'Songs for Survivors' Benefit Concert in Ann Arbor Features Local Residents

Two years after graduating from the prestigious School of Music, Theatre & Dance at the University of Michigan, an event that was immediately preceded by a terrifying diagnosis of cancer that threatened to end his career before it began, actor and playwright Alex Kip has completed a play based on his experience. Titled My Other Voice, the work will have its world premiere this summer in Ann Arbor when it is performed at the Arthur Miller Theatre on the campus of U-M. The show, directed by Ari Laura Kreith, will run from August 15-September 1. 
 
In preparation for My Other Voice, Alex has assembled various University of Michigan musical theatre students, graduates, professors, and local Ann Arbor artists to celebrate cancer survivorship through music.  Songs For Survivors will take place on Easter Sunday, March 31st at Kerrytown Concert House at 4 and 7pm.  This concert will be a voice for survivors by spreading awareness, hope, and inspiration.  The various performers all have a connection to survivorship either through personal experience, family, or friends.  All proceeds will benefit the opening of My Other Voice.

Kip, 25, received his BFA in musical theatre from U-M and is also a graduate of the London Dramatic Academy. He was given a 15-30% chance of survival after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma as a senior at U-M. During subsequent treatment at the U-M Medical Center, Kip lost his voice. “Now able to sing again,” he said, “I’m giving the gift back.” Now in complete remission, Kip wrote My Other Voice and put together Songs For Survivors.  “My hope is that this concert and play will spread awareness to those diagnosed with cancer, while also giving patients hope for the future,” said Kip.  “It can also be used as a teaching tool for doctors in training, and act as a patient advocate for cancer victims.”

After successfully raising thousands of dollars towards the production through a Indiegogo account, plans for the production this summer are full steam ahead. AKip Productions, the production house producing My Other Voice’s facebook page is located atwww.facebook.com/AKipProductions, with their twitter account at @AKipProd.

TICKET LINKS: 

4PM "Songs For Survivors" http://www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com/index.php/events/reservations/songs_for_suvivors_men111

7PM "Songs For Survivors"http://www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com/index.php/events/reservations/songs_for_suvivors_men1111