Hollywood Meets Broadway at Star-Studded Benefit Hosted By Catherine Zeta-Jones

Hollywood Meets Broadway at Star-Studded Benefit Hosted By Catherine Zeta-Jones

Stars of Stage and Screen Gather for 'A Fine Romance' to Celebrate the Love Affair Between Hollywood and Broadway and Raise Money for the Motion Picture & Television Fund

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The lights of the Great White Way and the stars of Hollywood shone brightly tonight as some of the biggest stars from stage and screen came together for an event hosted by Catherine Zeta-Jones benefiting the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF).

The event, called "A Fine Romance," celebrated the love affair between Hollywood and the theatre, with performances from movies that became Broadway musicals and Broadway musicals that became movies. The theme for the event was based on the newly released book "A Fine Romance" by longtime MPTF supporter Darcie Denkert.

The event was held at a private residence in Holmby Hills, Calif., and was attended by more than 400 celebrities and entertainment industry figures.

The evening began with a cocktail reception, which was followed by live celebrity performances honoring musicals from stage and screen. Zeta-Jones performed "All That Jazz" and "Nowadays," both from the hit musical and movie "Chicago." Other performances included "Will & Grace" co-star Megan Mullally singing "Whatever Happened To Mabel" from "Mack & Mabel," Kristin Chenoweth ("Wicked") who sang a rendition of "I Could Have Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady," Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur performing "Good Morning Baltimore" from the hit Broadway musical "Hairspray" and Adam Pascal, who appears in both the Broadway production and upcoming film of "Rent," singing "One Song Glory." The evening's music was conducted by John Mauceri, music director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

Legendary comedic genius Carl Reiner was also on-hand to introduce a film clip from the upcoming musical film version of friend Mel Brooks' Broadway production of "The Producers."

A special moment in the show came following a clip of the incredible dance number "Get Me To The Church On Time" from the film "My Fair Lady," when Zeta-Jones went into the audience to introduce special guest John Alderson, the lead dancer from the number and currently a resident at the MPTF Country House & Hospital.

"Every so often, one has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others," said Zeta-Jones. "Supporting the Motion Picture & Television Fund, I am able to give back to the people who work in film and television and their families. And it was a joy to put the spotlight back on my friend John Alderson who gave us all such wonderful moments on film."

The evening ended with a Champagne and dessert reception. The event was co-chaired by Fay and Frank Mancuso and Ann and Jim Gianopulos.

"This event continues a legacy of support by the entertainment industry for an institution that was founded 84 years ago by industry members who saw a need," said Mancuso. "The need to take care of one another in a business that has many highs and lows. And in the process, a $100 million charitable organization evolved that is a national model of health and human services. Jim and I are grateful to the talent who have helped us raise close to $1 million."

To raise additional funds for MPTF, a live auction was held with legendary "Let's Make A Deal" host Monty Hall serving as auctioneer. Among the items auctioned-off were a fashion trip to Italy from Salvatore Ferragamo, tickets to see U2 and Green Day concerts in Los Angeles from America Online, a pair of 4.39 Carat diamond earrings from Harry Winston, a Cabo San Lucas golf excursion from Fay and Frank Mancuso, and a Valentine's Day weekend in New York City from Anda's Spirit USA & Henri Zimand.

Sponsors of the event were America Online, Anda's Spirit USA & Henri Zimand, Harry Winston, The Hollywood Reporter, The Lincy Foundation, Philips Electronics and Salvatore Ferragamo.

"We are pleased to support and be involved with the Motion Picture & Television Fund -- an organization dedicated to the health and care of those in the entertainment industry," said Jon Miller, Chairman and CEO, America Online, Inc. "We congratulate Darcie Denkert on the release of her new book 'A Fine Romance' celebrating the ultimate musical collaborations between Hollywood and Broadway."

America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies, and e-commerce services.

"I am very proud to support an organization that has dedicated 84 years of caring for the entertainment community," said Henri Zimand. "I am honored to dedicate the 1st AndaSpirit Philanthropic Award to Frank and Fay Mancuso for their dedication to the Motion Picture and Television Fund and their enrichment of the world through their spirit of giving. I am giving this award to thank Hollywood for what it is doing for the world and to recognize the Mancusos who in their rise to success did not forget to help others -- as my wife Anda did throughout her life."

Henri Zimand created the international philanthropic initiative Anda's Spirit in honor of his wife Anda who died of breast cancer two years ago. Anda's Spirit is the framework for Henri's continuing philanthropy. Many projects are funded in honor of Anda in Israel, England, France and the United States. Henri endorses meaningful causes around the world ranging from the eradication of breast cancer to education, children, women's issues, entertainment/arts/culture and world peace. This fall, in addition to supporting the Motion Picture & Television Fund's amazing work, Anda's Spirit is also helping British children with terminal cancer by planting a garden of 45,000 daffodils in Anda's name ("Anda Spirit Field of Hope") across from Buckingham Palace as part of the Marie Curie Cancer Center "Great Daffodil" fundraising program.

"Like the Motion Picture & Television Fund, The House of Harry Winston has enjoyed a rich history with the Hollywood community," said James C. Seuss, President, Harry Winston.

"We join with so many others in celebrating the great work of the MPTF. Their long and impressive tradition of support and encouragement -- of always 'being there' in times of need -- makes this extraordinary organization a real "gem" in the entertainment industry."

The House of Harry Winston is the embodiment of three generations of Winston jewelers dating back 100 years. Harry Winston, the son of a New York jeweler, established the company in 1932. Ronald Winston has led the company since his father's death in 1978, and has built on the solid foundation of the Winston reputation in order to take the firm into fresh directions for the new millennium. In 2003, Aber Diamond Corporation, the premier publicly traded diamond company, acquired Harry Winston, Inc.

"The Hollywood Reporter is delighted to once again participate in an event with the Motion Picture & Television Fund," said Robert Dowling, editor-in-chief and publisher of The Hollywood Reporter. "The efforts of the Motion Picture & Television Fund have always been a significant cornerstone of the entertainment community and The Hollywood Reporter is delighted to be a part of their ongoing activities."

Top news-gathering and publishing organization The Hollywood Reporter is a must-read for entertainment's most powerful, influential people. More than 144,000 key decision makers worldwide rely on the publication for fuel for thought that enables success in a continually evolving business and creative environment. The Hollywood Reporter provides comprehensive coverage of the global entertainment industry with six editions: Daily, Weekly International, Special Issues, E-Mail, THR-East and its Neal Award-winning Web site www.HollywoodReporter.com. The Hollywood Reporter is published by Netherlands-based VNU, the world's largest organization of entertainment-related publications and services.

"As a leader in creating technology innovations which are simple to use and enhance the quality of life, we see a natural synergy with MPTF. Both MPTF's work and our advanced technologies span the entire scope of healthcare and healthy living," said Paul Zeven, CEO Philips Electronics North America. "Philips is proud to be a part of 'A Fine Romance' and continue our support of MPTF's dedication to caring for the Hollywood community."

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of $ 37.66 Billion (EUR 30.3 billion) in 2004. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 159,700 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

"Our company's roots extend deep into Hollywood," explains Massimo Ferragamo, chairman of Ferragamo USA and son of company founder Salvatore Ferragamo. "Some of my father's original clients -- Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, the ones that helped establish him as 'shoemaker to the stars' -- founded MPTF to insure the well-being of future generations. We're honored to be supporting such a worthwhile organization and contributing to the industry that continues to love Ferragamo."

Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the world's foremost luxury brands. Based in Florence, Italy and still owned by the Ferragamo family, the company traces its origins to the film industry, where superior style and craftsmanship established Salvatore Ferragamo as 'Shoemaker to the Stars.' Today, Salvatore Ferragamo is a global leader in Italian fashion with product collections including shoes, handbags, leather goods, silks, fragrance, eyewear, and ready-to-wear for men, women and children. The company's retail network includes more than 200 directly controlled stores worldwide.

For almost 85 years, the Motion Picture & Television Fund has been a major service organization, promoting the well-being of California's entertainment community. Healthcare and childcare, retirement care and charitable social services are provided with compassion and respect for the dignity of the whole person. Charity is at the heart of what MPTF does at the Motion Picture & Television Fund's Country House and hospital, five health centers, Samuel Goldwyn Foundation Children's Center, and through financial assistance and community outreach programs. For more information about MPTF visit www.mptvfund.org.

Contact: Steve Honig The Honig Company, Inc. 310-246-1801 press@honigcompany.com

Source: Motion Picture & Television Fund

CONTACT: Steve Honig of The Honig Company, Inc., +1-310-246-1801, press@honigcompany.com, for Motion Picture & Television Fund

Web site: http://www.philips.com/newscenter

Web site: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/

Web site: http://www.mptvfund.org/

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