On December 2nd, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will kick off a 5-week holiday season with a star-studded gala benefit including a performance at New York City Center and party at the New York Hilton Midtown Grand Ballroom.
Announced today, actor Chadwick Boseman will serve as the evening’s honorary chair during the benefit, with proceeds going to the creation of new works as well as scholarships to The Ailey School, and Ailey’s educational programs for children.

Early confirmed celebrity guests include Tituss Burgess, Savion Glover, Lance Gross, Tamron Hall, Judith Jamison, Janet Mock, Joe Morton, Naturi Naughton, Arturo O’Farrill, Phylicia Rashad, Kelly Rowland and Tika Sumpter.

The evening begins with the World Premiere of "Open Door" by Ronald K. Brown. In his sixth work for the Company, Brown adds new flavor to his signature style, setting this work to recordings by Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Next on the program will be "Caught," David Parsons’ signature gravity-defying work in which a male soloist flies through the air in a breathtaking display of athletic stamina.

Alvin Ailey’s beloved "Revelations" will rock the crowd in a rousing finale to live music with singers that include the incomparable Ella Mitchell.

Prominent figures in the worlds of entertainment, business, philanthropy and politics will join Artistic Director Robert Battle and dancers for a dinner-dance in the New York Hilton Midtown’s Grand Ballroom following the gala performance.

The event’s Co-Chairs are Simin Allison, Kathryn & Kenneth Chenault, Debra L. Lee, Doris & Gilbert Meister, Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach and Joan & Sandy Weill.

Call 212-405-9031 for tickets to the benefit.

Tickets for the full season running December 2nd through January 3rd, starting at $25, are now on sale.

Visit www.alvinailey.org, www.citycenter.org, call CityTix (212-581-1212), or the New York City Center box office.