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!