Ben Cameron to Host SING AWAY THE STIGMA Benefit at 54 Below, 5/21

Rachel Kunstadt and Quintessence of Dust Productions present Sing Away the Stigma, a benefit concert working towards erasing the stigma of mental illness, which will be held Wednesday, May 21st at 9:30 pm at 54 Below.

A dozen people of different ages, locations, and backgrounds shared their personal stories of mental illness, which emerging musical theatre writers have turned into songs. Broadway performers will interpret these songs in concert to raise awareness of mental illness, open the conversation, and raise funds for Bring Change 2 Mind, a non-profit working towards erasing the stigma of mental illness.

Hosted by Ben Cameron (Wicked, Broadway Sessions), performers include Becca Ayers (The Addams Family, South Pacific), Christina Capatides, Nick Cearley (The Skivvies), Bonnie Milligan (Jasper in Deadland), Marissa O'Donnell (Shrek), Kate Rockwell (Rock of Ages, Bring it On), Brian Charles Rooney (The Threepenny Opera), Emily Skeggs (Fun Home) Cartreze Tucker (Hair national tour), and more.

Songwriters include Scotty Arnold, Stephen Barnett, Ben Bonnema, Christina Capatides, Kate Chadwick, Ashley Chapman, Ty Defoe, Kiran Gupta, Alana Jacoby, Teresa Lotz, Brett Macias, Naomi Matlow, Jason Purdy, Tidtaya Sinutoke, Marc Smollin, and Peter Michael von der Nahmer.

Daniella Caggiano directs and Bob Kelly music directs, with Cheeyoung Kim on violin, Josh Henderson on viola, and Maria Jeffers on cello.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit Bring Change 2 Mind, which is working "to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness through widely distributed Public Education Materials based on the latest scientific insights and measured for effectiveness."

54 Below is located at 254 W 54th St., Cellar. For tickets, visit 54below.com.