Best of Broadway Benefit to Support NJ Youth Theatre at Algonquin Arts Theatre 8/1

The brightest New Jersey Youth Theatre stars will come together at the Algonquin Arts Theatre of Manasquan for a one-night-only "Best of Broadway" benefit concert on August 1 at 7:30 p.m. They will perform songs from New Jersey Youth Theatre musicals previously presented at the Algonquin Arts Theatre, singing show-stoppers from the classic musicals in which they appeared over the past seven years at the Algonquin Arts Theatre and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, including West Side Story, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Carousel, Sweeney Todd, Ragtime, and Dames at Sea.

Proceeds from the benefit will support New Jersey Youth Theatre, the award-winning nonprofit theatre organization that presents Broadway-quality musical and dramatic productions featuring talented young New Jersey performers. New Jersey Youth Theatre also offers classes in drama, musical theatre, acting, dance, and voice in its Roselle Park studio. "This is the first time we've been lucky enough to bring back some of our favorite performers to the Algonquin Arts Theatre," said Cynthia Meryl, Executive Director of New Jersey Youth Theatre (www.njyouththeatre.org). "And we're thrilled to offer this show during the week when we're also performing Rent there." Rent performances at the Algonquin Arts Theatre run July 30 through August 8.

William Whitefield, Managing Director of Algonquin Arts Theatre (www.algonquinarts.org), and the Algonquin Arts Board, have generously offered their theatre to New Jersey Youth Theatre for the event. "We have had a long-standing relationship with New Jersey Youth Theatre and we are thrilled to be a part of this spectacular celebration," says Whitefield. "Considering their track record, it will no doubt be a terrific concert."

Two of the "Best of Broadway" performers recently received Star Ledger "Obie" awards from noted theater critic Peter Filichia. Kevin Melendez won Best Actor and Jaclyn Ingoglia won Best Actress for their roles in New Jersey Youth Theatre's Sweeney Todd last summer. "Many of my most cherished memories as a performer have come from being on the Algonquin Arts Theatre stage," says Melendez. "To be able to perform there again is an honor." The benefit will also feature a duet by Meryl and Whitefield, from Puttin' on the Ritz, New Jersey Youth Theatre's 2003 tribute to Irving Berlin.

Tickets for the benefit ($25 general admission; $15 student discount with I.D.) are available at the Algonquin Arts Theatre website (www.algonquinarts.org), by phone (732-528-9211), and at the Algonquin Arts Theatre Box Office (173 Main Street, Manasquan). Anyone purchasing "Best of Broadway" tickets who buys Rent tickets simultaneously will get a $3 discount to see Rent (regular price: $29 for adults and seniors; $18 for ages 18 and under). Rent is suitable for ages 12 and older.

New Jersey Youth Theatre:

New Jersey Youth Theatre is one of the most celebrated and critically acclaimed theatre organizations in New Jersey. A two-time recipient of the Citation of Excellence from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts for excellence in artistic quality, programming, and public service in the arts, New Jersey Youth Theatre also recently received the Star Ledger New Jersey Obie awards for Best Revival for its 2009 production Sweeney Todd and for Best Director, Cynthia Meryl. The mission of New Jersey Youth Theatre is to provide the highest quality theatre arts education and on-stage experience at little or no cost to aspiring young performers and technicians interested in entering the professional arena.

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