For Immediate Release
Contact:
Gabriel McGowan
213.201.1521
gmcgowan@apla.org
Stars Deck The S.T.A.G.E. At “Hope for The Holidays,” An All-Star Cabaret to Benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles
A Special Seasonal Version of the Longest Continuously Running AIDS Benefit in the World Hits the Sunset Strip
Los Angeles, Calif., November 9, 2007 – Popular stars of stage and screen will usher in the holiday season on Saturday, December 8 as “Hope for the Holidays: A S.T.A.G.E. Seasonal Celebration” comes to Key Club in West Hollywood. The event, a benefit for AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), is a one night only dinner and performance of holiday classics in a cabaret setting.
This first-ever holiday event was created by producers David Galligan, Rodney Gould, Jonathan Kanes, Charles R. Pollock and Ted Seifman of the Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.), the annual spring AIDS benefit that salutes Broadway’s most respected composers. The award-winning Galligan will direct.
“The theatre community has been an exceptional ally since the start of the epidemic,” explains Craig E. Thompson, APLA executive director. “ ‘Hope for the Holidays’ is the latest example of their longstanding commitment to the fight against AIDS.”
The cast for the live performance includes: Ian Abercrombie, Catte Adams, David Burnham, Patrick Cassidy, Ashley Cuellar, Kevin Earley, Bonnie Franklin, Betty Garrett, Jon Maher, Valarie Pettiford, Jai Rodriguez, Sally Struthers, Rip Taylor, The Leading Ladies and Bruce Vilanch, plus a special appearance by The Beverly Center’s Hunky Santa and the Candy Cane Girls.
Before the 8:00 p.m. show, VIP ticket holders will enjoy a cocktail reception and fine dining experience. A live auction of a select number of items including an in-home dinner for 10 prepared by renowned chef Neal Fraser of Grace restaurant will also precede the show.
Tickets are available online at www.apla.org or www.stagela.com or by phone at 866.679.0958.
“Hope for the Holidays: A S.T.A.G.E. Seasonal Celebration” is presented by WaMu. Other sponsors include HBO, KOST 103.5FM and MetroSource. Net proceeds benefit APLA programs for people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS.
About S.T.A.G.E.
Since its inception in 1984, Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.) has raised more than $5 million for HIV/AIDS services throughout Southern California. Each S.T.A.G.E. benefit is a unique way for the Los Angeles performing arts community to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS, while demonstrating love and support for all of those living with and affected by the disease.
About AIDS Project Los Angeles
AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest non-profit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation. Founded by four friends in 1982, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national and global reach. For more information, visit www.apla.org.
###
