A Tony Award winner for his role in Pippin, Vereen has also appeared on Broadway in Wicked, Fosse, Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair and I'm Not Rappaport. He was also featured in the television miniseries "Roots."
LaGuardia, which inspired the film "Fame," is honoring Vereen with the school's first-annual LaGuardia Arts Hall of Fame Award. The 7:30 PM evening promises musical performances by Broadway stars and students from the high school.
In addition to composer-lyricist Schwartz (Pippin, Wicked), Lewis (Porgy and Bess), Rubin-Vega (Rent) and Uggams (Thoroughly Modern Millie), the tribute boasts performances by Priscilla Lopez (A Chorus Line), Julia Murney (Wicked), Tonya Pinkins (Jelly's Last Jam), Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Gem of the Ocean), Josh Young (Jesus Christ Superstar), Kathy Fitzgerald (9 to 5), Amanda Brown ("The Voice"), choreographer Ted Louis Levy (Jelly's Last Jam), and John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey.
The LaGuardia Arts Gala is the school's premier fundraiser. For tickets, ranging $50-$250, visit laguardiahs.org/gala.
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