The Annual John Lennon Tribute began when a
 small group of performing artists and their friends were 
 drawn together by John Lennon's senseless murder. An
 emotional evening of song, dance and theater, that first 
 gathering was an instinctive outpouring of sorrow and 
 grief. Since then, the event has transformed into a joyful    celebration of the life, music and creative spirit of John
 Lennon. 

 Theatre Within’s Annual John Lennon Tribute is now recognized as the longest running Lennon tribute show in the world. It is the only ongoing Lennon tribute show in New York City and the only ongoing Lennon tribute show to have earned the support of Yoko Ono.

In 2001, the Tribute was turned into an event to benefit charities.   This year, with approval from  Yoko Ono, the talented team from Theatre Within have designated the UMDF as their 2009 charity partner.