Broadway Stands Up for Freedom

The Broadway community, arguably more than any other group of artists, embraces the very idea and essence of that word--community. It seems that gifted groups of performers and musicians are continuously raising their hearts, voices, and money for causes that affect not only their interests, but the interest in a better world. From Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS to Peace, Love and Marriage Equality to Broadway Barks pet adoption day, there is never a shortage of generosity and spirit in the Broadway world. The night of July 26 was no different as over 30 theater veterans and newcomers alike came together for Broadway Stands up for Freedom: A Concert to Benefit the Youth Services of the New York Civil Liberties Union. Hosted by the very funny and very charming Seth Rudetsky, the night seamlessly interwove art and politics, proving honorary chair Tony Kushner’s opening remarks to be true: that art and politics do not need to exist in an S & M relationship. Indeed, if the night was any indicator, art and politics can not only make beautiful music together, but can also rock, roll, and set the soul on fire.

The evening’s performances ranged from beautifully subtle standards such as Daphne Rubin-Vega’s (Rent, Anna in the Tropics) “Alfie” to hard rockin’ originals including “Love is Better than Me” (Bryce Ryness; Hair), with every music genre in between. But one message was made instantly clear: the power of love over hate and the belief that the world can change for the better would be the themes filling the room for the two hour event. Anthony Rapp (Rent, …Charlie Brown) paid tribute to both the night and one of his heroes with Elvis Costello’s “What’s So Funny ‘bout Peace, Love, and Understanding?” De’Adre Aziza (Passing Strange) performed a heartfelt mash-up of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song / One Love.” Rebecca Luker (The Sound of Music) showed her love of the youth for whom the night was dedicated, literally, as she brought up her stepson to accompany her on the ukulele as she performed “Look for the Silver Lining,” by Jerome Kern.

The night certainly was about looking for silver linings in a government and a society which is so often filled with dark clouds. Between performances, NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman and Founding Performer, Liana Stampur, humorously and engagingly reminded the audience members of all that has been fought for and won, and all of the challenges that still lay ahead. Video montages and student-penned essays offered glimpses of hope that these challenges can and will be met when the arts and politics come together as they did at this memorable and life affirming event. Now, this is not to say that things ever got heavy handed.

Mr. Rudetsky, as host and musical director, kept things light and upbeat between songs with his witty commentary, deconstructions of the artists, and even clips of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (?!). Performance highlights included the quirky, yet adorable, Nellie McKay’s reggae original, “Caribbean Times,” which was prefaced with a very personal story about a woman’s sensitive time of the month and an airport security pat down, proving that protection of basic rights and human integrity is necessary anywhere at any time. The cast of Hair electrified the audience with a gorgeous and energetic medley of “To Make You Feel My Love / All You Need is Love.” This audience member felt the love, and that love really is all I need. However, the “WOW!” moment of the night belonged to Katie Thompson. Her scorchingly soulful rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come” had the audience collectively gasping for air. Putting ever fiber of her being into that some had me believe that change is right around the corner.

While I could go on and on about all who participated in Broadway Stands Up for Freedom, I would not want to take away from the true star of the evening: the NYCLU and the amazing work they do protecting the liberties and freedoms of all New York residents. If the blending of art and politics could inspire so much in two hours, imagine what could happen if the S & M gear that bonds their relationship were permanently removed.

A special thank you to Bill Augustin, Public Relations coordinator for the event, for inviting me to share in its magic.