Detroit Concert for a Cure sings ‘Snowtunes’ at Baldwin Theatre

ROYAL OAK – There will be no business like “snow” business Dec. 12 when national and local thespians come together to present “Snowtunes,” a holiday-themed fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The event will be the third benefit staged by Detroit Concert for a Cure.
“You’re getting a bang-up show for only $25,” said Reed Dunn, the program’s co-producer/director. “It’s an evening that’s going to be packed with all kinds of talent.”
The benefit, to be held at the historic Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak, will feature a night of holiday tunes performed by Maureen McGovern and other cast members from the national tour of “Little Women: The Musical” that opens next week at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. Joining them will be local favorite Judy Dery from the long-running hit, “Menopause the Musical”; Matt Ferrell, Aaron Berk and Tonya Doran from the Lexington Music & Theatre Company’s production of “The 1940’s Radio Hour”; the cast of Stagecrafters’ upcoming production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”; and talent from area schools.
“Having [Maureen] come on board is extremely special,” Dunn said. “She’s a huge supporter of BC/EFA, and she’s written a song specifically for the charity called ‘Help is on the Way,’ and she’ll be performing it at our benefit. It’s the only song that won’t have a holiday theme.”
BC/EFA — with roots that go back to 1987 as two separate, New York-based organizations — is a not-for-profit philanthropic organization that raises money for The Actors’ Fund and hundreds of community-based AIDS and family service organizations throughout the country. Since its inception, more than $61.4 million in grants have been awarded. Last year, six Michigan groups received $38,000, including the HIV/AIDS Resource Center in Ypsilanti and the Community Health Awareness Group in Detroit. “Their commitment to Detroit has been tremendous,” Dunn said.
Detroit Concert for a Cure was created nearly two years ago, Dunn said, to produce fundraisers for the national organization. “Since Michigan groups were getting money from the organization, Brad Harder felt Michigan should also do its part to give back to the organization that is providing thousands of dollars to local groups.”
Its initial efforts raised more than $15,000; Dunn’s goal this time is $10,000. All monies collected are sent to New York for distribution.
Besides the show, the evening will include a silent auction and door prizes. Also on hand will be representatives from the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project.
An afterglow will follow at Pronto!.
Moving the show to Royal Oak gives the event more exposure, Dunn believes. Not only does it tie into Stagecrafters’ fiftieth anniversary season, but ticket holders can now choose from numerous restaurants within walking distance should they decide to make an evening of it. “It’s a great location, and it’s just incredible how beautiful that structure is. We couldn’t be happier to be having it there,” he said.