I spent Sunday night watching The 65th Annual Tony Awards. It was exciting seeing a snippet of the wonderful shows that are on Broadway right now.
I came away from this show with some interesting thoughts:
- There is so much fabulous talent on Broadway.
- I can’t wait to go back to Broadway and see some live Broadway shows.
- So many times I said to myself, “Clay Aiken would really shine in this role.”
- I am in awe that Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids works so hard for so many people.
When, during the broadcast, it was announced that the cast of Memphis was going to perform, I listened carefully. When the show told of the over 1,000 students who had the opportunity to attend their first Broadway show, I got emotional. And then I heard that BC/EFA was one of the sponsors for this exciting experience. I was excited and proud that so many Clay Aiken fans support this amazing organization.
After the broadcast was over, I wanted to find out more about this interesting project. I found the following article about the project. Please read the following from The Kansas City Starlight Theater Blog.
World-renowned watchmaker Audemars Piguet partnered with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) and the Tony Awards, to host 1,100 New York City students at their very first Broadway show. Through “Inspire Change,” an initiative launched by the producers of Memphis, students from public schools and AIDS Service organizations throughout the 5 boroughs of Manhattan enjoyed this special performance of Memphis in addition to in-school workshops and a “talk-back” with the cast and producers of the show and representatives from the Tony Awards.
At the end of the performance, all 1,100 students surprised the cast by jumping to their feet to join in for the show’s finale, “Steal Your Rock and Roll.” The students, who had been practicing both the lyrics and choreography for weeks, took to the aisles and stage to join the excited cast members for the song.
François-Henry Bennahmias, President & CEO of Audemars Piguet North America, says, “After two incredibly successful years partnering with the Tony Awards, this year we are excited to make a direct impact in our community. Audemars Piguet is proud to offer 1,100 students their first Broadway experience, as part of our commitment to New York City’s theater community, the Tonys and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Music has touched my life and I hope that this special experience will foster a lifelong love of music among these students, too.”“The cast flipped out when they saw the whole audience stand up and dance!” says Sue Frost, producer of Memphis, “It was absolutely incredible, I wish it could happen every night! We’re so grateful to Audemars Piguet, BC/EFA and the Tony Awards for joining Memphis in our effort to inspire change.”
“Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is grateful to Audemars Piguet and the Tony Awards for the opportunity to work with the producers of MEMPHIS and “Inspire Change” on such a special day for so many in underserved public schools and social service agencies across New York City,” said Tom Viola, BC/EFA’s executive director. “The stories of personal courage in MEMPHIS reflect the challenges these kids face each day. To see their lives portrayed on stage creates self-esteem that encourages young people to make healthy choices outside the classroom.”
“We would like to thank our partners, Audemars Piguet and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for giving these amazing students such a spectacular opportunity, and for helping to create a moment of Broadway history,” said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director for The Broadway League & Howard Sherman, executive director of the American Theatre Wing – the two organizations who present the Tony Awards.
Audemars Piguet will continue their support of Broadway through their third annual sponsorship of the red carpet at the 65th Annual Tony Awards, which will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from the Beacon Theatre in New York City, on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 12, 2011.
It is not surprising that Clay Aiken supports BC/EFA. This organization raises millions every year to help all people…students or seniors…gay or straight…Thank you for all you do!
Did you watch The Tony’s on TV? What did you think?
I did not watch the Tony Awards, but after reading this blog I sure wish I had been in the Memphis audience that night – how touching.
Thank you for putting this out there – too often good works go ignored and the bad perpetrates our media. There is so much good in this world, we should be focusing on that. I truly believe if the media focused on the good, the bad would start to wither up and die.
Just watched bits & pieces of the Tony Awards. BC/EFA does admirable work and is worthy to support.
Great article Musicfan. Thanks for bringing that over. I didn't watch the Tony's last night, but did get a chance to watch the opening number, which was great by the way.
I agree with SueReu, that too much is focused on the negativity/bad. I can only imagine if we all focused on the positive, where that could lead us? What a wonderful world that would be huh? Supporting the good works of the BC/EFA is a wonderful thing…I would have loved to see the kids singing and dancing during the last number of the show… What fun!!!!!
Thank you for this great article.
I am a huge fan of BC/EFA. They do so much for so many people.
I would have loved to see the kids at Memphis.
By the way, I think I am in love with NPH…..after Clay, of course!!
It is always wonderful to hear how many positive projects BC/EFA promotes. And, I would not even know about it if it was not for Clay Aiken.
Making sure that all kids are included in all aspects of their world has always been an important topic for Clay. No wonder he supports BC/EFA.
Thanks again for a great article. You always find interesting things to write about!
Great article!!
Love BC/EFA!!
Love Clay Aiken!
It is wonderful and uplifting to read about some positive work being done for kids.
I was unaware the BC/EFA was involved in these types of projects…Bravo to them!!
Great blog!! Thanks!!!
I always watch the Tonys and did so again last night. I especially enjoyed the Memphis production number, with the kids in the aisles taking part once again.
Like so many other fans do, I watch the performers on the Tonys stage and think about which part Clay could have played. I pray he will land a good Broadway role someday soon (and not "Clay's soon!")
What a wonderfully inspiring blog! Clay has certainly opened our eyes and hearts!
I did watch the Tony Awards last night, and yes, I was hoping to one day see Clay on that stage receiving a Tony himself. I thought Neil Patrick Harris did a terrific job as MC, especially the opening number. I couldn’t help but remember Clay singing about what one needs to make it on Broadway in Spamalot. Too funny!
I watched the Tony Awards last night. It was a great show. Those people in all the shows are really hard workers..and put on a great show. I liked the "Memphis" show and saw all the students getting up out of the audience…and it was a sight to see. Couldn't stay up after ten…my eyes were getting heavy..but, what i saw was great. I envision Clay one day up there getting a Tony Award. And, yes, BC/EFA does a great job of helping everyone. I remember how we helped Clay to support them too.
That was a special moment seeing all those kids performing along with the Broadway cast. I thought the Tony awards were wonderful. Neil did a great job as host. I couldn't help but imagine how fantastic Clay would be as a host. Maybe one day and for now I will continue dreaming.