Ella Weaver is a 13-year-old musical theatre student from Southlake and arguably one of Broadway’s biggest fans. She is also undergoing aggressive chemotherapy in a battle against Stage 3 Lymphoma. To help support this amazing young woman, Ella’s friends at the both the Grapevine and Frisco campuses of the Acting Studio — in conjunction with Lyric Stage, Irving Arts Center, and an all-star cast of more than 25 talented Broadway and DFW musical theatre professionals — are putting on an incredible Broadway-themed benefit that's sure to thrill.

“Once Upon a Time: To Ella, With Love, From Broadway” will be held at the Irving Arts Center on Wednesday, September 14, and hosted by one of DFW’s favorite theatre teachers, Mr. Chad McCoy. The evening will feature dozens of can’t-miss performances in two acts:

• The first act will include songs from Ella’s favorite shows: Wicked, Shrek, and Matilda… and more!
• The second act is a New York-style “cabaret karaoke,” where patrons can bid to hear their favorite performers sing a song of their choosing.

Throughout the evening, show-goers will enjoy professional performances by acclaimed theatre stars Denise Lee, Diana Sheehan, Brian Hathaway, Cara Statham Serber, Janelle Lutz, Shane Peterman, Erica Peterman, Daron Cockerell, Stephen Bates, Amy Stevenson...plus MANY more!

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and light catered reception provided by Glory House. Featured auction items include a three-night stay at a beachfront condo in Panama City, FL, tickets to both local and Broadway shows, a Four Seasons spa getaway valued at $6,000, tickets and parking passes for Texas Rangers games, themed baskets, artwork, and much more. All proceeds raised go directly to the family of Ella Weaver.

Bidding on many of the silent auction items will close when the performance begins at 7:00 p.m., so be sure to come early! Tickets can be purchased online here or by calling the Irving Arts Center box office at 972-252-2787.

About Ella & #EllaFan
To learn more about Ella and how you can help support her cause, please visit EllaFan.com.