Graham 2 Sets 2016 New York Season

Graham 2's 2016 New York season opens on June 2 with a special benefit performance honoring renowned choreographer and Graham Company alumna Patricia Birch. The opening night program will feature a film by Nancy Stevens, Graham's Maple Leaf Rag, the Puritan Duet from American Document, the premiere of Cyclical Journey by Virginie Mécène, and a special restaged sequence from Grease by Birch. The season also includes Lament from Acts of Light, excerpts from Night Journey and Plain of Prayer, and a duet by guest choreographer Amanda Kreglow.

"We are delighted to honor Pat Birch, an illustrious alum, in an event that supports scholarships and the next generation of Graham dancers," says Virginie Mécène, Artistic Director, Graham 2. "We are pleased to share some of Pat's many achievements with our guests, and have a few special surprises on the program as well."

Performances will take place Thursday, June 2, at 7:30pm (opening night benefit) and Friday-Sunday, June 3-5, at 8pm, at the Martha Graham Studio Theater, 55 Bethune Street, 11th floor, in Manhattan. Tickets to the opening night benefit (performance and reception) are $80. Tickets for other performances are $25 (in advance) / $30 (at the door). Student tickets are $15 (in advance) / $20 (at the door). For complete program details and to purchase tickets online, visit: http://marthagraham.org/school/graham2/.

American choreographer and director Patricia Birch began her career as a soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company, in Agnes de Mille revivals, and in West Side Story. She is a two-time Emmy Award winner, was honored by the Fred & Adele Astaire Awards and Rosie's Theater Kids, and is a five-time Tony Award nominee for her choreography of the original Broadway productions of Grease, A Little Night Music, Over Here!, Pacific Overtures, Candide, and Parade. She has directed and choreographed music videos for Cyndi Lauper, the Rolling Stones, and Carly Simon, and has choreographed numbers on Saturday Night Live as well as Boardwalk Empire.