SUSAN LUCCISALUTES BROADWAY
By ERIN HARRINGTON Photo Credit: Yolanda Perez/ABC
16 LI April 2008 Photo Credit: Steve Fenn/ABC Photo Credit: Steve Fenn/ABC Super soap star Susan Lucci has proven yet again that she’s got a gift that just keeps giving. Although she’s earned her place as the unequivocal “queen of daytime” and has amassed a fan base that practically views her as royalty, Lucci remains gracious and fully committed to giving back.
The All My Children icon has do- years ago, the ABC & SoapNET nated a ton of her time and talents Salute Broadway Cares show has over the years to support and raise been a soap fan favorite. It’s a win- money for humanitarian causes. win-win as the stage performance Lucci’s charitable works - which, to allows fans an opportunity to see name only a sampling, have bene- their soap icons live and in-person. fitted The Cancer Project, The It’s a welcome treat for the stars as Mother’s March of Dimes National well, because it provides a venue Dancing with the Stars veterans Susan Lucci Campaign and, right here on Long for them to connect live with their and Cameron Mathison. Island, Little Flower Children’s Serv- audience and an outlet to show- ices - are done quietly and without case their very Broadway-worthy fanfare. But once a year, at the ABC singing and dancing abilities. And & SoapNET Salute Broadway Cares the beauty of it is that proceeds arenas. She’s starred on Broadway fundraiser, the star comes out and from ticket sales all go to BC/EFA. in Annie Get Your Gun, performed fully shines for her fans to help This year’s performance starred with Marvin Hamlisch at the West- raise sorely needed money for over 30 cast members from ABC’s hampton Beach Performing Arts Broadway Cares/Equity Fights All My Children, One Life to Live Center as well as in venues across AIDS. BC/EFA is the nation's largest and General Hospital and brought the tri-state area with Regis Philbin, industry-based, nonprofit AIDS in a record $325,000. It was hosted and has starred in many made-for- fundraising and grant-making or- by All My Children’s Cameron television movies. Lucci unleashed ganization. Founded in 1988, the or- Mathison who, like Lucci, is a another hidden talent this past fall ganization has distributed over $150 Dancing with the Stars veteran. The when she rolled up her sleeves and million for services for people with duo delivered the final number of laced up her dancing shoes to com- AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses. the show, dancing flawlessly to pete – very impressively - on Danc- This year’s event held March 9th “Too Darn Hot” from Kiss Me Kate. ing with the Stars. at Town Hall in Manhattan played to Although Susan Lucci has No matter where you find Susan a packed house of loyal daytime breathed life into the fiery, complex Lucci, you’ll find her hard working, devotees. Since its inception five character of Erica Kane since All professional and gracious, which is My Children debuted, her talents why after decades in show busi- have taken her beyond the bound- ness, Susan Lucci’s starlight contin- aries of “Pine Valley.” The petite, ues to shine so brightly. drop-dead gorgeous performer has earned accolades in many other