Ben Vereen joins local fight against homelessness

Opening Doors of Fairfield County ”“ a regional alliance to prevent and end homelessness that includes United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, Supportive Housing Works and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness ”“ hosts Ben Vereen at a screening of his film, “Time Out of Mind,” Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the historic Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport.

The film addresses the issue of homelessness. Vereen co-stars in the film with a host of A-listers that includes Richard Gere, Kyra Sedgwick and Steve Buscemi.

The event includes a social hour beginning 5 p.m., followed by a one-hour discussion with Ben Vereen, whose Broadway resume dates to the 1960s and includes “Hair,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Pippin” and “Fosse.” He was once the understudy for Sammy Davis Jr. in “Golden Boy” in London. More recently, he was The Wizard of Oz in “Wicked.” He has worked on TV and appeared in 19 movies, including “All That Jazz” and “Funny Lady.”

To preregister, go to unitedwaycfc.org/filmscreeningwithbenvereen.