Cast of Rent Show Playing Locally Donates to Pride for Youth

If you want the chance to see a great off Broadway production and help out a worthy cause at the same time, then Thursday night's performance of "Rent" at the Bellmore Theater at 8 p.m. is where you need to be. All the proceeds will benefit Pride For Youth (PFY).

"It is a goal of mine, as well as a concern, to create actual community theater, in which the large theater community on Long Island is able to engage with and assist the communities in which they perform," said Erinn Furey, a social worker and masters candidate at Columbia University who spearheaded the idea for the benefit performance. "I had researched non-for-profits in Bellmore and came across PFY. When looking at their website, I was amazed to see how the mission and services of PFY parallel the themes in the musical 'Rent.' I called PFY and spoke with the director, Pete [Carney] who was more than receptive. In addition, he explained that PFY had put on a production of RENT last year and the kids love the show. PFY then invited us to speak and perform at one of their Friday night coffee house events."

In addition to her social work, Furey is also a performer. She reached the Top 30 as a semifinalist on "American Idol" in 2004.

"While rehearsing for 'Rent', I had approached the producer, Fran Nemeroff about doing a fundraising event," she added.

They decided to take up a collection at the end of every show, with all proceeds to benefit PFY.

"Giving these kids the opportunity to see this show in a safe space, together, seemed wonderfully validating," Furey said.

"I know a kid involved with PFY so I thought it was a great idea to bring awareness to the community," said Nemeroff, the producer of Frantic Fran's Theatre, the group behind this production of of "Rent." At Thursday's performance, Carney will be presented with the donation. "So far, in only three weekends, we have raised over $600. And while PFY will be coming to the show on Thursday, we will continue our collection for PFY at all four of our last shows this weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.) in the hopes of raising $1000 dollars," Furey said.

For more information about PFY, visit www.prideforyouth.org. To purchase tickets, call 783-7200 or visit http://www.theatermania.com/ticketing/index.cfm/show/166946.