| THE GRAND FINALE CELEBRATION OF “ABC DAYTIME SALUTES BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS” MUSICAL EVENT TO BE HELD AT TOWN HALL IN NEW YORK CITY, MARCH 13, 2011 |
| Walt Willey and Bobbie Eakes Named New Co-Hosts, with Headliner Sherri Shepherd from “The View”; Full Cast and Soap-a-Thon Auctions Announced |
| “All My Children” stars Walt Willey and Bobbie Eakes will co-host the Grand Finale Celebration of “ABC Daytime Salutes Broadway Cares” in New York City on March 13, 2011. Mr. Willey and Ms. Eakes have been part of the benefit since the very first production in celebration of “All My Children’s” 35th anniversary show. Cameron Mathison had previously been announced as host but is now unable to travel to New York due to a scheduling conflict.
Following last year’s rousing musical performance of her rendition of the Tina Turner classic, “Proud Mary,” Sherri Shepherd, co-host of “The View,” returns to the Broadway stage at the 7th annual event. Her headlining number will no doubt bring the audience to their feet once again. Stars joining Mr. Willey, Ms. Eakes and Ms. Shepherd in performances on stage will include: “All My Children’s” Natalie Hall and Lindsay Hartley; “One Life to Live’s” Kristen Alderson, Kassie DePaiva, David Gregory, Josh Kelly, Mark Lawson, Nic Robuck, Brittany Underwood, Kelley Missal, Hillary B. Smith and Kim Zimmer; and “General Hospital’s” Bradford Anderson, Brandon Barash, Anthony Geary and Jonathan Jackson (talent participation is subject to change). Broadway Cares also is announcing a variety of auction packages in support of the event, including: * The ultimate soap fan fantasy weekend, which includes round-trip airfare to New York and hotel accommodations, private access to the event’s final dress rehearsal, VIP tickets to the Grand Finale Celebration and a post-show party with the cast More exclusive, one-of-a-kind auction lots will be announced soon. Additionally, fans will have an opportunity to win prizes through the ABC DAYTIME SOAP-A-THON SHOWDOWN. The SOAP-A-THON is an interactive online competition where fans of ABC Daytime dramas have the chance to win rare ABC Daytime memorabilia, including show props and wardrobe pieces. Fans will raise funds online for Broadway Cares in the name of their favorite ABC Daytime duo. They’ll compete against other fans to see who can raise the most money. The top fundraising team coordinator will be eligible to win a pair of VIP tickets to the Grand Finale Celebration and will be recognized for their efforts from the stage. For tickets and online auction information visit www.broadwaycares.org or call 212.840.0770. |