Miss NY, ANNIE Orphans and Ryan Kasprzak Set for Tonight's Benefit for West Side YMCA

The West Side YMCA's Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater will present its 3rd annual benefit cabaret, Little Theater, Big Dreams tonight, May 13th at 7PM. The Off-Broadway hidden gem, located inside the historic West Side Y, will play host to powerful performances from Broadway's brightest up-and-coming stars alongside their own Kids Company, a group of young (6-14 year old) triple-threats-in-training. All proceeds will benefit the on-going youth theatre programs supported by the Y's Strong Kids Campaign.

Show-stopping numbers will include the adorable orphans of the current Tony-nominated revival of Annie and the Y's Kids Company in an updated version of the old classic "I Won't Grow Up" from Peter Pan, and Miss New York, Shannon Oliver, will lead the Kids Company singers in Sondheim's moving "Children Will Listen" from Into the Woods. So You Think You Can Dance fan favorite Ryan Kasprzak will dazzle the crowd with his fancy footwork, and there will be a special appearance by Mikey who plays Annie's furry, four-legged friend Sandy in Broadway's Annie.

Performers scheduled to appear include: Lilla Crawford, Madi Rae DiPietro, Junah Jang, Tyrah Skye Odoms, Brooklyn Shuck, Sadie Sink, Jaidyn Young (Annie Orphans), Justin Barnette (Encore's Fiorello!), JarEd Thomas Bradshaw (Jersey Boys, Forbidden Broadway), Kathy Calahan (Mary Poppins) Ryan Kasprzak (So You Think You Can Dance, Smash asst. choreo.), Amanda LaVergne (Annie, Grease '07 revival), Megan Lewis (Bare, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Grey Gardens), Desi Oakley (Annie, Wicked), Shannon Oliver (Miss New York 2012), Ryan VanDenBoom (Annie), Laurie Veldheer (Newsies) and Mikey (Annie). The benefit will be hosted by Broadway's David Rossetti (Annie), who also serves as the benefit creator, coordinator and co-director (along with Cedric Hill).

Each year the YMCA of Greater New York delivers more than $46 million in sponsored, free and subsidized programs to more than 400,000 members and program participants, assuring all of an equal chance to benefit from the YMCA's programs and services. The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater and the West Side Y Arts Department currently reach over 200 youth. Funds raised help offer new programs, sponsor more youth who are interested in the arts and ensure continued updates and repairs to our theatrical home.

Tickets are $65 for VIP (post-show reception with performers, light hors d'vours and wine), $45 for regular ticket, and $20 student (1 per ID). For tickets visit www.Theatermania.com or call 866.811.4111.

The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater at the West Side Y is a non-profit, independent, Off-Broadway Theater in the West Side YMCA which exists, in part, to: encourage the creative spirit in young people; and empower, educate, and maximize the potential of the young people and emerging artists.

The YMCA of Greater New York is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves New York City's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In scores of neighborhoods across the five boroughs and its camp upstate, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 400,000 New Yorkers to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymcanyc.org.