MANNA will celebrate the 17th annual performance for Shut Up & Dance, a one-night-only benefit presented by dancers of Pennsylvania Ballet and sponsored by Topper Spa Salon, featuring original works choreographed and performed by the dancers.

Hosted by Michaela Majoun of WXPN, the performance will be held at The Forrest Theatre at 1114 Walnut Street in Philadelphia on Saturday March 28, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are also available to Shout with Sole: a spicy after-party with The Dancers at SoleFood Restaurant at The Loews Philadelphia Hotel featuring DJ Robert Drake (WXPN/Sex Dwarf). Tickets for this one-night-only performance and after-party range from $50 to $200 and can be purchased by calling 215.496.2662 x136, online at http://www.mannapa.org/, and in person at MANNA (12 S. 23rd Street). All proceeds benefit MANNA.

Especially for people at acute nutritional risk due to life-threatening illness, MANNA prepares and delivers delicious nourishing meals, and counsel, empowering those individuals to battle their illness and improve their quality of life. With a small professional staff and more than 1,000 volunteers, MANNA prepares and delivers 3 meals a day, 7 days a week to clients throughout the Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. MANNA dietitians promote wellness through nutrition education and counseling. This team of caring individuals provides more than 70,000 meals a month to MANNA clients.

“MANNA is relying on the success of Shut Up & Dance now more than ever, due to city budget cuts and loss of foundation support,” said Richard Keaveney, CEO of MANNA. “By filling the 1,800 seat house on March 28, we will be well on our way to improving health and delivering nourishment to our clients 365 days of the year. I encourage everyone to buy tickets early for this one-night-only event.”

Shut Up & Dance started 17 years ago by dancers of Pennsylvania Ballet to pay homage to friends and loved ones lost to AIDS and to raise funds for those who support the community every day, such as MANNA. The dancers choreograph and rehearse each piece entirely in their spare time in what is truly a labor of love for the community. Shut Up & Dance will delight the audience with original, spirited, and funky performances choreographed by Sarah Hay, Suzette Logue, Abigail Mentzer, Lindsay Purrington, Nicolas Sipes, Brian Sanders and Francis Veyette. “Shut Up & Dance is truly a unique night for Philadelphia. One of the best nights of dance and entertainment all year, for one of the best causes in the city,” said Producing Director Jonathan Stiles.

The Shut Up & Dance 2009 Virtuoso Presenting Sponsor is Toppers Spa Salon, the after-party sponsor is East Coast Salon Services, and media supporters are WXPN, Philadelphia Gay News, CBS 3, City Paper, and Philadelphia Weekly, along with the generous support and cooperation of Pennsylvania Ballet.

ABOUT MANNA

Especially for people at acute nutritional risk due to life-threatening illness, MANNA prepares and delivers delicious nourishing meals, and counsel, empowering those individuals to battle their illness and improve their quality of life.

MANNA delivers nourishment to people at nutritional risk in the Delaware Valley. A small professional staff and 1,000 dedicated volunteers bring more than 70,000 nutritious, home-delivered meals each month to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, cancer or other life-threatening illness. MANNA dietitians promote wellness through nutrition education and counseling. Through these services, MANNA provides opportunities for caring people to extend loving support to families, friends, and neighbors.