. Martin's signature songs including "I'm in Love With a Wonderful Guy," "Neverland," "My Heart Belongs to Daddy", "My Favorite Things" and "The Sound of Music." It also includes selections from One Touch of Venus, I Do! I Do! as well as shows that Ms. Martin toured in or performed on television including Hello, Dolly! and Annie Get Your Gun. The musical director is Matthew Martin with direction by Peter Napolitano. Mr. Cole, a noted lyricist, librettist, author and musical theatre historian will host the evening and present rare video footage of Miss Martin from his private collection. A highlight of the evening will be a recreation of the legendary Mary Martin/Ethel Merman duet medley telecast live in 1953 as part of the Ford 50th Anniversary Television Show.

WINTER RHYTHMS 2013 marks the fifth year that Urban Stages has brought noted musical artists to its stage during the holiday period. This award winning series benefits Urban Stages' acclaimed Outreach Program whichbrings over 300 FREE "arts in education" presentations to libraries and schools throughout the five boroughs. Urban Stages also celebrates its 30th anniversary this season.