Elizabeth Gillies, Skylar Astin, More Join We Chose to Go to the Moon at Carnegie Hall

Michael Mayer directs John Monsky's historical symphonic work April 7 and 8.

March 25, 2026 By Natan Zamansky

Elizabeth Gillies

John Monsky's We Chose to Go to the Moon is set to launch at Carnegie Hall April 7 and 8 with a newly revealed all-star cast, including Elizabeth Gillies (Little Shop of Horrors), Skylar Astin (Spring Awakening), Brent Comer (The Outsiders), Claybourne Elder (Company), Taylor Louderman (Mean Girls), and Joy Woods (Gypsy). Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) will direct the multimedia presentation, which combines, theatre, concert, and documentary to tell the story of the space race of the 1950s and '60s, culminating in John F. Kennedy's challenge in 1961 to land a man on the moon.

The performance will feature the Orchestra of St. Luke's, led by conductor Ian Weinberger, performing music from the era, including "Fly Me to the Moon," "Rocket Man," "Space Oddity," and "My Generation." The story follows the various perspectives of astronauts, scientists, mathematicians, and more, and will include a tribute to Neil Armstrong performed by his son Mark Armstrong, and granddaughter Kali Armstrong.

We Chose to Go to the Moon is presented by Carnegie Hall as part of its United in Sound: America at 250 festival. The piece is produced by American History Unbound, Inc., with the support of Kenneth C. Griffin in partnership with Griffin Catalyst.

Monsky's historical symphonic works have includes The Vietnam War: At Home and Abroad, The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, and American Heart in WWI: A Carnegie Hall Tribute.

We Chose to Go to the Moon will be filmed by RadicalMedia for a national television broadcast later this year.

For more information, visit AmericanHistoryUnbound.com.