Murray Hill, Kenny Mellmen And More join The Meeting Benefit for the Ali Forney Center

Drag King Murray Hill, Kiki and Herb's Kenny Mellman and Upright Cabaret's Trapper Felides have joined the cast of The Meeting* hosted by Justin Sayre for their benefit on Monday, June 21 to raise funds for The Ali Forney Center. The Meeting* - the monthly comedy/variety show for homosexuals and their friends - will launch Pride Week with a special star-studded session at 10:00 PM. The hit monthly series is a "gay" romp through politics, sexual and otherwise, social news, music, skits, and other important life-changing information. The show will feature Jeffery Self and Cole Escola (Logo TV's "Jeffery and Cole Casserole"), Bridget Everett ("At Least It's Pink," "We've Got Tonight"), Erin Markey ("Puppy Love: A Stripper's Tail"), Molly Pope ("The Diva-lution of Molly Pope," "Our Hit Parade) with other special guests to be announced.

The show is directed by Christian Coulson and produced by Adam J. Rosen and Chris Murrah. The Meeting* will return to its regular monthly spot at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre in September.

Past "agenda items" have included the continuing romantic saga of gay penguins at the San Francisco Zoo, a nativity play celebrating the birth of Quentin Crisp, Maggie Gallagher Gay-Wedding Ring Toss, a comprehensive guide to "Gay Panic," and a celebration of Jackie Curtis, in addition to musical numbers by top nightlife and theater stars.

The Meeting* operates under the myth of the "gay agenda," radical or otherwise, and is structured as any organizational meeting for homosexuals would be. "Business" of the day - from politics to prophylactics - are discussed, ridiculed, and interwoven between comedy sketches, musical numbers, and other "homo-hijinks." Justin Sayre - the show's host and the Chairman of the I.O.S., The International Order of Sodomites, the centuries-old secret organization of homosexuals and their friends - says, "I wanted a show where we could have a good laugh at ourselves, while getting some information out there. The Internet is great and easy to create a virtual community, but I think so much more is done in person, face to face. Plus if you can get a laugh, well that's just heaven." Audience response has been ecstatic.

The Ali Forney Center is the nation's largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youth. AFC's goal is to provide homeless LGBT youths, aged 16-24, with the support and services they need to escape the streets and begin to live healthy and independent lives. For more information on The Ali Forney Center, visit www.aliforneycenter.org

From an early age, Justin Sayre demonstrated a supernatural instinct for "camp," an ability that shines throughout The Meeting*. Justin is a child of Forty Fort, PA, who moved to New York believing it was still 1947. He was terribly misinformed. In 2006, Justin received rave reviews for his cabaret, "Without A Song." As an actor, he has worked and studied with some of the finest professionals in New York. As a gay, Justin has excelled at scarf placement, Judy hands, and a healthy but firm love of the American musical.

This special edition The Meeting* will be held at (Le) Poisson Rouge (185 Bleecker Street, between Thompson and Sullivan Streets) on Monday, June 21 at 10:00 PM. Tickets are available at LPRNYC.com. There is a $25 cover charge and a two-item per person minimum at tables. You must be 18+ years of age to attend. For more information visit facebook.com/TheMeetingWink.

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