Katrina Benefit on Broadway
What a beautiful night in the theater. Tonight in front of a nearly sold out Gershwin theater audience (filled with screaming/ovating fans), many of our Broadway community came out to perform and raise money for the victims of Katrina and Rita in the gulf.
Our cast was to perform Adam's "Migratory V"--a truly beautiful, soaring piece about taking flight. It was icing on the cake to arrive and find out we'd be immediately following Liza Minelli and Ben Vereen! So there I am standing in the wings next to Liza and Ben before they go on, and then standing backstage watching Ben bring the house down with an amazing rendition of Memory. That was the highlight of my night :)
We performed well (as always Victoria and Kelli sounded glorious, and Adam's voice is just so cool) and then I snuck up to the nose bleeds to support the rest of the performers throughout the night.
A few highlights:
Brian d'Arcy James--man my boy Brian can sing just about anything and sound amazing.
Idina Menzel--phatty acoustic version of I'll Cover You from RENT. unreal.
Shoshana Bean--Sho is an old friend whose voice is not from this universe; tonight she hit notes not even on the piano. insane.
Spelling Bee's cast: a HILARIOUS comdedic performance/dance piece commenting on the incompetency of our current administration's reaction to Katrina.
An on-the-spot auction of Quilts for Kids hosted by Chirs Seiber and David Hyde-Pierce that raised over 18,000 dollars in less than 10 minutes!!!
Thank you so much to all of you who came out and gave your time and money to this cause. I hope you enjoyed the show! May we all send our hearts and prayers to all those affected by the terrible events in the gulf. ...All our love for a fast return to safety, health, and prosperity.
6 Comments:
So. Jealous.
I wanted to be at that benefit so badly, especially after the folks at the Broadway Flea Market started giving out the vouchers on how to purchase great last minute seats, but alas, the Altar Boyz and then early class called, and I couldn't go. I think I would have missed you guys if I decided to go (we finish up around 8:30, 9), and I would have been kicking myself for the rest of the night, because I [heart] Migratory V.
Anyway, glad it went well and that the voice is better!
It sounds like an incredible event -- probably not recorded in any way I'm betting. Too bad, I know I'd buy a copy!
Kudos on being part of a great event and supporting an obviously very worthwhile cause!
Sounds like a fantastic night. I checked at http://www.gershwin-theater.com to find out if there will be a recording available and they said no
Thanks for your comments everyone. Unfortunately with these kind of events there are no recordings either video or audio to my knowledge. It's a shame but that's the way it is--I guess because for all it's organization, the event is still relatively informal for the performers and they want to protect our privacy, etc; There are all kinds of union rules about recordings as well (actors and crew have to be paid, etc;). As much as we'd like to be, we're just not as interesting as watching a bunch of TV and movie stars answer phones live on TV. Hmmmm...
Hmmmm, let's think this over for a second: Julia Roberts answering a phone, or the cast Spelling Bee doing a crazy interpretive dance number. Is there even a contest? LOL! But from the point of view of the American public, you are right, Aaron, and it's a shame.
Aaron,
As the founder of Quilts For Kids,Inc.of one of the benefiting charities that night, I'd like to thank you for being a part of that magical evening.
I was proud to see all of Broadway come together to help those unable to help themselves.
We have been gifting handmade patchwork quilts and New clothing to children evacuated from New Orleans and Mississippi.
Their eyes light up when you give them these beautiful quilts, made with love by volunteers across the U.S. It seems to fill a void in their sad little hearts.
You have enabled us to reach so many more children in need through this wonderful event.
Thank you for having a kind and generous heart.
Linda Arye'
Founding President
www.quiltsforkids.org
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