Brian Stokes Mitchell Joins 10th Anniversary Benefit of Young At Arts, 4/20

Bronxville, New York--Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell joins more than 100 children at Young At Arts (YAA), a community-based performing arts program that gives out scholarships to deserving young students, to celebrate YAA's 10th anniversary via its annual benefit titled "Broadway to Bronxville" today, April 20, at Christ Church (17 Sagamore Road, Bronxville, N.Y.) at 6:30 p.m.

Dubbed as "The Last Leading Man" by The New York Times, Mitchell won the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critic Circle awards for his performance in the 1999 Broadway revival of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate." Other Broadway credits include "Women on the Verge of Nervous Breakdown," "Love/Life," "Man of La Mancha," "King Hedley II," and "Ragtime." Film and TV appearances include "Frasier," "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," "Trapper John, MD, and "Crossing Jordan."

Directed by YAA founder, Sharyn Pirtle (Houston Grand Opera, Portland Opera), "Broadway to Bronxville" also features Midwest Emmy Award-winning soprano Adrienne Danrich (San Francisco Opera, "The Sound of Music" telecast), Linda Mugleston ("On The Twentieth Century," "Into the Woods"), and Trevor Dion Nicholas ("Aladdin," "Big River").

Charles duChateau ("King and I," "South Pacific") and Annbritt duChateau ("Aladdin," "Billy Elliot") lead the band that consists of Dave Fabris (guitar), Harry Hassell (reeds), Dick Sarpola (bass), and John Redsecker (drums).

Shawn Kaufman (Portland Opera) is lighting designer; and Scott Sanders ('Les Miserables") is sound designer.

"Broadway to Bronxville" also pays tribute to Reverend Michael Bird who helped found YAA in 2005.

For tickets ($100 to $500), visit youngatartsny.org.

Proceeds will to go to YAA's scholarship fund.

Photo: Walter McBride