Music Commission News

Neil Patrick Harris Helps NM Theatre Co.

posted Aug 15, 2010

Media Contact:
Nancy Laflin
New Mexico Music Commission
(505) 827-6454

Actor Neil Patrick Harris became nationally known when he starred as a doctor on Doogie Howser, MD then went on to garner three Emmy nominations and become a feature on both Broadway and in Hollywood. Now the New Mexico native is coming to help the resuscitation of a local theater company with which he performed.

Harris is returning to New Mexico August 22nd for fundraiser for Musical Theatre Southwest (formerly known as ACLOA, or Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Assn. ) Last May, a fire destroyed the building that housed thousands of costumes, props and rehearsal space for the fifty-year old theater company. Losses included many actual vintage uniforms, a wheelchair from the 1920's, a freshly installed dance floor and much more.

Within hours after the fire, Harris contacted the organization through his brother Brian and pledged his support. Now his family is hosting a dinner August 22nd at their restaurant -- Perennials on Osuna and San Mateo in Northeast Albuquerque. Tickets are $150 per person, and only 100 are available.

Tickets must be purchased in advanced and will not be sold at the door of the red carpet event. If you would like to buy tickets, you can contact Musical Theatre Southwest at 265-9119.

"Many New Mexico families literally grew up seeing and participating in the productions of the theatre company. It's so moving to see them come back and support MTS after this tragedy," said William R. Stafford, President of Musical Theatre Southwest.

"The fire devastated the theatre company, but we have been amazed at the outpouring of community support, including the generosity of Neil's family," said board member Rick Huff, who has worked with the theatre company for more than 40 years and is a member of the New Mexico Music Commission.

Other notables who gained experience with MTS & ACLOA include actress/director Penny Marshall, Jesse Tyler Ferguson of Modern Family and Broadway stars Marissa Jaret Winokur and Patti Cohenour.

Contact: Musical Theatre Southwest
(505) 265-9119
(Media) Nancy Laflin/827-6454