Terrence Mann to Perform at Benefit for Middle School 54, 5/19

Terrence Mann, currently starring in "Pippin," will perform at a benefit for the children of MS 54 - The Booker T. Washington School on Monday, May 19th, at 6:30pm in the school's auditorium. Comedian Judy Gold will host the event, with music direction by Joe Bachana. Brigid Brady ("The Phantom of the Opera"), Paula Leggett Chase ("Bye Bye Birdie), Lauri Landry ("The Scarlet Pimpernel") and George Merrick ("South Pacific") are scheduled to appear. In addition, MS 54 parent-performers are to include Marc Bernstein, Nathan Carver, Rob Derke, L. J. Ganser, Lisa Tamagini, Maren Waxenberg and Sarah Worthington. MS 54 is a public middle school on West 108th Street, which serves some 825 children.

Like other public schools in New York City, MS 54 has been hit hard by budget cuts. Funds raised by "Broadway Night" ticket sales will help compensate for state and NYC Department of Education cuts that have reduced the school's ability to afford arts enrichment programs.

MS 54, known as the Booker T. Washington School, is dedicated to supporting and promoting music and theater arts in the school. Student electives during the school day include strings, band and chorus. The After School program annually produces a full musical performance; students receive coaching in singing, acting, movement, and set design.

"MS 54's music and theater arts enrichment programs provide a wonderful creative outlet for hundreds of children who discover and develop their singing, acting and instrumental music abilities," says Principal Dr. Elana Elster. "We'd like to sell out the house so we can preserve these vital programs now and in the future," she says.

Tickets for "Broadway Night at MS 54" are selling fast and may be purchased online at http://www.ms54.org/ . Prices are very reasonable at $10 for children, $30 for adults, and $75 for premium front center seats - far less than what one would normally pay for a Broadway show.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride