Simply Sensational Benefit Celebrates Greatest Broadway Songs for Women

On November 7 at Uptown Underground, "American Idol's" Rayvon Owen, plus Honey West, Kevin Webb, Michelle McKenzie-Voigt and Nancy Hays will perform "Simply Sensational," a benefit celebrating Broadway's greatest songs for women.

The headliner of the evening is Broadway's Capathia Jenkins, with emcee WGN's Dean Richards. Other performers from the Pride Films and Plays Company and cast of the upcoming musical "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert" will also perform. Music Director for the evening is PFP's Jeff Award-winning Robert Ollis.

Owen entertains during the pre-show reception downstairs in the private room from 6 to 7 p.m. The regular program will continue at 7:15 p.m., and again feature Rayvon along with the other performers, with Broadway's Capathia Jenkins headlining. The program will celebrate the greatest songs written for women in the Broadway canon, performed by the best women -- and men -- in Chicago's musical theater scene.

Capathia Jenkins was featured in the record setting NBC LIVE telecast of "The Wiz." On Broadway she has appeared in "Newsies," "Martin Short-Fame Becomes Me," "Caroline, or Change," "The Look of Love," "The Civil War." Off-Broadway she was seen in Nora Ephron's "Love, Loss and What I Wore," "(mis)Understanding Mammy-The Hattie McDaniel Story," (Drama Desk Nomination) "Caroline, or Change" and "Godspell."

She has appeared in "30 Rock," "The Sopranos," "Law & Order" and much more. She also has performed with many symphony orchestras around the world, including the Cincinnati Pops and the Hong Kong Philharmonic.

For as long as he can remember, pop/soul singer, Rayvon Owen has dreamed of a life dedicated to music.�Born to be on stage, the Richmond, VA, native began his music career at a very young age -- singing in choirs, touring with gospel musicians and performing in local musicals. By the age of 18, he relocated to Nashville, TN, to study Commercial Music at Belmont University.

Shortly after graduation, Owen made his way from Nashville to Los Angeles, CA, where he continued to write and craft his sound. In 2014, he released his debut EP, Cycles, which includes the hit single "Sweatshirt." In the past year, Rayvon took his talent on the road, performing at over 60 colleges across the United States.

Already having a fan base across the U.S., he became a household name and "Twitter Save" champion as a Top 4 finalist on season 14 of "American Idol." While on "Idol," Rayvon performed with the likes of Jamie Foxx, Ricky Martin, Boy George and many others. He is noted not only for his star quality and beautiful vocal tone, but for his ability to bring authenticity and emotion to his performances.

Following his journey on "American Idol" and performing on the 38-city "American Idols LIVE!" tour, Owen shared his new creative direction and collaborative spirit with the September 2015 release of his "Air EP." The 2015 L.A. Music Award's "Rising Star" recipient recently wrapped recording on his new EP -- set to release late 2016. His lead single, "Can't Fight It," premiered exclusively on Huffington Post Feb. 12. The music video was released on Valentine's Day through Billboard, along with an exclusive interview that shared a part of Owen's story publicly for the first time. Owen continues to strive to entertain his listeners and create an immersive and inspirational experience.

The evening benefits the programming of Pride Films and Plays, and the renovation of the Pride Arts Center in January 2017. VIP Tickets $150 (includes pre-show VIP reception); General Admission $75 (includes program and post-show dessert reception).

Simply Sensational will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 7 at Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway.

For tickets, call 800-737-0984 or visit www.pridefilmsandplays.com.