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Jun. 23--John Lloyd Young learned about Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS the way most theatergoers do - from a seat in the orchestra. "Twice a year, without fail, I'd be at a show and see them raising money," says Young, star of the hit musical "Jersey Boys," which earlier this month nabbed four Tony Awards, including his own best actor prize.
This year, the fundraising falsetto helped collect donations both from the stage of the August Wilson Theater, where "Boys" is in residence, and via his personal Web site, which took in more than $10,000 from individual fans. He'll add to the effort Sunday as one of several dozen Broadway stars hightailing it to Hofstra University for "Celebrate America," a daylong benefit mixer of theater melodies sponsored by WOR/710 AM.
Young, who'll perform the 11 o'clock number "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," will be joined by cast members from 15 Broadway shows, among them "Avenue Q," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Color Purple" (Tony nominees Felicia P. Fields and Brandon Victor Dixon), "The Drowsy Chaperone" (Tony winners Bob Martin and Beth Leavel) and "Sweeney Todd," who'll perform throughout the day. Other celebrities will include Shuler Hensley, Tovah Feldshuh, Euan Morton and tenor Daniel Rodriguez, as well as WOR personalities Joan Hamburg, whose "Luncheon at Sardi's" airs monthly on the station, chef Tyler Florence and chatterbox Bill O'Reilly, who will offer readings on the subject of "My American Hero." "Celebrate America" is co-hosted by Ed Walsh and Donna Hanover of "The WOR Morning Show" and Newsday columnist Ellis Henican and Lynne White, of the afternoon program "Henican & White." It's the event's second year - and first on Long Island.
"With the war, there's a mood of questioning in the country," said Bob Bruno, WOR's vice president and general manager. "We thought it would be a good idea for the radio station to put something together that would lift our collective spirits in terms of feeling good about America."
"Celebrate America" also will include a performance by Cranford, N.J., high school senior Jonathan Schwartz, winner of the station's "Shining Star" contest, an "American Idol"-like singing competition. (Erin Gorey of West Islip High School was a finalist.) A celebrity panel including Neil Sedaka, Patti LuPone and Brian Stokes Mitchell winnowed down entries from more than 600 submitted.
About 3,000 people are expected, Bruno said. Tom Viola, executive director of BC/EFA, said the event is expected to raise $50,000, adding: "It's a great synergy of listener and charity."
WHEN & WHERE. "Celebrate America," 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Hofstra University Arena, Hempstead. Tickets are $19.95 and family four-packs begin at $63.84. Tickets are available online at www.wor710.com or by calling 800-568-3789.
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Copyright (c) 2006, Newsday, Melville, N.Y.
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.
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