Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
The Laurie Beechman Theatre marked a significant milestone with its reopening during the Renaissance Gala on April 14. This celebration was the culmination of extensive efforts by owners Tom and Michael D’Angora to prevent the historic venue from shutting its doors. The Broadway community convened to honor both the theatre’s rich legacy and its promising prospects. A collection of video highlights from the event is available for viewing.
The gala featured an array of notable attendees and performers, including Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose, alongside fellow Broadway veterans such as Andrea McArdle, Chip Zien, and other Tony Award recipients like André De Shields, Lillias White, and Matt Doyle. Noteworthy among the performances were contributions from Lauren Patten, Alex Newell, Jak Malone, Bryan Batt, Lorna Luft, Christine Pedi, Joe Iconis, Jelani Remy, Richard Jay-Alexander, Emma Pittman, and JJ Niemann.
This celebratory event showcased the results of a recent renovation led by renowned architect and theatre designer David Rockwell, a Tony Award winner himself. Additionally, the gala served a philanthropic purpose, raising crucial funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA), a prominent nonprofit dedicated to AIDS fundraising and grant-making. BCEFA Executive Director Danny Whitman took center stage to announce the establishment of five discretionary grants aimed at assisting local organizations that serve underprivileged populations in the vicinity.
Since its inception in 1983, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, formerly known as the “Downstairs Theatre Bar,” has been a haven for legendary performers like Joan Rivers, The Who, and many more. The venue has hosted over 1,500 one-act plays within its first 14 years. However, when the theatre faced potential closure in August 2024 due to financial strains accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a collaborative effort between Tom D’Angora, Michael D’Angora, Tim Guinee, and Joe Iconis successfully raised nearly $1 million to rescue the beloved café and theatre.
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Imperial Theatre (Broadway)
An exciting new musical called Bombshell, which chronicles the behind-the-scenes turmoil as a team of Broadway icons prepares for its grand opening, is on the horizon. The production promises to deliver an exciting experience filled with unexpected twists and vibrant musical numbers, featuring memorable songs such as “Let Me Be Your Star,” originating from the NBC television series that inspired this theatrical adaptation.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com