Denver’s geographic isolation makes our annual list of touring Broadway productions something of a pleasant surprise.
But we’ve also exported our share of names to the Great White Way, including Tony award-winner Annaleigh Ashford (“You Can’t Take It With You,” “Wicked”) — who’s currently starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in the revival of “Sunday in the Park with George” — Andy Kelso (“Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia”) and Mara Davi (“Dames at Sea,” “A Chorus Line”).
Ashford, Kelso and Davi will unite with local performers later this month for a show to benefit the , the nonprofit founded by former Denver Post theater critic John Moore that helps area actors with medical expenses, with another Denver-bred Broadway actor to be announced.
The , which takes place April 30 at the Lone Tree Arts Center, boasts a bevy of local names: Emcees Eden Lane and Steven Burge will be joined by music director Mitch Samu and his band, “special guest performers” Jodie Langel (of the “Making It on Broadway” book/workshops), Emmy award-winning composer Denise Gentilini and Denver’s First Lady, Mary Louise Lee.
Also making appearances will be Eugene Ebner, Daniel Langhoff, Thaddeus Valdez, Jimmy Bruenger, Sarah Rex, Becca Fletcher, Robert Johnson, Kristen Samu, Willow Samu, Jeremy Rill, Clarissa Fugazzotto, Susannah and Chloe McLeod, Maddie Kee, The Jerseys and the cast of “13 the Musical.”
“These powerhouse performers are returning to their roots to support the theater community from which they came, thus being an example of courage, fulfilling their dreams while inspiring and encouraging others,” the producers said in a press statement.
To date, the Denver Actors Fund has distributed about $82,000 to help recipients with medical/dental bills, insurance, co-payments, supplies and more, including volunteers who have contributed more than 400 hours of service, according to the Actor’s Fund website.
Tickets are $39-$59 and available by calling 720-509-1000 or visiting .
