Ben Vereen is STEPPIN' OUT for The Holidays at The Ridgefield Playhouse

Legendary Tony Award-winning actor Ben Vereen performs a show-stopping evening of song and dance mixed with holiday songs to celebrate something for everyone! Mixed in with stories of his life, seasoned with insight and humor, Ben performs signature numbers such as: "Magic To Do" from Pippin (for which he won a Tony Award) "Wait For It' from Hamilton," "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, "Mr. Bojangles," and "Life Is Just A Bowl of Cherries," and a tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra. In addition, 'Tis the Season' for some holiday favorites from both Hanukkah and Christmas as we join Ben in lighting the first candle to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah right on stage! This show is part of Ridgefield Magazine Broadway and Cabaret Series, partially underwritten by The Ridgefield Press. Join us in the lobby at 3:15pm for a complimentary wine tasting and try some great vintages offered by Treasury Wine Estates. Visit Bernard's (20 West Lane, Ridgefield) on the day of the show for a great pre-fixe menu. Reservations suggested. Media sponsor for this show is WSHU.

In addition to his award-winning turn in Pippin, Vereen's Broadway career is studded with starring roles in Chicago, Fosse, Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, Hair, I'm Not Rappaport, Jelly's Last Jam, Sweet Charity, Chicago, A Christmas Carol To name a few. He has appeared in many feature films, co-starring with Chris Rock in Top Five, Richard Gere in Time Out of Mind, and Laverne Cox in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Vereen also appeared in Funny Lady, All That Jazz, Idlewild, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, and others. His memorable television roles include Chicken George in "ROOTS" and Louis Armstrong in "Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style." He has also made guest appearances on "Hot In Cleveland," "How I Met Your Mother," "Grey's Anatomy," "NCIS," and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent." Ben can currently be seen in season 1 and 2 of Amazon's hit TV series SNEAKY PETE. He recently acted on both the new MAGNUM P.I. series on CBS, and STAR on FOX.

While not performing, Vereen continues to give his time to organizations such as Ballet Florida's Board of Directors, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association, Celebrities for a Drug Free America and Community Mental Health Council. Vereen volunteered with the American Red Cross during 9/11, an event that changed his life and the world forever. Ben led ongoing diabetes awareness campaign called "S.T.A.N.D." in partnership with Sanofi-Aventis pharmaceuticals. He continues to speak out for diabetes for Novo Nordisk, whose purpose is to eradicate diabetes in our lifetimes. For his humanitarian contributions, he has received a number of awards including Israel's Cultural and Humanitarian Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, an Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award, and a Victory Award. He has received Honorary Doctorates from the University of Arizona, Emerson College, St. Francis College, and Columbia College in Chicago. In 2001, Medgar Evers College created the Ben Vereen Scholarship for the Performing Arts, and in 2004, he received an Achievement in Excellence Award from his alma mater, the High School of the Performing Arts. Recently, Ben led the American Athletes into the LA Coliseum for The Special Olympics, followed by participating in Producer Nigel Lythgoe's event in Beverly Hills introducing dance as a competition for the first time in the history of the Special Olympics.

Don't miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this prolific and talented performer and humanitarian!

For tickets ($75) call or visit the box office, 203-438-5795 or go online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

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