Josh Rhodes (Cinderella, First Date) will direct the 7 PM performance that will have musical direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Company, Big Fish) and Ryan Fielding as conductor. Kevin Duncan produces the gala.

In addition to Andreas (The Scarlet Pimpernel, Oklahoma!), Ceveris (Evita, Sweeney Todd), de Haas (Twelfth Night, Running Man) and Miranda (In the Heights), the benefit will include Rebecca Covington (Motown), Linda Gravátt (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Desmond Richardson (Fosse, Movin' Out) and Susan Kelechi Watson (A Naked Girl on the Appian Way).

The gala will also iinclude excerpts from Noah Racey's dance musical Pulse.

Rashad received a Tony and Drama Desk Award for her performance as Lena Younger in the 2005 revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, as well as a Tony nomination for her performance as Aunt Esther in August Wilson's world-premiere play Gem of the Ocean. Her acting credits on Broadway also include August: Osage County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Into the Woods, Jelly's Last Jam and The Wiz. Her numerous television appearances include "The Cosby Show," "Steel Magnolias" and "A Raisin in the Sun."

Gala tickets range from $2,500 to $250. They are available by phoning (203) 227-5137, ext. 123 or e-mailing [email protected].

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