Checkerboard Productions

"BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS FUNDRAISER CHECKERBOARD PRODUCTIONS “ELEGIES”

SENTINEL REVIEW
“. . .the feelings that arise from Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens – feelings of caring, of anger, of love – are still there in abundance. . . .And the emotions they evoke will fill you. . .the talent here is remarkable, from Equity actors to students.” - Elizabeth Maupin, Orlando Sentinel

Checkerboard Productions is proud to announce that its recent held over production of ELEGIES for ANGELS, PUNKS, and RAGING QUEENS was able to raise $1,410.00 for Braodway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.

The show was a wonderful sell-out at the Orlando Fringe Festival, as well as having one final benefit performance using space graciously donated by the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre (with special thanks to Jamie Mykins and Kevin Opansinski). During its run at the Fringe it garnered great reviews, fabulous audience response, and a number of awards including the Red Venue Patron’s Pick for the festival.

WEEKLY REVIEW “This year's Fringe hit a high note -- or, really, a series by some of the best belters this side of Broadway, all in just the right key -- with the searing Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens... It was a heroic, full-throttle performance by its soloists and an outstanding ensemble-- this is one Fringe feature that belongs front and center.” -- Laura Stewart. The Orlando Weekly

We would like to graciously thank our cast/crew as well as all audience and community sponsors:
Checkerboard’s production was directed by John DiDonna, with Musical Direction by Don Hopkinson. The work is produced by Dominique Minor, Regina Postrekhina and Adwoa Manu. The cast included an incredibly diverse group of some of the best talent that Central Florida has to offer:
Kevin Kelly, Keith Kirkwood, Laura Hodos , Melissa Mason, Regina Postrekhina, Dominique Minor, Marty Stonerock, Samantha O’Hare, Brent Wakelin, Lance Paul Hoover, Marcie Schwalm, Valensky Sylvain, Jac LeDoux, Victoria Jackson, Garrett Jurss, Elle Vernee, Elise Golgowski, Nicholas Wuehrmann, Fredy Ruiz, Jolie Hart, Michael Sapp, Leilani Wolfgram, Kelli Sleigh, Viet Nguyen, and Michael Witherall. The production is stage managed by Brittany Wine, costumed by Jennifer Bonner. Piano Accompaniment by Don Hopkinson / Cello by Paul Lenier.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American Theatre community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $140 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses. "

Mission Statement:

-To mobilize the unique abilities within the entertainment industry to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS
-To increase national-and-international public awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS through the creation and dissemination of educational materials and the provision of support thereof
-To promote and encourage public support for programs and services which benefit people living with HIV/AIDS

*for more on the mission statement and other information for Broadway Cares Please visit http://www.broadwaycares.org/index