The annual Broadway Belts for PFF! benefit concert, supporting the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), celebrates the 16th anniversary of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's Tony-winning musical Hairspray. Hosted by Julie Halston, this year’s event takes place March 12 at 5:30 PM at the Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street).
Carl Andress directs the benefit with musical direction by Christopher McGovern and music coordination by Ed Windels.
Shaiman and Wittman will reunite with members of the original Broadway production, including Harvey Fierstein, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Andrew Rannells, Jackie Hoffman, Halston, Jenn Gambatese, Adam Fleming, Chester Gregory, Clark Thorell, John Hill, Judine Somerville, Hollie Howard, along with John Waters, Josh Bergasse, David Rockwell, and Bernie Telsey.
They will join special guest, New York Yankees legend and Latin Grammy nominee Bernie Williams, whose father passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Also performing will be Bryan Terrell Clark, Robert Creighton, Olivier winner Lesli Margherita, and Stephanie Gibson.
The segment celebrating Hairspray's “Sweet 16” will honor producer Margo Lion for her theatrical career and her support for Broadway Belts for PFF! and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF).
SEE WHAT IS COMING TO BROADWAY IN THE NEAR FUTURE
The evening raises money to fight pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating and progressive disease involving scarring in the lungs. Broadway Belts for PFF! was created in memory of Michael Kuchwara, former Associated Press theatre critic, who passed away from pulmonary fibrosis.
“We adore Julie and all she and her husband Ralph do to raise awareness and money for pulmonary fibrosis. More and more people we know are directly or indirectly affected by this devastating disease and we could not be happier to bring Baltimore back to New York for Broadway Belts for PFF!,” stated Shaiman and Wittman.
The benefit is produced by D. Michael Dvorchak, Sue Frost, Halston, and Ed Windels.
