Perez will play Rodriguez's mother in the autobiographical evening at the Hudson Theatre. Entitled Xposed, the 8 PM concert will also feature the talents of Wicked's Shoshana Bean, "Queer Eye" co-stars Ted Allen and Carson Kressley, "Boy Meets Boy" alum Wes Culwell and Good Vibrations' Brandon Wardell. Rodriguez will also be backed by more than 30 chorus members, including Jahmal Adderley, Kehau Ahu, Robbie Armitage, Gina Bombara, Ben Cameron, Ta'Rea Campbell, Candice, Anthony Catala, Ricky Colon, Dana Depalo, Dontee, Hector Flores, Dinah Foddrill, Quisha Freeman, David Garcia, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Semhar Ghebremichael, Lucia Giannetta, Greg Goodhall, Danielle Lee Greaves, Nicole Guidetti, Aaron Hamilton, Kehau, Trent Armand Kendall, Keith Kuhl, Jackie Lao, Jonathan Lee, Dorell Martin, Darius Nichols, Giovanni Perez, Dawn Noel Pignuola, Alex Quiroga, Chuck Ragsdale, Randy Reed, Shelly Thomas, Torya, Vasthy, Nicole Winhopper, Derrick Yanford, Neka Zang and Christopher Zelno.
Xposed, according to production notes, is an "autobiographical pop/rock Moulin Rouge style rendition" of Rodriguez's life. Schele Williams will direct the evening, and the show will include Rodriguez's "provocative story about a Long Island boy growing up in a conservative household and discovering the truth of his sexuality. All of his life's decisions depicted through popular songs and dance will show the audience his struggles and triumphs that has brought him to where he is today."
In a statement Rodriguez said, "It is my hope that by doing a benefit performance for the Actors' Fund of America, more entertainment professionals will be helped along their own journey towards success. I have always been thankful for the Actors' Fund in my own career."
The creative team for Xposed comprises Paul Weimer (scenic design), Jeff Croiter (lighting design), Cynthia Hawkins (sound design) and Scott Cady (musical direction). Tyce Keith Diorio, Nick Kenkel and Andrew Palermo are the choreographers.
Rosie Perez has appeared on Broadway in Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune and Reckless. Her other theatrical credits include Salvador Dali Makes Me Hot (Theatre World Award), The Vagina Monologues and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Perez was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award for her performance in "Fearless." Her many other screen credits include "Human Nature," "King of the Jungle," "Riding in Cars With Boys," "The 24 Hour Woman," "The Road to El Dorado," "Do the Right Thing," "White Men Can’t Jump," "Untamed Heart," "It Could Happen to You" and "Somebody to Love." Jai Rodriguez, who played the title role in Zanna, Don't!, also appeared in the all-star Children of Eden benefit concert. The actor's other theatre credits include the Broadway company of Rent and Off Broadway's Spinning Into Butter. His screen credits number "The New Guy" and "All My Children," and his first single is titled "Love Is Good." Rodriguez, however, is best known for his work as the culture guru on the hit Bravo series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
The Hudson Theatre is located within the Millennium Hotel at 145 West 44th Street. Tickets, priced $50-$500, are available by calling (212) 221-7300, ext. 133. Visit www.actorsfund.org for more information.
