Urban Stages Hosts 26th Annual Benefit Celebrating The Harlem Renaissance 5/24

Following the extended run of their hit musical Langston in Harlem, Urban Stages (Frances Hill, founder/artistic director and Lauren Schmiedel, managing director) is proud to announce their annual benefit gala, entitle Celebrating The Harlem Renaissance Then and Now on May 24th at the Boathouse in Central Park from 6:30PM to 11PM.

Continuing Urban Stages' celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, Sheena Wright, President & CEO of the Abyssinian Development Corporation, is this year's honorary chairperson. Ms. Wright is being honored for her dedicated work in the redevelopment of the Harlem Community. Urban Stages will also honor the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc, Classical Theatre Of Harlem, Dance Theatre Of Harlem, Harlem Arts Alliance, Harlem Stage, The Maysles Institute of Cinema, and Dr. Barbara Ann Teer's National Black Theatre for their sustained excellence and support of the arts in Harlem creating "The Harlem Renaissance Now."

Attending the event will be Ty Jones (President of the Board of Directors of The Classical Theatre Of Harlem, currently seen in ENRON) , Kenita Miller (2010 Drama Desk Nominee Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for Langston in Harlem), Josh Tower (currently portraying Langston Hughes in Langston in Harlem), La Veen Naidu, (Executive Director Dance Theatre Of Harlem), Virginia Johnson (Artistic Directors of Dance Theatre Of Harlem), Jonelle Procope (President & CEO of The Apollo Theatre Foundation, Inc.), Pat Cruz (Executive Director of Harlem Stage), Joe Wemple (Chairmen of the Board of The Maysles Institute) and many more to be announced.

Celebrating The Harlem Renaissance Then and Now will include boat rides on the lake in Central Park, with entertainment provided by the John Korba Band, and other surprise artists, a tantalizing dinner and a live auction featuring celebrated Sotheby's auctioneer, Hugh Hildesley.

Monies raised will support Urban Stages' extended day program at the Harlem Day Charter School, Urban Stages' outreach program to communities in New York which brings poets, actors, mimes, musicians and productions to neighborhoods and libraries throughout New York five boroughs.

Tickets are $40 (LateNighter ticket for people under 40 - open bar and dancing after 9PM) - $350 (party: dinner, dancing, and entertainment). To buy tickets and receive more information call Urban Stages 212 421-1380 or visit the website www.urbanstages.org