Producer Daryl Roth announced today that the Shine the Light Project, the educational outreach program seeking donations to underwrite student tickets to Off-Broadway's Through the Night, has raised over $37,000 since its launch in mid-September. At the current level of funding, Shine the Light will be able to provide approximately 1,500 tri-state, students the opportunity to experience Through the Night by fully underwriting the cost of their tickets. As more funds are raised, additional student groups will be selected to attend. All Shine the Light school groups are from local Title 1 schools, representing the tri-state area's most underserved student populations.
"The success of Shine the Light is a testament to the power of this remarkable play," Ms. Roth said. "The people who are supporting this initiative have seen the play and strongly believe in the importance of mentoring and education. This is proof that powerful theater can inspire people and change lives."
Though student groups are welcome at any performance, the producers of Through the Night held a special matinee performance exclusively for Shine the Light students on October 27. Over three-hundred tri-state area high school students attended. Also in the audience were The Today Show's Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kobt. The following day, on The Today Show, Ms. Gifford said of the production, "I wish every kid in New York City could see it. And after they've seen it, I wish every kid in America could see it. It is such a powerful piece of theater! You don't watch it, you experience it."
Contributions to Shine the Light can be made by visiting www.throughthenightonstage.com and clicking on the "Education" tab. All donations are fully tax deductable and will be used solely to help cover the cost of student tickets to a performance of Through the Night at the Union Square Theatre.
Donors may designate particular schools to receive the tickets, or the producers will select appropriate tri-state area school groups. Through the Night is deemed suitable for young audiences aged 14 and older.
Written and performed by Obie Award-winner Daniel Beaty and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, Through the Night is presented with the enthusiastic participation of a "Who's Who" of artists and influencers who are acting as Artistic Ambassadors for the production. This select group, lending support through a variety of audience development efforts, includes Bill Cosby, Ruby Dee, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Thelma Golden, Hill Harper, LaTonya Richardson Jackson, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Phylicia Rashad, Ben Vereen, Pauletta Washington, and Malik Yoba.
Six characters. Three generations. One unforgettable performance. Daniel Beaty portrays an entire cast of characters, from inquisitive boy to elder preacher, spinning a tale in which lives collide to show how hope, faith and love can pull anyone Through the Night. The New York Times calls it, "a thing of beauty, wit, grit and piercing lyricism."
Regular tickets, priced at $65.00, are available via Ticketmaster.com / (800) 982-2787 and in person at The Union Square Theatre Box Office (100 E. 17th Street, NYC). The Box Office is open Tuesday-Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
www.throughthenightonstage.com
