Ben Vereen to Perform In Carmel for Community Theater Fundraiser 3/7/2010

Carmel Community Players (CCP) is bringing Tony award-winning Broadway entertainer Ben Vereen to Carmel High School for its major fundraiser for 2010. Vereen will present his educational, entertaining and inspirational Broadway lecture at Carmel High School's Dale E. Graham Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Rich Phipps, the group's vice president and business director says, "As we pursue grants and other available sources of funding, we believe it's important for us to demonstrate our ability to generate our own income rather than relying solely on government funding. So, we're bringing in Ben Vereen to help us."

So how does a small community theater land an act like Ben Vereen? "Friends in high places," says Carmel Community Players marketing and public relations director Brian Koning who called and asked Vereen for help. "I've known Mr. Vereen personally for about thirteen years through my involvement in the entertainment industry. When I explained that [Carmel Community Players] needed to raise funds to keep our Theater Productions and educational programs moving forward, he gladly agreed to perform."

Koning, who previously owned an entertainment agency and first worked with Vereen in 1997, says that this is a don't-miss performance. "Anyone with a passion for theater, acting, singing or dancing will be inspired. This is not just a performance. Ben weaves you through his life from growing up in Brooklyn's "upper ghetto", his Broadway roles including Pippin, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, and, most recently, Wicked. And he'll tell you how he overcame the physical and emotional challenges he faced after an accident nearly ended his career in 1992. You'll get to know Ben as a person."

According to Koning, Vereen will also take questions from the audience and will appear at a VIP reception at the Carmel Community Playhouse at Clay Terrace following his performance.

CCP president Michael Long adds, "We're very grateful that Mr. Vereen has accepted our invitation. This is just one more way that Carmel Community Players is thinking outside the box while giving something back to the community at the same time."

Prior to appearing in Carmel, Vereen will be coming off of a six-week run of Will Power's new play, Fetch Clay, Make Man starring Evan Parke as Muhammad Ali and Vereen as Ali's friend, actor Stepin Fetchit. The story is about Ali's and Fetchit's unlikely friendship during Ali's rise to boxing immortality. Directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys), the play opens in January and runs through February 14th at McCarter Theater in Princeton, New Jersey.

Vereen will appear at Carmel High School's 1,445-seat Dale E. Graham Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Ticket prices start at $34 and go on sale to the general public at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 2 through the Carmel Community Players website at www.carmelplayers.org or at the Carmel Community Playhouse at Clay Terrace, located at 14299 Clay Terrace Blvd., Ste. 140 in Carmel. For more information, call 317-815-9387.
About Ben Vereen

Ben Vereen is a highly versatile entertainer, singer, and dancer who has performed in some of the most notable Broadway productions, television series, and variety shows.

A Tony and Drama Desk Award winner for his performance in Bob Fosse's Pippin, Mr. Vereen's Broadway credits include: Wicked, I'm Not Rappaport, A Christmas Carol, Jelly's Last Jam, Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair.

Some of his film credits include: Idlewild, All That Jazz, Sweet Charity, Funny Lady (Golden Globe nomination), Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Once Upon a Forest.

His television credits include: "Chicken George" in the critically acclaimed miniseries Roots, Grey's Anatomy (Prism Award), Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Hallmark's An Accidental Friendship (NAACP nomination), Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style, Ellis Island (Golden Globe Nomination), Anne Rice's Feast of All Saints, Zoobilee Zoo, and Star Trek - The Next Generation.

Mr. Vereen continues to tour throughout the United States with his concert "A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.".

The lecture circuit has become an integral part of Ben's career; as he has become one of the Nations' most requested speakers among audiences of all ages. His strong sense of social consciousness has enabled him to reach out to his audiences and convey to them a deep feeling of understanding. His topics range from overcoming adversity, arts in education, Black history, motivational topics, recovery through physical and occupational therapy, and the importance of continuing education - to name a few.

Ben is the spokesperson for Sanofi-Aventis, U.S., helping to raise awareness about diabetes.

Last year, Ben celebrated Eartha Kitt's 80th birthday in concert at Carnegie Hall to multiple standing ovations and in front of the Armed Forces for those men and women who have served in Iraq, truly a major highlight of his career. Ben performed this year at one of the Inaugural Ball and at the reopening of the Ford Theater in Washington DC which was attended by President Obama. Recently Ben entertained at the Friar's Club gala honoring CBS president Leslie Moonves. Up next, Ben will star in the world premier of Fetch Clay, Make Man directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) at the McCarter Theater.
About Carmel Community Players

CCP provides live dramatic and musical presentations that expand and develop creative opportunities for the entire community. Founded in 1993, CCP responded to a growing need in this community for affordable, local, quality entertainment that would meet the needs of cultural enrichment for the entire family. CCP focuses on providing a community-based venue for both experienced and inexperienced participants in theater, both on-stage and behind the scenes. Adults and children alike extol the virtues of being on stage. Such experiences allow you to overcome fears, develop talents, work in a team environment, experience excellent literature and improve self-confidence.

About Carmel Community Playhouse

The Carmel Community Playhouse at Clay Terrace is the new home of Carmel Community Players, Carmel's oldest community theater group. The 4,500 sq. ft. playhouse features a 32' x 20' stage and can seat up to 120 guests. When productions are not being staged, the facility is available for organizations, schools, and businesses to rent for various meetings and events with proceeds benefitting Carmel Community Players, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The Carmel Community Playhouse is located at the south end of the Clay Terrace outdoor mall at 14299 Clay Terrace Blvd., Ste. 140. For more information, visit carmelplayhouse.com.

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