On February 27, 2012, award-winning Broadway actress Julie Halston (currently appearing on Broadway in Anything Goes) will host the Second Annual BROADWAY BELTS for PFF. Halston has been a leading spokesperson and activist for pulmonary fibrosis since her husband, broadcaster Ralph Howard (of Howard Stern), was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2008. IPF is a terminal lung disease with no FDA-approved treatment or cure.
Once again directed by Carl Andress, the evening will feature some of Broadway's biggest stars, including Heidi Blickenstaff (The Addams Family), Darlene Love (Hairspray, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee), Julia Murney (WICKED), Adam Pascal (Tony Nominee for RENT), Andrew Rannells (Tony Nominee for The Book of Mormon) and Seth Rudetsky (host of Seth's Big Fat Broadway on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio).
Last year's event — a sold-out smash, raising more than $40,000 for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation — was highlighted by a surprise appearance by Liza Minnelli, and this year promises to be another sensational evening.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner. Performance begins at 7 p.m.
All proceeds will benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation's Michael Kuchwara Fund for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Education, and Advocacy, in honor of the late, beloved Associated Press theater critic.
Ticket prices begin at $75 and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. (Ticket price does not include a $10 food/drink minimum.)
To purchase tickets, go to http://bit.ly/broadway2012.
To hear Julie Halston speak about her personal connection to pulmonary fibrosis, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=37SGeBhjLlA.
For more information on pulmonary fibrosis, go to www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
Birdland Jazz Club: 315 West 44th Street (betw. 8th and 9th Aves.)
