Celebrating 15 Years of the Theatre Musical, RENT: Shining the Spotlight on Housing Needs for those with HIV/AIDS
TORONTO, Oct. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Toronto production of the smash musical hit RENT, BMO Financial Group will present SPOTLIGHT, the annual fundraising gala in support of Fife House.
It all takes place October 29th at the fabulous new Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street, East, starting at 6 p.m.
RENT was the first Broadway musical to tackle the subject of those living with HIV/AIDS and in the 15 years since its Toronto premiere, Fife House has become a Canadian leader in housing and caring for those living with the disease.
This anthology production will feature a broad selection of RENT material performed by original cast members - including, Chad Richardson (Mark), Cary Shields (Roger), Gavin Hope (Collins), and Jenifer Aubry (Maureen). They will be joined with the cast from the 2012 Theatre Sheridan production of RENT that enjoyed a 4 week run at the Panasonic Theatre this past spring. Produced by Michael Rubinoff (Theatre Sheridan), with musical direction from Bob Foster (Mirvish productions of Hairspray, We WIll Rock You, and Dirty Dancing); the evening promises to be a stellar celebration of this iconic rock opera.
Michael Rubinoff was approached to help with Spotlight following the Theatre Sheridan Production and says he thrilled to be a part of Spotlight: "As depicted in Rent, coping with day-to-day life, health and relationships; things we often take for granted, become monumentally challenging when faced with a health crisis. I felt this could be a very special event and raise significant funds for Fife House".
RENT is one of the longest running and most honoured shows in Broadway history, winning a Tory Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize. Based on the opera La Boheme, it tells the story of young and impoverished artists and musicians struggling to survive and support each other in New York's Lower East Side, while at the same time coping with the specter of HIV/AIDS.
Fife House Foundation provides housing and supportive programs and services to men, women and families in Toronto living with HIV/AIDS. Its core belief is that with hope, people see a future; with help, doors open, and with home, everything is possible.
Raising more than $500,000 since its inception, the annual Spotlight gala raises funds that go directly to services and programs at Fife House.
Fife House's Executive Director Keith Hambly says this will be an unforgettable evening which combines a groundbreaking musical with the values of the organization: "This unique and engaging evening of RENT, performed in a brand new community dedicated venue, will provide relevant and poignant entertainment; giving a thoughtful nod to the mission and programs of Fife House.
Tickets are available online at www.spotlightfife.com and by calling 416-205-9888. Ticket price includes a cocktail reception and silent auction. General admission $75, VIP $125 (VIP includes reserved cabaret seating, open bar and meet and greet with performers).
SOURCE: Fife House Foundation
Karen Gilmour
[email protected]
416-205-9888 ext. 241
David Currah
[email protected]
416-205-9888 ext. 222
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