Stokes Mitchell to Launch New Actors' Fund Series in LA

The Actors' Fund of America will launch a sequence of exclusive and intimate "Musical Mondays" in the foyer of the historic Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.

The new series is offered in the tradition of special benefit events for The Fund, such as the star-studded staged readings of Sunset Boulevard and Casablanca on stage at the Pantages, and the annual Tony Awards Party which honored Liza Minnelli earlier this year.  The Actors' Fund serves thousands in the entertainment community each year with human services programs.

The series will kick off on Monday, September 25, with a performance by Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell.  Dubbed "The Last Leading Man" by the New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a rich and varied career on Broadway, television and film, along with appearances in the great American concert halls. His Broadway career includes performances in Man of La Mancha (Tony nomination and Helen Hayes Award); Kiss Me, Kate (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards); Ragtime (Tony nomination); August Wilson's King Hedley II (Tony nomination); and Kiss of the Spider Woman.  His latest venture is his release of his self-titled album as the inaugural artist on the newly-formed Playbill Records label.  Stokes Mitchell serves as the President of The Actors' Fund of America.

Peter Gallagher will perform on Monday, October 16th. Crossing the boundaries of stage, screen and television,  Gallagher's Broadway appearances include Guys and Dolls (Tony nomination), Noises Off and The Actors' Fund's Funny Girl.  Film appearances include American Beauty and Sex, Lies and Videotape. He currently appears on the hit television series, "The OC" and has recently released his first album, "7 Days in Memphis."

Valarie Pettiford will take the stage on Monday, December 4th.  A star of television, film and a Tony nominated Broadway actress, she has appeared in 10 feature films and over 20 television shows including four seasons on the hit show "Half & Half" (UPN), earning three NAACP Image Award nominations. She starred as Velma Kelly, opposite Chita Rivera, in Chicago in London, and film credits include The Wiz, The Cotton Club and Glitter.  She recently released her first album: "Hear My Soul."

The Actors' Fund of America is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals - both performers and those behind the scenes - in performing arts and entertainment. Founded in 1882, The Fund serves those in film, theatre, television, music, opera, and dance with a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. Administered from offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, The Actors' Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis, or transition.

All performances are at 8 PM.  The Pantages Theater Lobby is located at 6233 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles.  Tickets are $150 per concert or all three for $375; call 323-933-9244 x54.

Visit The Actors' Fund website at www.actorsfund.org for more information.

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