‘Wicked' Companies To Stage Benefits For LGBT Civil Rights

Broadway is coming together across the country to support LGBT civil rights.

On Monday, January 12, cast members from the four North American companies of the popular theatrical event “WICKED” will host “DEFYING INEQUALITY,” a special evening of benefit cabaret performances promoting equality and civil rights.

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The events will be held simultaneously in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Louisville (where the National Tour is performing), and feature cast members from “WICKED” as well as special guest performers.

These special one-night only events will benefit Empire State Pride Agenda, Equality California, Garden State Equality and Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, four non-profit charitable organizations working to legislate equality and protect civil rights for the gay and lesbian community. All proceeds will be distributed evenly among the four organizations.

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The events will feature Nicole Parker, Ben Cameron, Marty Thomas, Kathy Deitch, Ari Gold, The Glamazons, Mimi Imfurst, Eve Starr, Kelly King, and Brandi Chavonne Massey in New York; Eden Espinosa, Megan Hilty, Shoshana Bean and Jo Anne Worley in Los Angeles; Brian Justin Crum, Kristoffer Cusick, Bridie Carroll, Ted Ely, Heidi Kettenring and Dee Roscioli in Chicago; and Donna Vivino, Richard H. Blake, Ben Liebert and Myra Lucretia Taylor in Louisville.

Each of the “DEFYING INEQUALITY” events will feature different musical performances that support “WICKED’s” theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical’s message that people should not be judged on first impressions. Performing on their night off from the musical hit, the “WICKED” cast members and musicians from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Louisville will be joined by local theatre performers who also recognize that in these divisive times we must come together to support one another’s rights throughout the country and around the world.

Venue, ticketing and contact information for “DEFYING INEQUALITY” is as follows:

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In New York:
Venue: Gershwin Theatre Lobby, 222 W 51 Street, New York, NY
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM; Show is at 8:00 PM
Tickets:
$25 Advance Regular Admission, which includes 1 free drink
$30 Admission at the Door, includes 1 free drink
$100 VIP Admission, which includes 2 free drinks, access to VIP Area,
signed WICKED poster, and a WICKED Gift bag
How to Purchase: www.theatermania.com/new-york/shows/defying-inequality_150912/ or email defyinginequality@yahoo.com for more information.

In Los Angeles:
Venue: The Factory, 652 N La Peer Drive, West Hollywood, CA
Time: Doors open at 7:30 PM; Curtain is at 8:00 PM; dance party to follow
Tickets: $60 Standing Room; $200 Donor Seating
How to Purchase: www.plays411.com/defyinginequality or (323) 960-7776
Other: Dance Party will follow performance

In Chicago:
Venue: Park West, 322 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM; Curtain is at 8:00 PM
Tickets: $30 General Admission; $50 Premium
How to Purchase: www.ticketmaster.com (search “Defying Inequality”) or (312) 559-1212
Other: Live & Silent Auction

In Louisville:
Venue: The Connection, 120 S. Floyd Street (Corner of Main & Floyd), downtown Louisville
Time: Doors open at 7:30 PM; Curtain is at 8:00 PM
Tickets: $20 General Admission available at the door
Other: Live auction and Meet & Greet opportunities with the cast.

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