Play on Broadway

[pasey13]

Posted: 10/4/05 at 11:09am

Has anyone else heard about this event???

I hear it is going to be a lot of fun...

"PLAY ON BROADWAY"

Hosted by Julie Halston

An Event in Support of the T. Lundquist Benefit Fund,

Fractured Atlas and The Actors' Fund of America

Sunday, October 16, 2005

At the Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre

Susan Vargo is pleased to announce plans for the new, spectacular all-star benefit, PLAY ON BROADWAY – the first-ever Broadway game show – on Sunday, October 16, 2005 (7:30 p.m.) at the Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for the Arts (111 West 46th Street). PLAY ON BROADWAY will be hosted by Broadway luminary and audience favorite Julie Halston (Gypsy, Hairspray).

In the tradition of great television game shows, PLAY ON BROADWAY is a one-of-a-kind, fully interactive event in which Broadway celebrities will play alongside audience members for chances to win fabulous prizes. The evening will consist of games inspired by all-time TV favorites tailored to test our celebrity and our audience's knowledge of Broadway. Each game will conclude with one celebrity winner and one audience prize winner. To date, PLAY ON BROADWAY has received over $10,000 in travel prize donations, including a weekend stay at Chicago’s famous Hotel Monaco plus two tickets to Wicked at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, a two-night weekend romance at the Hotel Vintage Plaza in Portland, Oregon and a weekend stay in a bay view suite at San Francisco’s Hotel Griffon.

To date, the roster of celebrity participants includes Michael Arden, Kate Baldwin, Chris Barron, Anastasia Barzee, Laura Benanti, Tituss Burgess, Michael Cerveris, Lori Chase, Didi Conn, Scott Ellis, Katie Finneran, Merwin Foard, Hunter Foster, Jenn Gambatese, Alexander Gemignani, Danny Gurwin, Marc Kudisch, Megan McGinnis, Gerry McIntyre, Matthew Morrison, Graham Rowat, Tracie Thoms and Allison Walla.

PLAY ON BROADWAY is directed by Jen Bender with musical direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell. PLAY ON BROADWAY is produced by Susan Vargo. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Todd Lundquist Benefit Fund, Fractured Atlas and The Actors’ Fund of America.

Just prior to beginning work as the Assistant Director on Broadway's The Pillowman, Todd Lundquist suffered a massive seizure. Tests revealed he would require a frontal craniotomy to remove a growth from his right frontal lobe possibly to be followed by radiation or chemo-therapy. Like many young artists in this country, Todd has no health insurance. Todd's experience is a harsh reminder that youth does not equal invincibility. It also drives home just how vulnerable a person is without access to proper healthcare.

Inspired by Todd's health crises, PLAY ON BROADWAY will support him in his time of need while raising awareness for the importance of health care for emerging artists.

Tickets for PLAY ON BROADWAY are $75 (mezzanine), $150 (rear orchestra, $75 of which is tax deductible) and $275 (front orchestra, $200 of which is tax deductible). The $275 seats include admission to the exclusive post-show celebration at Balzano’s (1515 Broadway at Shubert Alley). To purchase tickets, please call TheaterMania.com at 212-352-3101.

Sponsorship Packages are also available at $1,200 ($750 of which is tax deductible), which includes six tickets to PLAY ON BROADWAY, admittance to exclusive afterparty at Balzano’s, and a listing in the show program. To order, or for more information, please call 917-664-1779.

Updated On: 10/5/05 at 11:09 AM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/4/05 at 11:20am

Julie Halston is one of the funniest people on the planet, so this should be a hoot.

It's odd they're making such price distinctions in the little Laura Pels Theatre. Its capacity is only 400 and there isn't a bad seat in it.

[georgespelvin2]

Posted: 10/4/05 at 12:14pm

I am glad they did the pricing that way, poor people like me will be able to attend. Looks like an interesting group. I wonder how they choose the contestants. Anyone have any idea?

Posted: 10/4/05 at 12:57pm

I heard through the underground B'wy grapevine that this is going to be one hell of a night! Already it's an amazing group of people, and I hear more surprises are showing up daily...Hope I see some of you there!!

[Broadwaybaby33]

Posted: 10/4/05 at 1:22pm

I already got my tickets...and I heard they are selling fast! Wow, what an amazing group of people! It's going to be a hoot and well worth the money for such a great cause! Hope to see you all there!

[pasey13]

Posted: 10/4/05 at 3:41pm

Just got my $75 mezzanine tickets (theatermania.com) - I have never been to that theatre but since you guys say there is no bad seats, I figure I will get the ones I can afford...thanks for the info.

I hope I get picked to go up on stage and win something!!!!

[Norbielover]

Posted: 10/5/05 at 7:01am

Is anyone else planning on going to this? I know some of you said you got your tickets already. Do you think this will become an annual event?

[liotte]

Posted: 10/5/05 at 7:24am

I wish I could go, but it's the same night as Standing Ovations. Why do these events always happen the same night???

[ShuQ]

Posted: 10/5/05 at 7:50am

Ahh that sucks SO bad that it's same night as Standing Ovations...Oh well, I'd go to SO instead

[Norbielover]

Posted: 10/5/05 at 8:05am

Some of the most popular game shows could totally fit this genre. Who's Line is it Anyway?, Name that Show-tune, etc. Wouldnt it be fun if they had a dating game? and you could win a date with Marc Kudisch or Michael Arden or someone.

[pasey13]

Posted: 10/5/05 at 2:29pm

Who wouldn't want to have a date with that cute Arden!

I dont know if this is going to be annual but I guess we will find out after the event, how successful it is and all.

But who doesnt like gameshows! I am addicted to GSN (game show network) There is nothing funnier than those older Match Games Shows where Gene Rayburn is just off and all of the other actors are so sexual. Good Times - Good Times

[pasey13]

Posted: 10/5/05 at 2:51pm

Looks like Standing Ovations is sold out so this is a great event to go to that night - and DARE I SAY - a GREAT CAUSE!

Its always nice to give back!
Updated On: 10/5/05 at 02:51 PM

[Norbielover]

Posted: 10/6/05 at 7:24am

Pasey- Do you know which ticket I need to buy to go to the afterparty? I really want to try to meet Michael Arden and get a picture, he is so hot.

[Norbielover]

Posted: 10/6/05 at 7:25am

Ok, so I just re-read the press release. I got the info.

[pasey13]

Posted: 10/6/05 at 11:47am

Norbie - I'm glad you got the info - will i see you there?

[Norbielover]

Posted: 10/6/05 at 6:08pm

I have decided to go. Just waiting to get my ticket so I can get the party ticket too.
Yay! I am excited.

[pasey13]

Posted: 10/7/05 at 11:27am

Very cool - will see you there!! I hope you get choosen to participate in one of the game shows. I hope I do!!!

[Horton]

Posted: 11/25/06 at 10:49pm

Does anybody know if they are doing play on broadway this year?