Black Theatre United Inaugural Gala Taps Joaquina Kalukango, Vanessa Williams, Audra McDonald, More
Talk about a star-studded event for a good cause! Black Theatre United has tapped Tony winners, Tony nominees, and Broadway favorites to perform at its inaugural gala, A Night to Remember, October 3 on The Rooftop at Pier 17.
The evening will feature BTU Founders Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis, Audra McDonald, LaChanze, Capathia Jenkins, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Darius de Haas, Natasha Yvette Williams, Lillias White, with special performing guests Josh Groban, 2022 Tony winner Joaquina Kalukango, Chuck Cooper, Lilli Cooper, Eddie Cooper and special appearances by Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel.
A Night to Remember will be hosted by James Monroe Iglehart and directed by Jerry Dixon, with Michael Mitchell as music director. Doors to the concert open at 5:30 PM. The opening act, R&B duo Lion Babe, will perform at 6:15 with the main event beginning at 7. The entire evening is supported by Business for Good.
“BFG invests in people to build better businesses, stronger communities, and a more equitable world,” said Williams, who recently starred in POTUS on Broadway.. “A perfect alignment for BTU’s vision and commitment. Diversity is a fact but inclusion is a choice.”
“At the heart of BFG’s mission is the belief that equity and access are fundamental to all thriving communities,” said Ed Mitzen, co-founder of Business for Good. “We are thrilled to support Black Theatre United as they walk-the-talk in their efforts to spotlight and secure opportunities for Black and other underserved talent within the theatre industry.”
In addition to performances, BTU will also honor trailblazers in Black theatre who are inspiring the next generation of Black theatre professionals. Honorees will be announced at a later date.
For tickets and more information, click here.
BTU was founded to build pathways of access and opportunities for Black and other students and industry professionals who have been historically marginalized in the theatre community. Proceeds from the gala will support BTU’s empowering programs in Mentorships, Student Internships, BTU’s Annual Advocacy Summit and BTU’s Education program.
