The Broadway music of Charles Strouse, Arthur Schwartz and Stephen Schwartz will be celebrated at the 16th annual S.T.A.G.E. (Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event) benefit show, which will take place March 3-5, at Luckman Theatre, Cal State L.A. Artists scheduled to perform include Lucie Arnaz, Polly Bergen, Tyne Daly, Robert Morse and Betty Garrett, among many others. The event is produced by Naomi Caryl, David Galligan, Ronn Goswick, Jonathan Kanes, Michael Kearns, Richard Loring and Harry Prongue.
S.T.A.G.E. was the second benefit ever to be mounted to raise money for AIDS, and it is the oldest AIDS benefit in the world. On March 3, the organization will present an award to funnyman Bruce Vilanch. Besides being a regular on CBS's "Hollywood Squares," Vilanch has written special material for many well-known entertainers as well as contributing to the Academy Awards for a number of years. He is being honored with the 2000 S.T.A.G.E Award for his tireless contributions and support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Galligan will direct excerpts from such musicals as Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, Annie, The Band Wagon, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Godspell, Pippin and Working. The musical director and arranger is Ron Abel.
Luckman Theatre is located at 5151 State University Drive on the campus of Cal State L.A. For tickets and information call (323) 665-0957 or visit: stagela.com
-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent
