Garden State Stars Return to Montclair State University to Host Annual Benefit for Autism New Jersey

Tony Award nominee Stephanie J. Block will once again return to host the fifth annual concert to benefit Autism New Jersey at Montclair State University, which is scheduled for Monday, April 11 at the institution’s Memorial Auditorium.

Joining Block as part of the event’s all-New Jersey headliners is singer of the 1960’s hit, “Mr. Dieingly Sad,” and member of The Four Seasons, Don Ciccone. Prominent comedians Sunda Croonquist and Mike Marino and the Broadway Show Choir of Paper Mill Playhouse, New Jersey’s preeminent regional theater, will also perform as part of the night’s bill. All proceeds for the evening will go to Autism New Jersey as part of Autism Awareness Month, which is held each April.

Autism New Jersey is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families. The nonprofit organization is committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families and the professionals who support them.

The event is planned and promoted by the Montclair State University Public Relations Student Society of America, and will take place from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $15, and can be purchased online at newjerseystars.eventbrite.com. Montclair State University students can purchase tickets for $10 either at the door or through the School of Communication and Media with a valid Student ID.

Stephanie J. Block

Best known for her portrayal of Elphaba in the Broadway hit Wicked, Stephanie J. Block received the 2013 Tony Award and Drama Desk nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance as Alice Nutting/Edwin Drood in the Roundabout Theatre’s production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Other credits include the role of Reno Sweeney in the 2011 revival of Anything Goes and 9 to 5: The Musical, which earned Block a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She also created the roles of Grace O’Malley in The Pirate Queen and Liza Minelli in The Boy From Oz.

Don Ciccone

The writer and lead singer of The Critters’ classic “Mr. Dieingly Sad,” Don Ciccone later joined The Four Seasons, singing lead vocals on the hit “Who Loves You.” He then joined Tommy James and the Shondells, helping the band produce 23 gold singles and two U.S. No. 1 singles; “Hanky Panky” (1966) and “Crimson and Clover” (1969).

Mike Marino

Known as “New Jersey’s Bad Boy,” Mike Marino is a popular comedian who has appeared on television shows including Becker, Frasier and Party of Five. His career in stand-up comedy has seen him perform in the country’s signature venues, including the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and Los Angeles staples The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store.

Sunda Croonquist

The host of The Laugh Factory’s weekly “All Star Comedy” and JLTV’s The James and Sunda Show, Sunda Croonquist has appeared on shows including Law and Order, The Today Show and The Doctors. She also currently hosts the radio program “Mothertainment” on RadioTitans.com.

Montclair State University

Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University is a leading institution of higher education in New Jersey. Designated a Research Doctoral University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the University’s nine colleges and schools serve more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students with over 300 doctoral, master's and baccalaureate level programs. Situated on a beautiful, 252-acre suburban campus just 14 miles from New York City, Montclair State delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated and diverse academic environment.
montclair.edu