Sheila E.s Elevate Hope Foundation Announces Benefit Performance of The Whos Tommy Starring Alice Ripley Nona Hendryx and Jen



the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

Los Angeles, CA May 19, 2008 -- The Elevate Hope Foundation (EHF), co-founded by world renowned artist and entertainer Sheila E. and manager Lynn Mabry, announces a special benefit performance of The Who's "Tommy" on June 19, 2008 at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood, CA. This benefit will raise funds for abused and abandoned children and to assist in developing a more comprehensive Arts Enrichment Program for EHF's beneficiary, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services.

The cast of The Who's "Tommy" stars Tony nominee Alice Ripley, known for her New York roles in "Next to Normal,"Side Show,"Sunset Boulevard,"Les Misrables" and the Des McAnuff production of "The Who's Tommy", as Mrs. Walker; Jenna Leigh Green, most recently Nessarose in the Los Angeles production of "Wicked", as Sally Simpson; Nona Hendryx of LaBelle with Patti LaBelle and HBO's "The L-Word", as the Acid Queen; Aleks Pevec as Tommy; Tom Schmid as Captain Walker; and Hank Adams as Uncle Ernie. Renowned guitarist Ronny Drayton will play guitar live on stage as the Hawker.

The Who's "Tommy" tells the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball champion and cult guru. It is one of the most phenomenal works of the rock era. Originally released as a two-record set in 1969, and composed by Pete Townshend, with songs contributed by Who bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon.

Directed by Brian Purcell, who directed "Chess," the special event at the Ford Amphitheatre last summer; which was among the most popular and highest grossing attractions in the Ford's history. As an actor, he appeared in the Broadway National Tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar", and in "Footloose" as Willard Hewitt, "Ragtime" as Younger Brother and "Evita" as Che.

This production of Tommy introduces high definition 3-D Sound, presented by EXP3D, a new audio system that does for sound what 3-D and its lenses does for motion pictures.

This groundbreaking theatrical production of Tommy marks the first appearance in Los Angeles in a decade.

WHAT

The Who's Tommy

Special Performance Benefiting The Elevate Hope Foundation

WHEN

Thursday, June 19, 2008

6:00 - 7:30 pm * Cocktails & Silent Auction

7:30 - 9:00 pm * Special Performance

9:00 pm * VIP Reception

WHERE

The Ricardo Montalban Theatre

1615 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028

TICKET PRICES: $200 VIP, $150 Floor, $75 Balcony

VIP Ticket includes: Prime Seating, Private VIP Reception, Cocktails, Hors-D'Oeuvre, Special Presentation, Cast Members Meet and Greet

TICKET PURCHASE: http://www.elevatehope.org/events

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, visit http://www.elevatehope.org

For more information about this production of "Tommy", visit http://www.thewhostommy.com

About Elevate Hope Foundation:

Founded by musician Sheila E. and Lynn Mabry, Elevate Hope Foundation is dedicated to provide abused and abandoned children an alternative method of therapy through music and the arts, and funding special services and programs that assist the needs of these children using these fundamental methods.

Contact:

FOR ELEVATE HOPE BENEFIT:

Elevate Hope Foundation

818-783-5000

PRESS CONTACT FOR "TOMMY" PRODUCTION:

Peter Goldman, Davidson & Choy -- p.goldman@dcpublicity.com -- 323-954-7510





Sheila E.s Elevate Hope Foundation Announces Benefit Performance of The Whos Tommy Starring Alice Ripley Nona Hendryx and Jen