CANY Presents Benefit Screening of TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE Tonight

Broadway veteran and Tony Award-winner Nikki M. James is using her star power to help raise funds for Creative Alternatives of New York (CANY), which empowers trauma survivors through drama therapy.

CANY will present an exclusive screening of the LGBT documentary, To Russia with Love featuring Olympian Johnny Weir this evening, January 14, 2015 at the Engelman Recital Hall at Baruch Performing Arts Center (55 Lexington Ave, entrance on East 25th Street). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Screening begins at 7:00 p.m. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to follow. To purchase tickets, visit web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/9974492.

To Russia with Love, a documentary by Sundance Productions, follows Johnny Weir and other LGBT athletes at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi as they choose whether to risk their own safety by speaking out against Russia's anti-gay laws.

"CANY is an incredible organization that uses drama therapy to create therapeutic space where those who have experienced trauma in their lives can heal and feel empowered to rebuild," says Tony Award winner Nikki M. James, acclaimed for her performances in The Book of Mormon and LES MISERABLES. "As a member of CANY's Junior Board, I am excited to promote this important work, and I remain forever inspired by the way creativity can foster healing and change."

For additional information, contact CANY at (212) 222-1969, or development@cany.org.

For over thirty years, Creative Alternatives of New York (CANY) has been offering drama therapy programs to trauma-affected children and adults in the New York Metropolitan area, helping them to build new life skills and realize their potential through the art of drama. Working in partnership with leading social service agencies and health care institutions, CANY serves over 1,000 children and adults annually in residential centers for children and youth, special schools and community centers. www.cany.org