A special two-night show that gives back to the community while having fun, “Broadway Live…2008 Helping Hands” will be held at 8:00 PM on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 at the Hyde School Cultural Center in Woodstock. Tickets are $20 and will be sold at WINY Radio, Danielson Surplus Sales, Citizens National Bank locations in Putnam, Thompson, Woodstock, Danielson and Brooklyn. For more information call 377-0378.
The musical extravaganza, which salutes America with a wide variety of music from Broadway to country, is produced by Broadway Live and Voices, and aims to top $300,000 in ticket sales.
Proceeds will benefit Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG) and Interfaith Human Services of Putnam/Daily Bread (IHSP), an organization that helps provide food, fuel, clothing to those in need in Putnam, Thompson, Woodstock and Pomfret , rental assistance and a host of other social services to members of the local community.
Broadway Live Productions kicked off this year's philanthropic effort and joined hands with the Putnam Rotary Club and the Thompson Lions Club to support these two vital community resources in hopes of raising some much needed funds.
When this goal is achieved, this effort will propel Broadway Live and the VOICES Group to collectively surpass the $300,000 mark in gross ticket sales since 2000, benefiting all 501(c)3 charities, including Day Kimball Hospital, The American Cancer Society's Northeastern CT Relay For Life, Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation, American Red Cross, Katrina Relief Fund, Doctors to Mongolia Program, Putnam Rotary Club, Thompson Lions Club and TNECT at the Bradley Playhouse.
Broadway Live Productions owner David T. Pandeleakos states, “we are very grateful to the people of Northeastern Connecticut who have consistently supported these efforts over the years. This small community truly exemplifies the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.” The Voices cast includes the vocal talents of Donna and Andre Bessette, Tonya Brock, Linda Colangelo, Tim and Mackenzie Deary, David LaChance, Donna LaHaie and founder David Panteleakos.
Since the inception of the 'Broadway Live' productions in 1999 and the debut of the 'Voices in Concert' series in 2003, these shows have earned a reputation for providing high-quality entertainment to thousands of audiences. This year's initiative boasts more than 40 performers and musicians who will take the stage in a high-energy, inspirational show that will pay tribute to America's giving spirit.
To assist in this rewarding endeavor, Pandeleakos' creative team includes director and writer Linda J. Colangelo, producer Laura Lee Crosetti, musical director Jackie Smith and choreographer Keri (Blackard) Danner.