Jane Culley, producer of the event and vice president of American Theatre of Actors, said in a statement, "I received a letter from St. Joseph’s recently about the Lakota youth at risk, and the extremely high suicide rate of these children (10 times the national average for youth aged 13 to 24). I was compelled to do something more to help, hence this benefit.”
The 7 PM performance will feature the talents of Julie Reyburn, pianist Mark Janas, Jason Morris, Teresa Fischer, Andy Lebon, harpist Phoebe Rothfeld, guitarist Ken Coughlin, Giuseppe Bausilio, American Swiss Ballet dancers Dorothy Sapyta and Jim Heeney, Martin Lofsnes and his dance company 360º, Maher Benham and her dance company Coyote Dancers, Andrea Pastorella of Mary Anthony Company, cellist Cornelia Logan, Shayna Lawson-Leverton, Alan Tavarez, Teresa Fischer, Jessica Jennings, Katherine Wessling, Samantha Cole, Lesley Rotonto and drummer.
St. Joseph's Indian School has served Lakota (Sioux) children and families since 1927. Their mission — to educate Native American youth mind, body, heart and spirit — drives them to house and educate 200 children each year in a place where child poverty and abuse are serious issues.
The evening will be held at the American Theatre of Actors, which is located at 314 West 54th Street. Tickets are available through www.SmartTix.com for $25 or at the door for $40. For additional information, call (917) 913-1903.