Photo Flash: Planet Connections Theatre Festivity Holds Annual PLAYWRIGHTS FOR A CAUSE Benefit

Planet Connections' signature event, PLAYWRIGHTS FOR A CAUSE at the Theater at the 14th Street Y, played to a sold-out crowd that joyously handed the team of writers and other artists a standing ovation. This year, the event, designed to address hot-button topics concerning the world at that moment through new works by prominent authors - written just for the event - dealt with the distinctions between gender and sexuality.

The event benefited THE ALI FORNEY CENTER, whose mission is to protect LGBTQ youths from the dangers of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently. Producer and Artistic Director, Glory Kadigan, along with Co-Producer and Producing Artistic Director of Planet Connections Theatre Festivity, Shaun Peknic, want to express their deepest gratitude to the myriad artists that dedicated time and talent to make this event the powerhouse that it was. The event featured new works by Lucy Boyle, Migdalia Cruz, Gabrielle Fox, Catherine Filloux, Regina Taylor, and Lucy Thurber; as well as the talents of directors, Susan Tenney, Shira-Lee Shalit, Antonio Miniño, and Shaun Peknic. and PFAC's founder and producer, Glory Kadigan.

"We're honored and very appreciative to have had such a huge array of talent join us for this very powerful event," said Ms. Kadigan. The Acting Company featured Tony and Drama Desk nominees, Obie winners, and a bounty of stage, film, and television artists including David Anzuelo, Kim Blanck, Ashley Bryant, Elizabeth A. Davis, Lucy DeVito, John Dimino, John Fico, McKenzie Frye, Esco Jouléy, James B Kennedy, Eddie Korbich, Bethlehem Million, Susannah Perkins, Bradley James Tejeda, Christina Toth, Donna Vivino, and Kita Updike. Understudies for the evening included: Ramiro Batista, Carlotta Brenton, Mle Chester, Molly Collier, Isra Elsalihie, Michael Gnat, Gina LeMoine, Vinny Eden Ortega and Sarah Grace Sanders.

Ms. Kadigan and Mr. Peknic wish to extend gratitude to the staff for the event: Jenna Lazar, Ashley Nickas, Vinny Eden Ortega, Akia Squitieri, Ariel Estrada, Ariel Francoeur, Mary Greene, Jay Michaels, Benjamin Ehrenreich, Jacob Subotnick, Ariel Pellman, Robin Carus, and Katheryn Meister.

The final event of Planet Connections' Tenth Anniversary Season is the PCTF Awards. The PCTF Awards Ceremony honors outstanding achievement made by the company for the season plus the Planet Activist Awards, The Greener Planet Awards, Outstanding Artistic Achievement Awards as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award to the late Joe Pintauro. The event will be Friday, September 21, 2018 at 7:30 PM at Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand Street, New York City. Tickets available at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/999589

Planet Connections Theater Festivity is New York's premiere socially-conscious arts festival. The Festivity is designed to invoke the power of art in motivating philanthropy, community outreach, and social change. Planet Connections' artists use their work to shed light on causes that matter, raising awareness and funds for organizations/topics of their choosing, while inspiring audiences to get involved. PCTF is also the country's first eco-friendly arts festivity; participating artists work to create eco-conscious art by revising their marketing, design and rehearsal techniques. Since its inception, Planet Connections has presented more than 300 Full Productions and over 100 Staged Readings, benefitting more than 300 charities.

All photos courtesy of Jay Michaels Arts & Entertainment