Star-Studded 'Benefit Of Broadway' At Debonair Music Hall

From EMC Fine Arts Studio: On Monday evening, July 15th, EMC Fine Arts Studios and Teaneck’s Debonair Music Hall will present a star-studded Benefit of Broadway to create scholarships for New Jersey students in need of support for performing arts training.

Among those scheduled to perform are Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (TV’s Fear the Walking Dead and Gotham; Caroline, or Change), Bonnie Millegan (Theatre World Award winner for Head Over Heels, TV’s Escape at Dannemora), Ciara Renée (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow; Pippin, Big Fish, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Adinah Alexander (Broadway’s Kinky Boots, Wicked, Parade), Ciarán Sheeran (The Phantom of the Opera, The Four Phantoms Concert), New York City Opera’s Dan Ansaldo, two-time Helen Hayes Award nominee Jordan Auriemma, and classical pianist Brielle Perez (Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall).

EMC Studios’ Erin Marie Calev and Marissa Lynn will open the program; Erik Liberman (Amazon’s Transparent; War Paint and The Band’s Visit) will perform as well as co-produce; celebrated author and host Richard Skipper and music director Brad Simmons (Lysistrata Jones, Hello Again with Audra McDonald) will emcee.

Calev’s goal in establishing the scholarship fund is to promote youth participation in the arts and offer support to students who demonstrate significant financial need. “I have families experiencing hardships due to the loss of a parent, the loss of a parent’s job, and other circumstances that leave them unable to participate,” she explains. “We want to provide opportunity for students to reach their full potential, especially if they’re interested in a career in the arts.”

Calev highlights one interesting challenge in her efforts to raise scholarship funds. “There is a misconception that Bergen County students are affluent, and I often hear this from people who live outside Bergen County,” she explains. “While Bergen County does have affluent areas, there are plenty of communities where the need is great. We want this scholarship fund to help more students to pursue their dreams and pursue education in the arts.”

The Benefit of Broadway will include a performance by the vocal students of the EMC Studios and Marissa Lynn Studio, followed by Broadway and special guests. Tickets are $75 per person plus a $15 food/drink minimum. For more information and tickets, please visit emcfinearts.com.