The Only NBC Television Special to See on December 10
Everyone has shed light on many industries who are suffering during this pandemic and rightfully so.
There is one group of people, however, no one has mentioned too much–those in the entertainment industry. In particular, I am speaking about those who work on Broadway. Thursday, December 10 on the NBC network, a wonderful fundraising event will occur for those people who entertain us whether its on the Broadway stage, backstage in a regional theater, dancing on a cruise ship or a host of other performance venues. Among many others, this includes the technical, front of house and box office, too.
Will there be actual performances? Yes!
I heard about this event on Sirius and began looking for information about it. According to Broadwaydirect.com,
“Several of Broadway’s best shows will take over the streets of New York City with special performances from the casts of Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Chicago, Jagged Little Pill, Diana: The Musical, Jersey Boys, Mean Girls, Rent and an appearance by the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The night will also showcase special sneak peeks at Broadway shows coming in 2021.
“One Night Only: The Best of Broadway” will feature performances by Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Patti LaBelle and appearances from Annaleigh Ashford, Lance Bass, Kristen Bell, Ron Cephas Jones, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Peter Gallagher, Josh Groban, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sean Hayes, Nathan Lane, Camryn Manheim, Alanis Morissette, Jerry O’Connell, Leslie Odom Jr., Billy Porter, John Stamos, Aaron Tveit, Blair Underwood, Vanessa Williams, Susan Kelechi Watson and more.
Donations during this special will help provide groceries and medication, health care, and emergency financial assistance to those in the Broadway community who are struggling through a pandemic that threatens their health and will shutter their industry for more than a year.
For more than 25 years, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has been helping to support and strengthen The Actors Fund’s safety net of social services, enabling thousands in the entertainment industry receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling, and emergency financial assistance.”
If you need assistance and you are in the entertainment industry, I’d suggest check them out: Actor’s Fund
With Broadway being crippled by current events, it’s never been more vital to showcase these incredible performers and remind audiences of their extraordinary talents for when they return to the stage,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs, NBC Entertainment. “We’re proud to partner with Broadway Cares and do our part to help those in that tight-knit community during these difficult times.”
I know these organizations are a God send to those in the entertainment industry. A student of mine was very ill several years ago with colon cancer. Luckily, she lived through it and is healthy today. She wanted to keep her performing job and never divulged to the company she was ill. Can you imagine? Afraid to tell the company you are sick, for fear of being let go? The Actors Fund came to her rescue during this time and supported her through all of her doctor visits, surgery and rehabilitation. It took a year to get her back on her feet. Soon she will be starring on Broadway again.
Arts Risk Losing their Soul
Several years ago, I blogged about this quote, Arts Quote We Love #7–Society Risks Losing its Soul
Have you ever considered what the world would be like without the arts?
I think we found out during this quarantine, haven’t we? Back in the summer, there were no live concerts, ballets, art shows, new movies, television shows, etc. Luckily, the entertainment industry is figuring how to keep their employees safe. I understand they are creating bubbles for their staff just as the sports teams have done.
We know the pandemic has affected our restaurants, but no one is speaking about movie theaters closed up for. months. I would imagine this will change the movie industry far more than we realize. It’s affected everyone in some way–I can’t think of a time that has occurred before in my lifetime.
Unsung Heroes Our Teachers
Let’s just consider our arts teachers for a moment. Can you imagine how difficult this time has been for them? Although an arts teacher can teach using Zoom for instance, some of our instruction must be done in “in the flesh.” Teaching and directing actors can be done virtually, but it doesn’t have the same power as working in real time. Many at-risk students depend upon their arts classes to help them feel connected to school. I wonder how those students are coping with the lack of time in their schools. We must continue having arts classes, period.
This pandemic affects me in this fashion. I really need the arts. They are like a vitamin for me. I have to see movies, concerts, stream plays and musicals and dance concerts. But live theater? There is simply nothing like it.
What can you do to help?
Open up your laptop and search on-line for theater companies, art galleries, concert halls and the like. Everyone of them will have a place for you to donate. When they say “not for profit”–that’s exactly what they are. A not for profit company uses their profits to sustain the organization.
There is such value in donating, too! People who donate to charities, in this case arts organizations, experience more pleasure, bring more meaning to their life, promote generosity in children (if they are parents). Of course, there is a plus because donating to a not for profit gives the donor a tax deduction.
The Actors Fund, Broadway Cares and a host of other arts organizations need our help. I promise you will be glad you did.
I am looking forward to the “One Night Only: The Best of Broadway” television special on NBC December 10.
What is your favorite Broadway play or musical? I have many, but I lean toward musicals because more people are familiar with them. Check out this blog post about them: The Reasons These Shows are My Favorite Broadway Musicals
Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net. I’d love to know more about you!
