by debbie lynn elias
The glittering Great White Way just got a bit more golden with the addition of five-time Olympic medalist, diver Greg Louganis, to the cast of “To Broadway, From Hollywood. . .With Love”, for the Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (STAGE). Now in its 31st year, this beloved and acclaimed annual S.T.A.G.E. LA production raises funds for the “boots on the ground” work of funding programs at AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) with monies going to assist with, among others, groceries, housing and in-home health care. Once again, the Saban Theatre plays host on May 9th to this year’s production, “To Broadway, From Hollywood. . .With Love” with the show’s theme focusing on songs from Broadway productions which originated as Hollywood feature films.
Just announced as what will undoubtedly prove to be an eye-popping portion of the show, Louganis will be part of a costume cavalcade showcasing original costumes featured in Broadway productions. Susan Claassen, known for her award-winning one woman show, “A Conversation with Edith Head”, will narrate the segment. Joining Louganis and Claassen will be, among others, Johnny Chaillot-Louganis, Broadway veterans Haviland Stillwell and Craig Ramsay, television stars Noah Bean and Lyndsey Fonseca.
Other “new” additions to the production include veteran actresses and “Dancing With The Stars” alumni Lea Thompson and Florence Henderson. Henderson, forever known as “Carol Brady” of “The Brady Bunch” will be performing a tribute number to legendary choreographer, the late Dan Mojica.
Stars of the silver screen, Broadway and television already scheduled to appear include: Adrienne Baron, Susanne Blakeslee, Mary Jo Catlett, Carole Cook, James Darren, Nancy Dussault, David Engel, Julie Garnye, Thea Gill, Jason Graae, Bill A. Jones, Sally Kellerman, Jon Maher, James C. Mulligan, Patricia Morison, Robert Morse, Scott Nevins, Kevin Odekirk, Jake Simpson, Sally Struthers, Donna Theodore, Lisa Vroman and Adam Wylie. And the stars just keep on coming!
Created in 1984, STAGE is the longest-running annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the world. To date, STAGE has raised more than $5 million for HIV/AIDS organizations in the Southland. Founders and co-creators Michael Kerns and James Carroll wanted – and needed – to do something to help ease the pain and suffering of those individuals and their families battling AIDS. Through that desire and determination, their dream became the Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (STAGE). Calling on former Dramalogue scribe and theatre director David Galligan, the group began what is now a 31 year tradition of putting on a benefit with proceeds to benefit those afflicted with AIDS and their families in the Southern California area. Galligan has staged and directed every production of STAGE and returns this year for the 31st time. Joining him as first-time Musical Director is Brad Ellis. Choreographer is Lee Martino.
“To Broadway, From Hollywood…With Love” takes place on May 9, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California. Doors open at 6pm for perusal and bidding on the Silent Auction. For more information and to buy tickets go to www.stagela.com.
