David Alpert (If/Then, The Trip to Bountiful, The Best Man) created the evening in honor of his late sister, Gilana Shira Alpert. He directed and produces the annual event that boasts a lineup of Broadway stars.
Broadway performers slated to appear included Eric Anderson (Soul Doctor, South Pacific), Ben Cameron (Wicked), Jessica Rush (Jersey Boys, Gypsy), Ryann Redmond (If/Then, Bring it On), Tam Mutu (Doctor Zhivago), Paige Davis (Chicago, "Trading Spaces"), Emily Padgett (Side Show, Rock of Ages), Nick Adams (Priscilla, Wicked), Matthew Hydzik (Side Show, West Side Story), Carmen Ruby Floyd (After Midnight) and Alysha Umphress (On the Town, American Idiot).
The evening featured musical direction by Jason Wetzel (After Midnight).
Gilana’s Fund was established through the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (MI) in 2007, created shortly after the passing of Gilana Alpert at the age of 26. The fund, which has raised more than $50,000, celebrates and encourages educational programming promoting acceptance and understanding of our communities, each other and ourselves.
Visit Gilanasfund.com.
