The green carpet was rolled out on the evening of May 21st when the Los Angeles Cast of “Wicked” held a star-studded benefit gala at Club Façade-Hollywood supporting The American Cancer Society.  The club’s atmosphere was touched by hints of green; after all it was a “Wicked” affair.   Cast members including Eden Espinosa, who plays the role of Elphaba and Kristoffer Cusick who plays Fiyero, used their talents for the cause.    
Fundraising didn’t stop at the benefit concert.  It extended into the Silent Auction and the $100 dollar gift bag donations.  Silent Auction items included a signed poster from the cast of “Wicked” as well as one from the “Ugly Betty” cast. 

Along with “Wicked” memorabilia, there was an autographed headshot and CD from America’s Original Sweetheart, Miss Debbie Reynolds.  The gift bags were filled with some glamorous goodies to pamper you both internally and externally. Namely, it contained that Lance Armstrong endorsed, FRS Energy Drink and elite spa treatments. As for the entertainment, it was an eclectic mix of Broadway singers, modern dancers, and outrageously funny comedians. 

The event was hosted by Michael Urie from the hit television series, “Ugly Betty” and Wicked’s own Madame Morrible, Carol Kane.  Some of the cast members including Julie Reiber, Emily Rozek, Peter John Chursin, Laura Dysarczyk, and Gina Starbuck performed in front of the enchanted audience.

When comedian, Ryan Hill took the stage, the audience was overcome with laughter.  It also seemed that laughter was contagious when Laura Dysarczyk sang, “Let’s Talk Dirty to the Animals”.  The highlight of the evening was the duet, “All the Time” between Eden Espinosa and Kristoffer Cusick.  The song is off of Cusick’s newly released album, “Lost”.     

The Art 4 Life festivity did much more than entertain; it aided the American Cancer Society and the millions of people afflicted by this painful disease.  It was an event filled with passion and heart that hopefully will inspire others to volunteer and donate to such causes. 

To find out more about the American Cancer Society, please visit their website at    http://www.cancer.org/ For more information on “Wicked” you can go to www.wickedthemusical.com/LA/.  To check out Club Façade-Hollywood please view their website at, www.facadehollywood.com/.