La Vie and Jacquline Kennedy Onassis Theaters Host THE SHEPHERD'S VINEYARD Ballet Charity Event Today

LA VIE THEATERS INC. presents A Ballet Charity Event FEATURING THE SHEPHERD'S VINEYARD. Playwright, composer, producer Shandell King, Choreographer Vivian Ullman and the Dance Troupe of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The production will start today, October 26th at 1pm & 7pm. Admission from $10- $25.

La Vie Theaters and Jackie Kennedy Onassis Theater announces its BALLET CHARITY EVENT for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The night's event will feature the ballet THE SHEPHERD'S VINEYARD A LOVE STORY, the goal is to inspire and provide hope through the innovative powers of the arts! This heart felt occasion will take place at the Jackie Kennedy-Onassis Theater on October 26th, 2013.

The evening is headlined by a performance of the moving ballet The Shepherd's Vineyard, written and produced by Shandell King whose experience includes roles in the hit TV sitcom Tyler Perry's House of Payne, CBS's Guiding Light and is producer/writer of the critically acclaimed musical Yahweh on Broadway. The ballet will be choreographed by well known, and highly respected, dancer and choreographer Vivian Ullman, Dance and Theater Co-coordinator of Business Arts at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School.

This exclusive charity event is to raise funds to aid St. Jude's Children's Hospital in their unique mission to finding a cure for children with cancer and other life threatening diseases. "The effects of a life threatening diagnosis can be devastating both physically and mentally. Our mission is to raise funds for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and to enlighten, entertain and provide hope, to the parents and children affected by a deadly disease. Children are our future and unless we band our efforts together we're looking at losing the fight" said Foundation Director Shandell King. La Vie Theaters Inc. has developed this creative event to carry out its mission of hope and awareness.

The featured ballet, The Shepherd's Vineyard, is a compelling love story of a King's secret passion for a young shepherd girl from the vineyard of Engedi named Vidalia, played by Daniellys Wong. King Raphael played by JoNathan Davis struggles with his emerging love for Vidalia after she is brought into the kingdom to comfort his dying father through dance. King LaGrippa, Raphael's dying father played by Kaitlin Cheveres sends out a decree throughout the land to have a virgin ballerina sought out. The King's eunuchs capture Vidalia when she is seen secretly dancing while filling the vineyard's animal trough's. During Vidalia's time in the kingdom she unleashes a conspiracy between King LaGrippa's younger son and his comrades to kill his brother Raphael to become the new king. Angered by the news, King LaGrippa immediately has Raphael appointed in his stead, and Vidalia no longer needed is relinquished of her duties after LaGrippa's passing, and returned to the Vineyard of Engedi.

As the story unfolds Raphael realizes his love for Vidalia as he often sees her among the town's people and later discovers that it was her that protected him from his brother's plot. As time unravels he secretly steals away during the night's to see her, their love heightens but cannot be revealed, for a king is forbidden to marry a peasant girl. At the end of the story Vidalia is killed by one of King Raphael's eunuch's for approaching the king without his

permission. Raphael had failed to inform Vidalia that he would be away fighting in battle and would see her on his return. Her relentless love and desperation for Raphael forces her to search for him resulting in her death. The essence of this heart felt ballet illuminates that love is no respect of persons; its force is as strong as the grave and if hidden, will eventually be revealed.

The entire cast and crew brings a wealth of dance and theater experience and an even stronger abundance of passion for this cause. They are committed in their mission. Join La Vie Theaters for this special occasion and be a part of a remarkable and inspirational cause. Donations for tickets range from $10 to $25 and can be purchased at ballet.brownpapertickets.com with reduced donation amounts for students and children. Please contact La Vie Theaters at info@lavietheaters.org for additional information. Also, be sure to check out the La Vie Theaters Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lavietheaters and www.facebook.com/theshepherdsvineyardballet.