Kimpton Hotels, Herberger Theater Center and LA Writer/Producer Mara Brock-Akil Added to List of Local and National Sponsors for “Life in the Cancer Lane”
Phoenix, Ariz. – October 13, 2014 – The support from the Phoenix community has been tremendous as“Life in the Cancer Lane,” a benefit play will return to stage on Oct. 18 at the Herberger Theater Center. The hit play, written by the late Barbra Watson-Riley, and featuring award-winning actress Valarie Pettiford (Stomp the Yard, Why Did I Get Married Too, and Half & Half) will take place at the Herberger Theater Center-Stage West on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sponsors from Phoenix and around the country are supporting this production so that net ticket sales will be used to benefit survivors and their families. Pinkwellchick® Foundation, Inc. (PWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to raise awareness of breast cancer and heart disease, support breast cancer and heart disease research, work for better detection, diagnosis and cures for breast cancer and heart disease, and support those diagnosed with breast cancer and heart disease and their families.
“Life in the Cancer Lane” is a powerful production written by Phoenix playwright and activist Barbra Watson-Riley in the midst of her own battle with breast cancer. Watson-Riley was diagnosed in September 2011 with advanced stage 3 breast cancer. Her treatment included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and radiation. Six months after completing treatment, she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the lung. Barbra’s valiant fight came to an end on Nov. 7, 2013. The production debuted last October to a sold-out theater audience that included Watson-Riley and a host of family and friends from across the county.
“Life in the Cancer Lane” begins when women first hear the words “breast cancer.” With honesty, heart, a variety of emotion and humor, this story is told from real-life accounts of survivors and their caregivers, examining life after diagnosis and what happens when these women are thrown head first into the Cancer Lane. Whether it is the effects of chemotherapy or loss of hair… and friends, the play examines the twists, turns and bumps in the road along the breast cancer journey.
Diamond sponsors are the Herberger Theater Center, Kimpton Hotels, the Greater Hudson Valley Chapter of The Links, Inc. (Westchester, NY) and Hollywood producer Mara Brock-Akil and Salim Akil of Akil Productions.
Platinum sponsors include the Watson Family, Leslie M. Gray, Cox Communications and Jemina Bernard. Gold sponsors include Vanessa Bradley & Michel Bocandé, Dontrey & Brett Hart, Advocate Health Care and A Joyous Event.
In addition to Ms. Pettiford, this year’s cast will feature several talented Phoenix actresses, including: Larissa Brewington, Ashley Hare, Dzifa Kwawu, Yolanda London, Erika Moore and Dineta Williams-Trigg. The play is directed by Crystal Houston and Carla Waddles, produced by Tonya Evans and co-produced by Lori Hall Armstrong.
All proceeds of the production will benefit Pinkwellchick® Foundation, Inc. (PWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization and will be used to benefit survivors and their families. Through the generosity of sponsors and donors, breast cancer survivors will receive complimentary tickets to the play.
Ticket sales are still available for both the matinee and evening productions. Tickets are available at pinkwellchick.com, through the Herberger Theater Center box office at (602) 252-8497 or online at: herbergertheater.org/calendar/life-in-the-cancer-lane.
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