[Archived] Performance of “Josephine Tonight” to Benefit the

For Immediate Release:  January 23, 2012

The Friends of the Alexandria Commission for Women invite you to join them for a benefit performance of Josephine Tonight, a musical biography of showbiz legend Josephine Baker, at MetroStage, 1201 North Royal St. in Alexandria, Thursday, February 9. The event, which includes a pre-performance reception at 6:30 p.m. and a live auction at intermission, will help raise awareness of and funding for the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy.

Josephine Tonight draws on the early life of the internationally known singer, actress and nightclub sensation who wowed audiences in America and Europe in the first quarter of the 20th century and reveals the relationship of the young Josephine and her laundress mother who steers her toward success and then teaches her to remember her roots. The show is appropriate for high school-aged youth.

This benefit event comes at a time when Gov. Robert F. McDonnell has proposed eliminating funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs throughout the state.  These programs, which are part of a state health department initiative to reduce the teen pregnancy rate in certain localities, offer sex education and outreach to youth.

The Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP), a collaboration of City agencies, community-based organizations and community members, works with youth and parents to encourage better communication, community involvement and greater understanding of pregnancy and other health issues. ACAP’s goal is to help young people see the possibilities in their lives if they avoid pregnancy and fatherhood during their teen years.

Tickets for the performance are $75, of which $40 is tax deductible.  They can be purchased here. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy.

For more information, email melissa.villacorta@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3132.