PHAMALY Event featuring Josh Blue June 17, 2011

Come Together to Celebrate PHAMALY
Colorado's Critically Acclaimed Theatre Company
PHAMALY (The Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League) presents its 2011 Circle of Stars Gala featuring comedian Josh Blue (winner of TV’s Last Comic Standing, Season 4). This one-night-only event will also feature a dazzling selection of musical performances by PHAMALY company members, including teasers of this summer’s musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The evening will be emceed by Kirk Montgomery, Emmy-awarding winning entertainment reporter for KUSA/9News.
The theme of this year’s celebratory fundraiser is “Come Together! a 60’s theme Gala” (a nod to the era of the original Tony-award winning musical that PHAMALY will be performing this summer). Guests have the option of dressing up in their own distinct version of the 1960’s. The evening will be rounded out with delicious fine food catered by Occasions by Sandy, libations, and silent and live auctions. All proceeds from the event benefit PHAMALY.
The 2011 Circle of Stars: Come Together featuring Special Guest Josh Blue will be held from 6 – 10 p.m. on Friday, June 17 at the Mile High Station Event Center, 2027 West Lower Colfax Avenue, Denver, 80204 www.milehighstation.com. Ticket Prices start at $60 and VIP and Sponsor packages are available. To order tickets or RSVP email tickets@phamaly.org or call 303-575-0005. More information atwww.phamaly.org
Josh Blue has been a fast-rising star since first appearing on Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia” before gaining the attention and endearment of the country as a favorite on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Josh is a diverse and triumphant individual - hilarious stand-up comedian, stand-out guest star on television, talented artist, and stellar U.S. Paralympic Soccer player – refusing to bow to any of the challenges that come from living with Cerebral Palsy. Blue jokes, “I realize that people are going to stare so I want to give them something to stare at.” Josh uses his incredible sense of humor and versatile persona to defy stereotypes and encourage others to overcome their preconceived notions about people who are considered “disabled.” His unique brand of “reverse teasing” affords him the great joy of “humbling condescending people.” He has appeared on NBC, MSNBC, FOX News, and Fox Sports Net. In 2005, Josh emerged as a major force on the college circuit with Main Stage Showcases that garnered rave reviews and a helped earn him a nomination for BEST DIVERSITY EVENT OF 2006 by APCA. From comedy clubs and theater engagements to college campuses and corporate events, wherever he takes the stage Josh elicits a wildly appreciative crowd response. His uncanny ability to improvise with any audience coupled with comedic timing rarely found in a performer of his age has enabled Josh to rapidly develop a fan base across the country. His rise is perhaps best described by a well known club owner following a recent show when he exclaimed: “Josh is rolling like a ROCK STAR!”
The Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League (PHAMALY) was formed in 1989 when a group of former students of the Boettcher School in Denver, Colorado, grew frustrated with the lack of theatrical opportunities for people living with disabilities, and decided to create a theatre company that would provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to perform. As a not-for-profit membership organization, PHAMALY is dedicated to producing traditional theatre in nontraditional ways.
PHAMALY brings a unique and unusual approach to the theatre landscape. PHAMALY produces professional quality live theatre exclusively with performers who are physically and/or developmentally challenged, empowering them to acquire new and improve upon existing acting skills. PHAMALY also educates other theatre professionals in methods of adapting their performances to include differently abled actors.
PHAMALY’s three primary programs are a winter show typically staged in January at the Aurora Fox, our annual summer musical at the Denver Performing Arts Complex and a fall studio series, Vox PHAMALIA which is held at different venues around the Denver Metro area. We also offer a unique outreach touring show, Voices of PHAMALY that brings performers with disabilities to businesses, senior centers, community arts festivals, colleges and schools.
THE PHAMALY MISSION: To provide professional theatre opportunities and artistic development for performers with disabilities, and to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the performing arts community.