Playbill is a monthly magazine for theatergoers. The magazine is often used as the program of many shows and events throughout the United States. The Magazine is easy to recognize as it has a bright yellow banner with black printing.
On Friday, Playbill posted the following information:
Playbill – Broadway Community Steps Up in Support of Clay Aiken Congressional Bid
by Adam Hetrick
Aiken, who is running on the Democratic ticket, became a household name in 2003 as runner up on “American Idol,” and later appeared in the Broadway production of Spamalot in 2008.
The openly-gay performer turned his art into activism in recent years, taking on a UNICEF ambassadorship in 2004 as well as creating the National Inclusion Project and being appointed a two-year term on the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Aiken is currently running on the Democratic ticket in North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district in his home state of North Carolina after winning the Democratic primary in May.
Members of the Broadway community will gather in New York City for an Oct. 1 fundraiser for Aiken’s campaign.
“How exciting that a great voice on Broadway could become a great voice in Congress. We’re all proud to support one of Broadway’s own,” Jujamcyn president and producer Jordan Roth said.
In addition to performances by Buckley (Cats, Sunset Boulevard), Ebersole (Grey Gardens, 42nd Street) and Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone), the evening will be attended by Disney Theatricals president Thomas Schumacher, Rosie O’Donnell, composer Frank Wildhorn, director-choreographer Jeff Calhoun, director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw, producers Wendy Orshan and Jeff Wilson, and Playbill President and CEO Philip Birsh.To attend the 7 PM event, visit clayaiken.com/broadway. You can see the entire article at PLAYBILL
What an exciting event. I wish I could attend this. How often do you get to hear Betty Buckley, Christine Ebersole and Beth Leavel all sing at one place on the same night…and support Clay Aiken too!
Did you know?
Betty Buckley
* Earned her Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in CATS
* Her triumphant portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard won her rave critical reviews and a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
* Buckley’s feature film debut was in Brian de Palma’s horror classic Carrie
* In 2012 Buckley was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame
Christine Ebersole
* Made her Broadway debut in Angel Street in 1976 and also appeared in Oklahoma, Camelot and Getting Away with Murder.
* Launched her TV career in the mid-’70s with a role on the long-running ABC soap Ryan’s Hope.
* Was a Saturday Night Live cast member during the 1981-82 season, co-anchoring the “Weekend Update” segment.
* Made her big-screen debut in 1982 with a bit part in Tootsie
Beth Leavel
* Is a Tony Award winning star!
* Her most famous roll was in The Drowsy Chaperone
* She has performed in at least nine Broadway shows.
* Her film and TV credits include ER, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Unusuals.
* She starred with Clay Aiken in The Drowsy Chaperone Raleigh, NC
Jordan Roth
* He is the president of Jujamcyn Theaters, that owns and operates five Broadway theatres
* Roth became the youngest lead producer ever nominated for a Tony Award for The Rocky Horror Show
What a lot of talent all in the same place.
I loved Jordan Roth’s comment:
“How exciting that a great voice on Broadway could become a great voice in Congress…”
I couldn’t help but remember Clay on Broadway. He participated in more than just Spamalot.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful video by SueReu!!
Thank you Sue, for this wonderful video!
OMG! I've never seen this montage of Sue Reu's!! I never physically went up to NYC to see this live performance but I was always there in spirit. Sue captured all these terrific highlights from so many special things he's done on Broadway! I hope somebody is able to attend and will report back to all of us the wonderful highlights at this great fundraiser for Clay! Brilliant!! *As I now click SHARE everywhere!*
Gosh, it's so wonderful of Broadway stars to do this fundraiser for clay, you can tell he's sure loved by many, he must be so happy, such wonderful support from so many, Clay is the real deal. Go Clay go to Congress!!! Thanks Martha.
Ps. I'm having a problem trying to watch the video, it won't come in, if it's on Utube can you tell me what to look for?
It's so wonderful that Broadway is supporting Clay by doing a fundraiser for him, he's loved by so many, Clay is the real deal and I hope and pray that he will get to Congress, I know that he would do his very best to help his district, he's such a hard worker. By the way Martha I can't get the video by Suerue to come in, can you tell me how to get it on Utube? Thanks Martha xox
I am sorry you can't see the video. I don't know why? It is on You Tube. Can you see the screen? It is named Clay Aiken – A Retrospective Part 5 Knights on Broadway.
Okay Martha, it finally came thru, thanks for your help.
Love how the Broadway community is so supportive of Clay!!!! This is wonderful.
Thanks to SueReu for the montage. I remember seeing it years ago, and it sure was great to see it again!!!
Live it! Love him!!