JEFFREY Plays MCCC's Kelsey Theatre, Beginning Tonight, 6/22

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the James Tolin Memorial Fund (JTMF) by going back to the show that started it all – Paul Rudnick's "Jeffrey."   Dates and times for this Obie Award-winning show are: tonight, June 22 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 23 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 24 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer County Community College's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Performances on Friday and Saturday night are special fundraising nights and include a reception and silent auction starting at 7 p.m. 

Rudnick's romantic comedy follows the title character, a gay actor/waiter who has just given up trying to find love in the treacherous HIV/AIDS landscape of 1990s New York.  Then he meets the man of his dreams, who is HIV positive.  Follow Jeffrey's powerful emotional journey as he struggles to face his fear and accept love.

"Jeffrey" was selected as JTMF's annual AIDS Benefit production at Kelsey Theatre.  With a decade of productions behind it, the actors decided to recreate the very first show produced by the company. The tribute is fitting on several levels, as Tolin was a gay actor who was deeply involved with Kelsey Theatre.  The memorial fund was created after he died of AIDS at age 37.

Proceeds from the performances benefit the Open Arms Foundation of Hillsborough, a support group network that was established at the medical offices where Tolin received treatment. With funding supplied by Open Arms, an educational Performing and Visual Arts project has been developed through Graffiti Productions, as well as a scholarship at MCCC.

The show features JTMF members Damian Gaeta of Hamilton as Jeffrey, with other JTMF members and MCCC students playing multiple roles, including Christian DiTullio of Lawrenceville, Dan Newsome of Lawrenceville, Bill Mercado of Hightstown, Chino Devine of Hamilton, Brian Bara of Levittown, PA, David Hamm of Wrightstown, and Alycia Bauch-Cantor of Bordentown.

Produced by Tracy Antozzeski, the show's stage manager is Judi Parrish, with Bob Terrano as the technical director.

Tickets for Friday and Saturday are $25, and include the reception and silent auction at 7 p.m.  Tickets for Sunday are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students.  For tickets, call the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333, or visit www.kelseytheatre.net.  Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theater.  Please note: This production contains language and themes not suitable for children.

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