Shapiro Sisters and Friends Concert Benefits the 12.14 Foundation Tonight

Abigail Shapiro, currently playing the lead role in Liberty: A Monumental New Musical and Milly Shapiro, a Tony Award Honoree/Grammy Award nominee for her work in the lead role of Matilda the Musical, known jointly as The Shapiro Sisters, will headline the 12.14 Foundation's Benefit Concert tonight, November 7, 2014 at 7:00 PM.

The 12.14 FOUNDATION is a non-for-profit organization formed following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School to encourage personal development through high-level performing arts programs. The Foundation provides experiences that produce a long-lasting, positive effect on the way children see themselves and the world around them.

The Shapiro Sisters first got involved with the Newtown community after visiting with students at Sandy Hook Elementary School earlier this year.

The Shapiro Sisters noted, "We're so honored to be taking part in this event. We were so deeply touched by the Newtown tragedy and after visiting with the students and getting to know the community, we want to do anything we can to give back."

Other guests will include Paige Brady and Ava Ulloa from Matilda The Musical, Zachary Unger from Newsies, Jillian Caillouette from the Connecticut High School Musical Theatre Awards, and select cast members from each of the 12.14 Foundation's previous productions.

The concert will be directed and produced by Tony Award winner/Grammy Award nominee, Van Dean, who also co-conceived and produced From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Sandy Hook and whose label, Broadway Records, released the Matilda The Musical Original Broadway Cast Recording and the forthcoming A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream recording.

Van said, "We have many surprises in store and it will be a very memorable evening for the families of the Newtown area. I am thrilled that the proceeds from this event will benefit the 12.14 Foundation whose work with the Newtown area children has been incredibly rewarding for everyone involved."

The benefit will be held at the Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, CT tonight, November 7th at 7:00 pm. Proceeds will benefit the 12.14 Foundation. Ticket prices for children are $10 each and adults are $15. Tickets can be purchased online at http://broadway-records.ticketleap.com/benefit-concert-for-1214-foundation or at the door. The performers will be available after the show to sign autographs.

The 12.14 Foundation most recently presented the World Premiere of A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream and the Regional Premiere of The 101 Dalmatians Musical. The Newtown area children from the cast of A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream are currently in the studio recording the World Premiere Cast Recording of the show. The album will be released in December and is available for pre-order at www.BroadwayRecords.com.

The 12.14 FOUNDATION is a non-for-profit organization formed following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School to encourage personal development through high-level performing arts programs. The Foundation provides experiences that produce a long-lasting, positive effect on the way children see themselves and the world around them.

ABIGAIL SHAPIRO is currently starring in the title role in Liberty The Musical Off-Broadway. At 14 years old, she has performed on stages across the country, including Madison Square Garden as Cindy Lou Who in How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Abigail and younger sister Milly have just released their debut CD as The Shapiro Sisters, titled Live Out Loud: Live at 54 Below, following their series of successful cabaret performances at the famed Studio 54's supper club, 54 Below. Abigail has also played lead roles in regional productions of numerous shows including Annie, Gypsy and The Sound of Music. Originally from Tampa, Florida, she and her sister Milly were discovered by their manager at The Entertainment Group and have since relocated to New York City to pursue careers in the theater.

MILLY SHAPIRO is a Tony Award Winner and Grammy Award® Nominee for her role as Matilda in the original Broadway production of Matilda The Musical. At 12 years old, she has appeared on the 67th Annual Tony Awards, Live! With Kelly and Michael, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in addition to many others. Milly, and her sister Abigail have just jointly released their debut CD as The Shapiro Sisters, titled Live Out Loud: Live at 54 Below, following their series of cabaret performances at the famed Studio 54's supper club, 54 Below. Originally from Tampa, Florida, she and sister Abigail were discovered by their manager at The Entertainment Group and have since relocated to New York City to pursue careers in the theater.

PAIGE BRADY Age 11, from the Philadelphia area, was elated to be making her Broadway debut in Matilda The Musical! Regional: The Music Man (Walnut Street Theatre). Paige also amuses her creative mind through art, writing, and reading. Special thanks to teachers, mentors and David Doan for their support and guidance. Love to mom, dad, sister Brooke, pug Bijou, family and friends.

AVA ULLOA (age 9) was thrilled to be making her Broadway debut at the age of nine in Matilda The Musical. Theatre Credits: Numerous community productions. Thanks to all teachers and mentors for their love and support. Special thanks and gratitude to Amelia & BYE and MKS&D. Big Hugs and lots of love to Friends, Family, Mom, Dad and Scarlette.

ZACHARY UNGER is an 11 year old actor who most recently performed the role of Les in Disney's Newsies on Broadway. He also originated the role of Young Will in Big Fish and Young Charlie in Chaplin on Broadway. Off Broadway: Merrily We Roll Along, Measure For Measure. Film: Admission, Tar, Lily, What Maisie Knew. TV: Dora The Explorer, Forever. Zach has done several concerts, workshops and readings and is grateful for the experiences and wonderful people he has the opportunity to work with. He plays guitar and loves sports, especially football and basketball.

For more information on the Shapiro Sisters, visit www.ShapiroSisters.com or contact Rachel Reichblum at shapirosisters@gmail.com. For more information on the 12.14 Foundation, visit www.1214foundation.org.

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