BIT BY THE BUG Cabaret at The Green Room 42 to Benefit ALS Research
Producer Brooke Emmerich leads a cast of 13, with musical direction by Isabella Mesenbrink, to honor her late mother.
The Green Room 42 will host Bit by the Bug: Falling in Love with Musical Theatre in Honor of Judy Ellis on June 9 at 7PM. This program of songs from stage and screen will celebrate the musicals that sparked the cast's love of musical theatre, as well as the family and friends who fanned the flames. Producer Brooke Emmerich (Kindred Spirits Productions) leads a company of 13 in this tribute to her mother, Judy Ellis, who originally introduced Brooke to musical theatre. Judy died of ALS/FTD in 2025; proceeds from Bit by the Bug will benefit Target ALS.
"Since my mom passed away from these horrible diseases, I wanted to find a way to honor her, capture her enormous spirit and eccentricity, and fundraise for a brighter future for ALS/FTD patients and the at-risk community," says Emmerich. "I am overjoyed to have landed on a project that will celebrate her and art that inspired both of us to pursue music and artistry, and help expedite drug development for these diseases that aren't so rare at all. "
Target ALS is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers in ALS research to find effective treatments. Specifically, Target ALS has several programs dedicated to research on the C9orf72 repeat expansion, the most common genetic cause of ALS and/or FTD.
Highlighting the full spectrum of musical theatre joy-from Golden Age classics to the animated hits that fueled so many millennials' dreams-this 70-minute program is also led by musical director Isabella Mesenbrink and director Andrew Betz (A to Z Arts) with a cast including Marin Asnes, Hannah Battersby, Ben George, Zellah Kirkpatrick, Aaron Penzel, Garrett D. Reese, Jalan Royal, Elenna Usher, and Siena Yeo. While prompted by a tragedy, Bit by the Bug harnesses the stories and gifts of a multifaceted company to honor inspiration and drive toward a future free of ALS/FTD.
Kindred Spirits Productions and A to Z Arts in New York, NY will present Bit by the Bug: Falling in Love with Musical Theatre in Memory of Judy Ellis on June 9 at 7pm at The Green Room 42 at 570 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036. Tickets are $20 (no food/drink minimum) and may be purchased until June 9 at 5pm or at the venue starting June 9 at 6:30pm. For more information, visit thegreenroom42.venuetix.com and targetals.org.
THE GREEN ROOM 42 opened in 2017 and has since become one of New York City's most celebrated destinations for live performance, dining, and special events. Rising above Times Square, The Green Room 42 brings together a Cabaret, Rooftop, and Supper Club under one dynamic brand-offering nightly shows, all-day dining from breakfast through dinner, and a vibrant seasonal rooftop bar that showcases the city from above.
Since its debut, The Green Room 42 has redefined the modern cabaret experience in NYC. The venue has hosted more than 5,000 artists-including icons such as Lillias White, Josh Groban, Sara Bareilles, Tina Fey, Katharine McPhee, Bowen Yang, Bette Midler, and Judy Kuhn-cementing its status as a powerhouse home for Broadway's biggest stars and the industry's most exciting emerging talent.
Guests enjoy inspired dishes, signature cocktails, craft beer, and a curated wine list-served table-side to elevate every performance. With flexible, beautifully designed spaces across the Cabaret, the Supper Club, and the Rooftop, The Green Room 42 stands as a premier destination for unforgettable nights out, social gatherings, and private events of any size. Tickets and reservations are available at www.TheGreenRoom42.com.
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