MAD QUEEN to Debut at New World Stages for Broadway Cares

RUPAUL's DRAG RACE alum Willam Belli and THE VOICE's Chris Weaver (Nedra Belle) are set to star in MAD QUEEN, the new musical from PARTY MONSTER and FREAK SHOW author James St. James.

It is set to debut on May 29th, 7pm at New World Stages as a Benefit Concert and After-Party for BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS, sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka, Pret-A-Manger and The Standard. It will be presented by Broadway Benefit producers What's The Benefit? inc.

James St. James gained international attention after the biopic feature film release PARTY MONSTER, which starred Seth Green as James and Macaulay Culkin as his Club Kid co-founder Michael Alig.

MAD QUEEN offers synthesizer-pop dance beats reminiscent of the boombox days. It examines James's avant-garde existence as the "Celebutante Club-Kid King" and subsequent fall into the insidious underworld of late 80's NYC. While simultaneously working the doors and streets, James struggles to maintain recognition and find lasting love. Along the way, he and his "Kitty" inadvertently deliver introspective guidance and hilarious insight into the nature of life-- all set against the colorful backdrop of a visually spectacular nightlife scene in a dark and crime-ridden metropolis.

MAD QUEEN is co-written by Nicholas Nova with music and lyrics from Paul Daniel Cloeter. Chris Causer returns to Broadway as the production's director, which will feature a chorus of recent musical theatre college graduates.

What's The Benefit? inc. 501(c)(3) raises funds and awareness for charitable causes through the presentation of fine art events. Some of their past productions include WEAKER PEOPLE...A DANGEROUS NOTION on Broadway at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, KEEPERS on Broadway at Studio 54 and REPLAY at Joe's Pub, The Public Theatre's world-renown cabaret space.

Co-Executive Director Molly Blau comments, "We are so thrilled to be presenting MAD QUEEN for Broadway Cares, which has been at the forefront for nearly three decades helping to provide lifesaving medication, healthy meals and emergency financial assistance to those who need them most."

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised more than $300 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

For more information, please visit Broadway Cares online at broadwaycares.org, at facebook.com/BCEFA, at instagram.com/BCEFA, at twitter.com/BCEFA and at youtube.com/BCEFA.

Tickets for MAD QUEEN the Benefit Concert can be purchased at https://www.telecharge.com/Off-Broadway/Mad-Queen-The-Benefit-Concert/Overview

Those who cannot attend can give a tax-deductible donate to support this Benefit at www.whatsthebenefit.org/BroadwayCares