Julie Halston will host the 7 PM evening at Birdland Jazz Club. Proceeds will go to The Michael Kuchwara Fund benefiting Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF).
Kuchwara — a theatre reporter and critic for more than 25 years — was respected and beloved for his even-tempered reviews and thorough reporting. In May 2010, following a brief illness, Kuchwara's untimely passing was linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
"In his honor and to increase awareness of this fatal disease, his friends are putting on a show just for him," according to the organizers. "Using his writings over the last 25 years, some of his favorite stars have been invited to perform songs from some of his favorite shows."
A Benefit Evening Honoring Michael Kuchwara will feature Kevin Chamberlin, Alison Fraser, Montego Glover, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Ralph Howard, Leslie Kritzer, Marc Kudisch, Sally Mayes, Michael McCormick, Lindsay Mendez, Noah Racey, Sherie Rene Scott, Mary Testa, Betsy Wolfe and surprise guests. The benefit is directed by Carl Andress with musical direction by Patrick Vaccariello, musical preparation by Ed Windels. The show is written by D. Michael Dvorchak and Julie Halston.
Accompaniment is provided by Jim Laev (piano), William Sloat (bass) and Eric Poland (drums). At Birdland Jazz Club (315 West 44th St.) on Feb. 28, doors open at 5:30 PM and the show will start promptly at 7 PM. Limited tickets ($100, $75, $50) are available.
Email kuchwaraevent@gmail.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Donations are tax deductible (minus the $25 per ticket estimated fair market value). Individual tickets do not include a $10 food/drink minimum.
If you would like to make a donation to The Michael Kuchwara Fund (not including ticket to the event), contact www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or click here.
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The marquees of the Broadway theatres were dimmed May 25, 2010, at 7 PM for one minute to pay tribute to the late drama critic and writer Michael Kuchwara, who died May 22 at age 63.
Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of The Broadway League, stated, "Mike Kuchwara covered hundreds of shows during his career spanning almost three decades, and his reviews and features were seen and held in high esteem by millions of people. He tirelessly supported and encouraged the theatre industry worldwide. Mike's likeable and intelligent presence was a comforting constant in the theatre community. He has always been one of the extra special people in our world, and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him."
To read Playbill.com's obituary about Kuchwara, click here.
