Third Annual SUMMER HUMMER, Benefiting Taking Care of Our Own, Set for 8/18

On Monday, August 18, the third annual Summer Hummer, a bawdy, naughty burlesque bonanza of more than 60 stars of the Washington stage, will again raise funds to benefit Taking Care of Our Own, a program of theatreWashington.

The Summer Hummer has become the Washington area's hottest, sweatiest, most provocative summer tradition. Directed by Eric Schaeffer and Matt Gardiner, it unites some of Washington's top theatre talent - from stentorian Shakespearian actors to buff chorus boys and voluptuous divas. While this mischievous musical romp mesmerizes audiences, most importantly, it raises critical funds for Taking Care of Our Own, a program of theatreWashington that provides emergency assistance to Washington-area theatre professionals experiencing unexpected need.

When Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer first suggested the idea of a Summer Hummer to benefit Taking Care of Our Own to theatreWashington President Linda Levy, she jumped at the opportunity. "The Summer Hummer has significantly helped to fill the Taking Care of Our Own coffers," she explained. "With every glove that's dropped and with every strap that slips, these amazing artists are helping colleagues who one day may find themselves in desperate need for help. Moreover, with every ticket purchased and dollar bill tucked, audiences are helping to provide immediate, tangible relief to a neighbor experiencing hardship."

Co-director Eric Schaeffer commented, "This year's Summer Hummer promises to be another scandalous night in the theatre, with Washington's acting community baring their all. There'll be some bawdy surprises, some kick-ass show tunes, and, of course, lots of exposed skin. And it's all to raise funds for Taking Care of Our Own!"

At press, musical numbers and special appearances were slated to feature an opening number by Chris Youstra titled "All Good Things Cum in Threes," special choreography by Matt Gardiner and Karma Camp, and a company of more than 60 singers, dancers, and strippers. Included in the line-up are: Evan Casey, Austin Colby, Carolyn Cole, Erin Driscoll, Sherri L. Edelen, Catie Flye, James Gardiner, Donna Migliaccio, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Maria Rizzo, Nicholas Rodriguez, Stephen Gregory Smith, Rick Hammerly, Tom Story, Nicholas Vaughn, and Lauren Williams, with more to be announced soon.

In addition to the Summer Hummer, theatreWashington's Taking Care of Our Own program is funded by a recurring Bucket Brigade, hosted by area theatres. On a rotating schedule, actors solicit donations during curtain speeches then pass bright yellow buckets among the exiting crowd. Together, the Summer Hummer and Bucket Brigade have raised more than $50,000 in 2013 alone.

Summer Hummer performances are on Monday, August 18, 2014, at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. at Signature Theatre. Tickets are available on theatreWashington.org at $35 for general admission and $75 for prime reserved seating. Signature Theatre is located in Shirlington Village at 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206.

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