Photo Coverage: Only Make Believe Benefit
By: Genevieve Rafter Keddy Nov. 07, 2006
Some of Broadway's brightest gathered for the sixth annual gala benefit for "Only Make Believe," hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford, on Monday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hudson Theatre at the Millennium Hotel (145 West 44th Street). The event was directed by Joe DiPietro, with musical direction by Jason Debord.
The evening featured : Donny Osmond (currently starring in Beauty and the Beast), Euan Morton (Tony-nominee Taboo), Felicia P. Fields (Tony-nominee The Color Purple), Liz McCartney (Mamma Mia!, Taboo), Merle Dandridge (Tarzan), Bon Jovi's David Bryan, Christine Pedi (Forbidden Broadway), and KENiMATTix (world renowned acrobats Ken Berkeley and Matthew Cusick).
"The evening showcased Broadway's brightest stars as they unite in a benefit performance on behalf of 'Only Make Believe,' a charity that brings the magic of theater to chronically-ill children. Jeremy Gilley, founder of the international non-profit peace organization Peace One Day, will receive the 2006 James Hammerstein Award for his outstanding dedication to children in need.""Only Make Believe is dedicated to the principle that freeing a child's creative spirit is a valuable part of the healing process. With a professional troupe of multi-racial, multi-ethnic actors, Only Make Believe actively engages the Children in performance, treating them as collaborators in a theatrical experience. This is the key to the success of Only Make Believe: Each child takes an active part in a cycle of fantastic and imaginative adventures."
Marianne Hardart--Only Make Believe President
KeniMattix--Ken Berkeley and Matthew Cusick
Host Kathie Lee Gifford, and Dena Hammerstein, Only Make Believe Founder
Dena Hammerstein and Jeremy Gilly, Founder of Peace One Day
Jeremy Gilly
David Bryan of Bon Jovi
Taboo cast--Jeffrey Carlson, Euan Morton and Liz McCartney
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