Taste of Broadway raises $50,000

Taste of Broadway raises $50,000

MARKHAM–It’s show time! Markham Federation ofFilipino Canadians’ production of “A Taste of Broadway Encore Presentation” was another successful hit. The concert drew over 500 guests and at the end of the evening, it raised $50,000 for a new Family YMCA in the Town of Markham.

Held two weeks ago on March 27, 2004 at the Markham Theatre for PerformingArts, the show opened with the full cast performing “Be Our Guests”, which aptly gave the audience the welcoming message that they can just “sit back, relax and enjoy” the wonderful entertainment that was promised for the
evening.

The show is a compilation of popular Broadway musicals featuring eight talented performers, with background vocals and dancing support provided by the energetic and enthusiastic Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians Youth Group. Featured performers Karen and Kristine Tan performed a medley of songs from Mama Mia. Phantom of the Opera followed with Michael Masangkay and Vonnie Beltran performing as the Phantom and Christine, singing the popular duet “Music of the Night” and other songs. Marc Ballesteros reprised songs from Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, and Jesus Christ Superstar. To complete the first half, Vonnie Beltran gave her rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from the musical hit Evita.

Following intermission, guest performers Michael Burgess, and Ma-Anne Dionisio, two renowned celebrity artists performed to a star-struck audience.

The show picked up momentum with Nick Pan and Beverlee Buzon playing the lead roles of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (respectively) from the movie Grease, and last but not least, featured performer Crystal Sahagun performed select songs from Les Miserables.

The Final Act showcased the whole cast with signature songs from a variety of Disney musicals, such as Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmatians, Pocahontas, etc.

Taste of Broadway Honorary Chairs Mayor Don Cousens (Markham) and Councillor Alex Chiu (Ward 8-Markham), and the organizing committee would like to thank the sponsors for their unending generosity; to the performers, guest performers and the MFFC Youth Group, for providing a spectacular evening of entertainment, and to the parents and volunteers for their dedication and commitment. It was truly the collective efforts of all these people that contributed to the success of “A Taste of Broadway Encore Presentation.”

It’s All for the New Markham Family YMCA Healthy Communities Campaign

“A healthy community begins with the health of its people – in spirit, mind and body. Through our various programs and services, the YMCA strives to enrich the lives of people in all respects. For young and old, for all walks of life, we are making a difference in our community.”

The YMCA Celebrates 150 Years of Community Building

• For 150 years the YMCA has been responding to urgent community needs throughout the Greater Toronto Area

• YMCA welcomes all ages, faiths, races and economic abilities

• 330,000 people participating in activities at 210 YMCA locations

• 5,651 YMCA Volunteers contributed over 75,000 hours to their communities

• Today the YMCA provides employment training and child care in Markham and is ready to continue our history of community building with the development of the new Markham Family YMCA Membership Campus

Markham Family YMCA will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, June 14, 2004 from 12:00-2:00 pm at the new arkham Family YMCA site.
For further information, contact: Sue Bautista, Media and Communications, A Taste of Broadway, Tel. 416-299-7922, Cel. 416-754-7328.

(PRESS RELEASE)