Catalyst Ranch to Host Cabaret Fundraiser for Japan Relief Fund, 3/27

In light of recent tragedies in Japan, Catalyst Ranch (Chicago's premiere unique meeting and event space) in association with Porchlight Music Theatre (Chicago's premiere music theatre) brings together some of the best talent from the Chicago theatre scene for a ONE NIGHT ONLY cabaret to benefit Japanese disaster relief funds. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago in their efforts to support Japan in this time of need.

"Upon hearing of all misfortunes and continuing emergencies that are befalling Japan, we at Catalyst Ranch felt it was incredibly important to pull together an event which would provide swift aid and some level of relief to all those suffering in Japan. The American Red Cross is uniquely positioned to offer immediate aid to affected areas, which is why we have decided to team up with them on this fundraiser," says Eva Niewiadomski, Owner of Catalyst Ranch, of her decision to put the event together.

Catalyst Ranch staff member (and Porchlight Music Theatre artistic associate) Danny
Bernardo agrees. "At times of crisis, the artistic community copes by banding together. To acquire
such top names as Joseph Anthony Foronda, Emily Morales, Christine Bunuan, Erik Kaiko and
Jillian Jocson in less than a day proves how compassionate and giving the Chicago theatre
community truly is. As Asian-American artists, it's a blessing to be able stand together and give
back for this cause, and we are grateful that Catalyst Ranch and Porchlight Music Theatre is
giving us this opportunity."

The evening will feature performances from Joseph Anthony Foronda (second national tour
Miss Saigon, Broadway revival Pacific Overtures) Emily Morales (Broadway revival South
Pacific), Christine Bunuan (Steppenwolf's Kafka on the Shore, Drury Lane's 25th Annual Putnam
County Spelling Bee), Erik Kaiko (Bailiwick's Departure Lounge, Silk Road's Durango), and
Jillian Jocson (Marriott's Miss Saigon, Porchlight's It's a Wonderful Life).The evening will be
hosted by Keith Uchima (formerly of Stir-Friday Night!) and Chelsea Dolinar-Hikawa
(Porchlight's Pacific Overtures), music directed by Jackie Rada and directed by Danny
Bernardo (who also performs).

Food and open bar are included with a monetary donation. The event is sponsored by Big
Delicious Planet (who will provide the caterings) and Go Pride! (ChicagoPride.com).

The event will be held on March 27, 2011 at Catalyst Ranch. Reception begins at 5:30PM with
the performance beginning at 6:00PM. There is a $25 suggested donation. Catalyst Ranch is
located at 656 W. Randolph, between Des Plaines and Halsted. Seating is limited and
reservations can be made through PayPal at www.catalystranch.com/happenings1.html. For
more information, visit our website at www.catalystranch.com/happenings1.html or e-mail
danny@catalystranch.com.