NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release on May 9, 2017 Broadway star of “Kinky Boots” comes to Lancaster

(LANCASTER, PA) - Billy Porter is a contemporary Broadway icon, now making his way to Lancaster this July. Porter is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer, best known for his groundbreaking performance as “Lola” in Kinky Boots. From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Billy Porter rose to the heights of Broadway fame, acting in shows including Miss Saigon, Grease, Smokey Joe’s Café, , Shuffle Along, Songs For A New World, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line, and Chicago.

Porter’s film and television credits include Barry Levinson’s The Humbling opposite Al Pacino, Law & Order, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Tonight Show. His original song “Time” has been featured twice on the mega-hit television series So You Think You Can Dance, as well as the 2011 Miss America Pageant. Porter’s concert credits include opening for Rosie O’Donnell and , Carnegie Hall, and as a soloist for President Bill Clinton. He was the Associate Director for the Off Broadway revival of RENT and has directed concerts featuring Shoshana Bean, , Patina Miller and Stephen Schwartz. Porter is a graduate of The Professional Program In Screenwriting at UCLA and is an adjunct professor at his alma mater Carnegie Mellon University’s School Of Drama. He has also received an honorary doctorate from Washington & Jefferson College. Porter recently released his latest album, Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers for Sony Masterworks.

PRiMA Theatre is proud to present the PRiMA Benefit Event featuring Broadway star, Billy Porter • July 14, 6pm - Gourmet dinner on the concert stage with a preview performance by Billy Porter • July 15, 7pm - Solo concert with Billy Porter, Meet & Greet reception to follow Each event requires a separate ticket. - Headline Sponsor: Hagelgans & Veronis Law Firm - Host Sponsor: Willow Valley Communities

At Willow Valley Communities Cultural Center Theatre, five minutes from downtown Lancaster 900 Willow Valley Lakes Drive

Benefit event concert tickets start at $35.00. Raffle tickets for an exclusive Billy Porter NYC excursion are also available at primatheatre.org. Event sponsorship opportunities and tickets can be purchased by phone at 717-327-5124 or online at www.primatheatre.org.

Proceeds will benefit PRiMA Theatre, a local non-profit organization dedicated to invigorating lives through fresh theatrical experiences. PRiMA has brought an exciting flavor to the cultural scene of Lancaster at numerous venues throughout the region. The organization presents work that bridges contemporary music and musical theatre, as well as hosting Broadway guest artists including Stephen Schwartz, Adam Pascal, , Shoshana Bean, and Josefina Scaglione.

Press photos available at www.primatheatre.org/media.