As part of Broadway’s special tribute to World AIDS Day December 1, revisit the moving 2016 tribute to AIDS and LGBTQ activist Ruth Coker Burks, featuring Broadway's Eden Espinosa (Wicked, Brooklyn).
The Broadway Sings for Pride Ovation tribute, which took place June 20, 2016, in New York City, was also read and sung by Brock Ciarlelli (ABC’s The Middle), Daniel Quadrino (Broadway’s Newsies and Wicked), Cody Scott Lancaster (Broadway’s Rock of Ages), and Tym Moss (Girl).
Burks cared for hundreds of dying AIDS sufferers, burying many of them after they were disowned by their families.
Now based in Arkansas, Burks was present at the reading but did not know in advance that her story would be shared during the concert.
Also performing at the 2016 event was the Broadway Sings For Pride Band, consisting of Charles Santoro (musical director, arranger, and pianist), Rick Merino (guitar), Joe Mankin (bass guitar), and John Ferrari (percussion).
Broadway Sings for Pride is an award-wining 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.”
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