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Obama heading to Broadway for fundraiser, with Bill Clinton

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When it comes to raising money, the Obama reelection campaign knows it can count on the showbiz community.

After a visit to Studio City earlier this month for a Hollywood fundraiser at George Clooney’s house, President Obama is scheduled to rub elbows with New York’s theater elite at an event on June 4 titled “Barack on Broadway.”

The fundraising event is set for 7 p.m. at the 1,800-seat New Amsterdam Theatre, home of Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” The president is to appear alongside a number of prominent stage performers, including James Earl Jones, Stockard Channing, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Angela Lansbury, Mandy Patinkin and Jeffrey Wright.

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But perhaps the biggest guest appearance of the evening will be former President Clinton, who has recently stepped up his campaign appearances for the current chief executive. Clinton had been critical of Obama during the 2008 campaign, when Hilary Clinton was a contender for the Democratic nomination.

But the former president has apparently mended fences with Obama, throwing his support behind his bid for reelection.

The Broadway event is being staged by Tony Award-winning director George C. Wolfe. Tickets for VIP seats cost $1,000 while general admission is $250.

Because Mondays are dark nights for most shows, “Barack on Broadway” won’t affect theatergoers. But the area around 42nd Street and 7th Avenue, where the New Amsterdam Theatre is located, likely will experience street closures and significant traffic delays.

Two days after the event, Obama is scheduled to return to Los Angeles for a fundraiser at the home of “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy. Another New York fundraiser is planned for June at the home of actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

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