Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today. To get through this thing called life.” The iconic Prince will forever be remembered for these, now, almost hauntingly surreal lyrics. Yet, rather than mourn the legend, a few of the finest actors, singers and artists are choosing to celebrate his life with a special one night performance of “Dearly Beloved” featuring rising star Ariel Bellvalaire on lead guitar.
Bellvalaire will join Grammy nominee and Tony Award winner Lena Hall and Tony Award Nominee, Drama Desk Winner and film star Robin De Jesus in DEARLY BELOVED... A Concert Tribute to Purple Rain, on Monday, May 16th at 8 PM at 42West (514 West 42nd Street, www.42WestNY.com).
A guitarist, singer, songwriter, actress and performer, Bellvalaire has recorded with top producers such as Tommy Faragher (Glee), shot music videos with her glam rock band, which included Nik West, performed as a solo artist and with other acclaimed musicians, and has acted in TV and feature films including, ""Orange is the New Black"", ""The Carrie Diaries"", ""Law and Order SVU"", “Run All Night” (Starring Liam Neeson), “On the Case With Paula Zahn"", ""Voodoo Church"" (Netflix), and has recently filmed a commercial playing guitar for GMC.
However, her Broadway break came in 2014 when she was asked to play guitar and perform in the original one night New York City Broadway show “Dearly Beloved” with Hall, De Jesus and E. Clayton Cornelius. Her guitar performance captured the attention of Broadway Buzz and Playbill Magazine.
“I am very honored to be asked to reprise my role in ‘Dearly Beloved’ and pay tribute to one of my idols,” said Bellvalaire. “This is going to be a memorable evening for everyone involved.”