Baryshnikov Arts Center Presents FUNDING FOR THE ARTS, May 12-16

Baryshnikov Arts Center Presents the US premiere of FUNDING THE ARTS May 12-16. FUNDING THE ARTS will be presented as part of the company's 35th Anniversary season at the Howard Gilman Theatre.

Felice Lesse's FUNDING THE ARTS is about a few rogue ex-CIA agents (and their KGB counterparts, now bound in a common venture), who overthrow governments around the world and use the booty to support their first love -- their ballet company. But when they return to the U.S. in the post 9/11 world, they find they are totally unprepared for the realities of running a non-profit arts organization. Out of money, they look for a way to keep the company afloat, while trying to save the world from their arch-enemy (not to mention saving dance as an art form), as an apathetic public stays home and surfs the internet. This multi-media show incorporates theatre, film and dance.

Lawrence Leritz will play the leading role of Edgar the CIA villain on film. Lawrence produced and choreographed the Off-Broadway hit BOOBS! THE MUSICAL and appeared on Broadway in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, FONTEYN & NUREYEV On Broadway and with the American Dance Machine as guest artist. Also appearing in the cast is Debra Zalkind from Broadway's THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS.

FUNDING THE ARTS will be performed at the Baryshnikov Arts Center, Howard Gilman Performance Space located at 450 West 37th Street, between 9th and 10th Ave. Performances will take place May 12, 13, 14, and 15 at 7:30pm, May 15 at 2pm and May 16 at 3pm. Tickets are $20-$50 and are available at www.theatermania.com or by calling (212) 352-3101 or (866) 811-4111.

For more information visit http://www.fldt.org/