TV: Chatting with The Stars Of S.T.A.G.E. 2016

The Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.) Benefit titled Sondheim 5, took place June 18th at Beverly Hills' beautiful Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in benefit of AIDS Project Los Angeles. The much anticipated event, was once again directed by David Galligan. Michael Orland served as Musical Director, with Choreography by Lee Martino; and BroadwayWorld TV's own Michael Sterling was on hand to talk to the stars just prior to their first of two performances.

The All-Star cast included Cortes Alexander, Andrew Blake Ames, Becky Baeling-Lythgoe, Alexandra Billings, Mary Jo Catlett, Carole Cook, LorEtta Devine, Julie Garnye, select members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, Randy Giaya, Alvin Ing, Radmar Jao, Branden James, Jean Louisa Kelly, Vicki Lewis, John Maher, Andrea Marcovicci, Rita Moreno, James C. Mulligan, MaryJo Mudy, Jeffrey Scott Parsons, Deborah Nishimura, Madison Claire Parks, Ted Szeto, Peter Varvel, Bruce Vilanch, Lisa Vroman, Amber Stevens West, and Robert Yacko.

Associate Musical Director was Keith Harrison. Producers were Scott Barton, Jonathan Kanes, David Michaels, Lynn Miller, and Ted Seifman.

Sondheim 5 presented music by Steven Sondheim, one of Broadway's most prolific composers. Songs from "Gypsy," "Pacific Overtures," "Company," "Passion," "Follies," "Sunday in the Park with George" and "A Little Night Music," among other legendary Broadway scores, were performed.

Established in 1984, STAGE is the longest-running annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the world. To date, STAGE has raised more than $5 million for HIV/AIDS organizations in the Southland. Co-creator David Galligan has staged and directed all 32 productions.

Funds raised through STAGE support a variety of AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) programs, including its Vance North Necessities of Life Program food pantries; freestanding and mobile dental clinics; in-home health care ; housing assistance; HIV prevention and testing efforts; and a range of other services on which thousands of Angelenos affected by HIV/AIDS depend. STAGE is among the most enduring and valuable sources of private support for the organization's HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and advocacy work. Please visit www.apla.org and www.aplahw.org to learn more.