Jason Daunter to Make Solo Cabaret Debut With BECAUSE I WANT TO! at the Laurie Beechman, 10/5-6

Jason Daunter, producing director for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and a veteran Broadway stage manager, will make his solo cabaret debut -- and farewell performance -- on October 5 and 6, 2014, at the Laurie Beechman Theatre (407 West 42nd Street, NYC).

Jason Daunter: Because I Want To! takes the charismatic and electric Daunter from cue-light to spotlight, celebrating his professional and personal journeys on the road and in New York City. Daunter will perform two shows: 9:30 pm on October 5 and 7 pm on October 6.

Joining Daunter for the intimate evening will be his own "Divas," Broadway's Emily Ferranti (Wicked), Mamie Parris (Ragtime), and Bud Weber (Aladdin). He'll be backed by four-piece band led by Musical Director Jason Yarcho, who's also providing arrangements. Vocal supervision is by Christine Riley and the evening is directed by Donald E. Birely.

Side Show creators Henry Krieger and Bill Russell are collaborating to write an original song for Daunter commemorating his journey from bullied high school student to advocate for educational theatre to most recently joining the Broadway Cares staff as producing director.

"I promise this is the only time this show will happen," Daunter says. "I just happen to have something to say and this is how I'm going to say (and sing) it! Seriously, though, these two nights are a celebration of what theatre has meant to me. This show celebrates the collaboration, friendship, hard work and passion everyone in this industry has. I am so honored to have so many people I respect joining me for this ride."

Daunter got his Broadway start with Cyrano de Bergerac starring Kevin Kline. He has served as Mr. Kline's artistic associate since the 2008 production. Daunter went on to work on the stage management teams of the Broadway or national tour productions of Glory Days, Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Broadway blockbuster Wicked. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Educational Theatre Association and frequently keynotes across the country to adolescent youth on the topic of bullying. He officially joined the staff at Broadway Cares in February after being a devoted volunteer since 2002.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre is located in the basement of The West Bank Café at 407 West 42nd Street at Ninth Avenue in New York City. Tickets are $25 with a $15 food and beverage minimum. To purchase tickets, visit lauriebeechmantheatre.com.

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