On June 18, 2018, Broadway Sings for Pride premiered its 8th anniversary benefit concert "Revolution" in New York City, at The Cutting Room. This milestone event was filled with singing (from pop to Broadway), stories, special celebrity guests, and more. The event was hosted by Anthony Bowens and Michael Pavano. Proceeds from the event went to The Tyler Clementi Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to end bullying. Past beneficiaries include The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center and Hetrick-Martin Institute. Broadway Sings for Pride is a multiple award-winning, non-for-profit organization that brings together Broadway talent, activists, and celebrities, to educate the public, raise awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and support these young people, so that they may reach their full potential.
During the event, Shefik was a featured guest speaker, where he delivered impactful and thought-provoking words of inspiration.
Charles Santoro served as musical director, arranger, and pianist for the event. He was joined by David Cinquegrana on guitar, Joe Mankin on bass guitar, and John Ferrari on percussion. Neal Bennington produced the event, and Robert Miele served as technical director. "Revolution" was made possible by the generous sponsors of The Pierre, International Spirits and Wines, Tony Seker, and Coloring Broadway.
The trailer for the event features excerpts of performances by Shefik, Fran Drescher, Frankie Grande, Laura D'Andre, Neal Bennington, Anthony Bowens, Michael Pavano, Rachel Redleaf, Brian Falduto, Kelsey Martin, Michael Benjamin Bunin, Jake Ryan Flynn, Athan Sporek, Jack McCarthy, Connor Mills, Victoria Collett, Gabby Gutierrez, Desmond Is Amazing, Black Widow, Trisha Bordeaux, Jada Valenciaga, Jon Viktor Corpuz, Dr. Kevin Nadal, Dr. Remolia Simpson, Russell Fischer, Rebecca Larkin, Adam B. Shapiro, Haley Videckis, Layana White, Bre Jackson, Dina Marie, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, Kristen Parker Lovell, Valerie Smaldone, Jason Cianciotto, Christian Navarro, "Afterglow" Cast (Brandon Haagenson, Joe Chisholm, David Merten, Tim Young), Tym Moss, and "Hair" 50th Anniversary Reunion Cast — which was a highlight of the event.
"Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical" is a rock musical with a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, and music by Galt MacDermot. The work reflects the creators' observations of the hippie counterculture and sexual revolution of the late 1960s, and several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement. The work broke new ground in musical theatre by defining the genre of "rock musical", using a racially integrated cast.
The show opened on Broadway in April 1968 and ran for 1,750 performances.
Last Updated: February 1, 2023
