Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
A dazzling collection of Broadway stars, including notable figures like Jennifer Holliday and Andrea Martin alongside emerging talents Tom Francis and Jasmine Amy Rogers, brought the Al Hirschfeld Theatre to life on April 28, 2025, during the inaugural Broadway Dream Roles event. This unique concert featured performances that allowed the artists to step into their dream roles, showcasing both their talent and the emotional depth of the characters they’ve longed to portray.
Hosted by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the concert harmoniously blended beloved Broadway songs with personal anecdotes. The evening featured an impressive lineup of artists: Erich Bergen from BOOP! The Musical, Liz Callaway from Baby, the 2024 Jimmy Award winner Damson Chola Jr., Tom Francis from Sunset Boulevard, Jennifer Holliday from Dreamgirls, Lesli Margherita from Gypsy, Andrea Martin from McNeal, Jimin Moon from Sunset Boulevard, Zachary Noah Piser from Redwood, and Jasmine Amy Rogers from BOOP! The Musical. The evening kicked off with an inspiring performance by The Broadway Boys.
“Broadway is built on dreams,” noted Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “Watching our industry’s finest bring these dreams to life during this inaugural event was nothing short of magical.” He emphasized how the event represents a community effort, with every individual contributing toward vital resources for those in need across the nation.
The event’s host, Kara Young, set an inviting tone for the night, sharing warmth and humor as she interacted with both performers and the audience. Young’s own aspiration to portray the quirky Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd added a personal touch to the festivities.
The evening highlighted a variety of personal stories from performers, such as:
● Jennifer Holliday expressed her long-standing admiration for Rosalind Russell’s portrayal of Auntie Mame. Her dream to perform this character culminated in a powerful rendition of “If He Walked Into My Life,” infused with personal insight.
● Tom Francis, inspired by the rock bands of his youth, found a profound connection to musical theater through Rent and dreamt of portraying Roger. He moved the audience with “One Song Glory,” expertly connecting the two worlds.
● Andrea Martin recalled her early days in NYC, yearning to play Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. With the support of Seth Rudetsky on piano, she finally embraced that dream with a delightful performance of “Schroeder.”
● Lesli Margherita brought humor to the stage, channeling her ambition to represent a gender-bending character that captured her imagination since childhood. Her performance of “You’ll Be Back” in a theatrical outfit was met with laughter and applause.
● Erich Bergen, known for his role in Jersey Boys, sought to embody Frankie Valli’s essence during his performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” showcasing his respect for the character.
● Zachary Noah Piser’s connection to Pippin ignited his passion for performing, leading to a captivating version of “Morning Glow” that resonated with many audience members.
● Liz Callaway finally realized her dream of performing as Emma from Song and Dance with a breathtaking rendition of “Tell Me on a Sunday.”
● Rising star Jimin Moon made a memorable impression by performing “Gotta Catch ‘Em All,” expressing a dream that linked their college audition to a whimsical desire to star in a Pokémon musical.
● Damson Chola Jr., having gained acclaim at the Jimmy Awards, poignantly portrayed Colehouse Walker Jr. from Ragtime, evoking powerful emotions with “Make Them Hear You.”
Jasmine Amy Rogers marked the event’s conclusion with a heartfelt performance of “Help is On The Way,” embodying the spirit of the organization’s mission.
The evening opened with The Broadway Boys performing “Any Dream Will Do” from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, setting an uplifting tone. The cast featured Brad Greer, Omar Lopez-Cepero, Jesse Nager, Adam Roberts, Vishal Vaidya, and Michael Williams.
A special moment occurred with a surprise appearance from the cast of Operation Mincemeat. Additionally, Broadway Cares honored Justin Wirick, a long-time ensemble member of the Wicked– Munchkinland tour, for his efforts in fundraising over $7 million.
The evening was an invitation-only occasion for major supporters of Broadway Cares, while a small number of tickets were available for the public.
The generous contributions of members from Broadway Cares’ Visionary Circle and Angels Circle continue to provide essential resources for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and other critical issues. These benefactors gain exclusive access to events and various benefits as recognition for their unwavering support.
Directed by Kristin Newhouse, with music supervision and orchestration by Will Van Dyke, the production team created an enchanting atmosphere supported by meticulous sound and lighting design.
Broadway Cares, a pioneering nonprofit organization, has been a powerful force in raising over $300 million for crucial services for those in need since its inception in 1988. The organization remains committed to supporting social services for the performing arts community while delivering essential aid across the nation.
To learn more about Broadway Cares and its efforts, please visit broadwaycares.org.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com