Coming off of her show-stopping role as Madame Morrible in Broadway’s Wicked, Sheryl Lee Ralph orchestrated a benefit concert to continue her mission to raise HIV/AIDS and health awareness. “There is more work to be done,” stated longtime HIV/AIDS activist and Founding Director of The D.I.V.A. Foundation during her sold-out performance at The Metropolitan Room in NYC’s Flatiron District. Referring to recent alarming statistics placing the United States first globally for having the highest rates of HIV infection among gay Black men, Ralph continued, “We must do better,” she emotionally shared during an intimate evening of song and story-telling highlighting her rise to fame and international acclaim.
Along with her son Etienne Maurice and daughter Ivy (Coco) Maurice, Ralph was joined on stage by Clifton Davis (Sultan from Broadway’s Aladdin) and special surprise guest, Tony Award Winner Ben Harney. Reuniting with Ralph for her One Night Only performance Harney and Ralph reprised their moving 1981 ballad “When I First Saw You,” as Dreamgirl’s original Broadway Deena Jones and Curtis Taylor, Jr. Ever raising others up, Ralph arranged a solo performance introducing her Wicked dresser Hannah while superb musical direction and accompaniment on the piano was provided by Ted Arthur throughout the night.
For information for upcoming performances or to donate to The D.I.V.A. Foundation log on to www.divatickets.com.