QUILT from Blazetrak on Vimeo.
Whoopi Goldberg will host the special benefit performance that honors the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, as well as the 30th anniversary of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
David Esbjornson will direct the evening that benefits not only Rosie's Theater Kids, but also Friends In Deed, God’s Love We Deliver, Hispanic Federation, International AIDS Prevention Initiative, and The NAMES Project Foundation.
Quilt has a book by Jim Morgan, Merle Hubbard and John Schak. Music is by Michael Stockler, with lyrics by Morgan. The pop-rock musical intertwines songs and monologues of volunteers involved in the NAMES project, as well as those of survivors and the loved ones they have left behind.
In addition to featuring one of our very own students, the concert will feature Tony-winner Nikki James (The Book of Mormon), Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent), Anthony Rapp (Rent), Heather Raffo (9 Parts of Desire), and Steven Cupo (Sweeney Todd). Additional casting will be announced shortly.
Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner and POZ magazine editor in chief Regan Hofmann will co-chair the event. Faisal Al-Juburi leads the producing team.
Pieces of the quilt will also be on view at Lincoln Center, representing New York City artists in the fields of theatre, music and fashion.
For gala packages visit AIDSnyc.com. Performance-only tickets are $50 and are available by phoning (212) 721-6500, or at LincolnCenter.