Olympia Dukakis to Host TALES OF THE CITY Benefit Today

Academy Award-winner Olympia Dukakis will be hosting a benefit performance of American Conservatory Theater's (A.C.T.) world-premiere musical, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City today, June 24, 2011, at 8 p.m. The evening is being hosted by San Francisco-based Jordan, Miller & Associates, which specializes in comprehensive financial planning for the LGBT community, as a benefit for A.C.T.'s education programs, and the Richmond Erhmet AIDS Foundation (REAF) of San Francisco. Attendees can choose to participate at different levels, all available at www.OlympiaHostsTales.Eventbrite.com:

"Olympia's Guest Tickets" ($1,500) include an intimate dinner with Dukakis and special guest "Top Chef: Just Desserts" winner Yigit Pura at celebrated San Francisco restaurant Fleur de Lyse, premium orchestra tickets to the show, and access to the VIP postshow party held at Clift Hotel.
"Barbary Lane VIP Passes" ($200-$235) include the best mezzanine or orchestra seats for the performance and the VIP postshow party at the Clift Hotel.

"Performance Only Tickets" ($55-$125) include seats at all seating levels for this once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Says Dukakis: "I am thrilled that my first viewing of this momentous new musical is being made into a fundraising event for A.C.T., who so boldly took on the challenge of bringing Armistead's work to the stage, and the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation, whose tireless fundraising for HIV/AIDS service organizations over the last 17 years has made a significant impact in my beloved city of San Francisco. It will be a weekend-long celebration, and I cannot wait to arrive in San Francisco to become Grand Celebrity Marshal of the Pride celebration."

Dukakis, who has appeared on the A.C.T. stage numerous times (most recently in last season's Vigil), has gained international recognition for her roles in television and film, including her turn as the iconic Anna Madrigal in the television miniseries versions of Tales of the City.

"We're excited about bringing this unique opportunity to fruition," says Brandon Miller and Joanne Jordan of organizing sponsor Jordan, Miller & Associates. "The June 24 event is a terrific way to celebrate Pride, support our local charities, and see this world premiere staging of San Francisco's most beloved story in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans of Armistead's work. Thank you, Olympia and Armistead, for making this night one we won't soon forget!"

The world premiere musical production of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City features a book by Tony Award-winning writer Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) and music and lyrics by Jake Shears and John Garden of the glam-rock band Scissor Sisters; is directed by Tony Award winner Jason Moore (Avenue Q and Shrek: The Musical); and is choreographed by Larry Keigwin. The world premiere production has been breaking sales records for the company and has just been extended again through July 24, 2011. For tickets and more information, please visit act-sf.org/tales or call 415.749.2228.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos

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