James T. Lane, L Morgan Lee, More Join Playbill's 2nd Annual Pride in Times Square Lineup

More details, events, and special Broadway guests have been announced for Playbill and Times Square Alliance's 2nd Annual Pride in Times Square, set to take over the heart of NYC's theatre district for NYC Pride Weekend June 23-24 rain or shine. The weekend will culminate as the Playbill Pride Float returns to the NYC Pride March June 25, supporting partner Heritage of Pride.

The festivities will start with a special Kick Off Celebration June 23 at 2 PM on the Pride Main Stage, with James T. Lane (Chicago) and Tony nominee L Morgan Lee (A Strange Loop) hosting and counting the crowd down to a confetti-filled beginning to the weekend. Following the Kick Off on the main stage will be a Pride Celebration with The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce at 2:30 PM, spotlighting the NGLCC/Grubhub Community Impact Grant Program's work with NYC-based LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants; a celebration of all the choices that make us unique hosted by ViiV Healthcare at 3:30 PM; and an Anthems of Pride concert presented by American Express at 5:15 PM. The concert will explore the deep connections between the LGBTQIA+ community and Broadway, with cast members from such shows as & Juliet, Hamilton, SIX, Some Like It Hot, Shucked, and more.

Over at the Pride Piano Bar, Richard Rodgers Award-winning pianist Brandon James Gwinn will start us off with The Playbill Pride Mix at 12:15 and 1:15 PM, followed by Godspell and I Can See Your Voice star Eric Krop at 3 PM. At 4:15 PM, the NYC Mayor's Office of Equity will present the Summer Youth Employment Program, which connects young LGBTQIA-identifying people with supportive and welcoming summer jobs and career experiences. The presentation will include songs, stories, and special guests.

Moving on to June 24, Main Stage programming will begin with a spotlight on trans, non-binary, and two-spirit+ songwriters from Breaking the Binary Theatre and director JJ Maley at 11:15 AM. At 12:30 PM, the stage will host a performance from the NYC Gay Men's Chorus. The Main Stage will close out Saturday with the previously announced Big Broadway Disco, a large-scale street party inviting everyone to boogie down in Times Square to classic and contemporary Broadway songs and performances with a disco flare. Set to begin at 5 PM, the event will include a first look at the Playbill Pride Float.

Saturday Piano Bar plans include sets from Miss Saigon and Waitress star Lianah Sta. Ana, performing songs from her Performing Filipina beginning at 12:00 PM. At 1:30 PM, Billboard-charting singer-songwriter-playwright Billy Reece (Little Black Book) will share his bawdy brand of songs and queer musical theatre chaos, followed by Jonathan Larson Grant-winner Zoe Sarnak (The Lonely Few) at 4:30 PM, joined by some special friends for performances of Sarnak's original songs and stories. Additional Piano Bar concerts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Attendees will also be able to connect with Pride in Times Square sponsors, which include American Express, ViiV Healthcare, and Audible Theater. Interactive double decker buses will be onsite with experiences to explore.

Throughout the weekend, local businesses will be offering discounts, deals, giveaways, and special menu items to help celebrate Pride Month. Visit TSQ.org/PrideDeals to find details for all promotions. The Alliance has also arranged displays of Pride flags and rainbows on screens and billboards throughout Times Square for a special #SignsofPride campaign.

Pride in Times Square is sponsored by American Express, ViiV Healthcare, and Audible Theater, with additional support from Hotel Edison, The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Open Jar Studios, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Equity, and NYC Unity Project.

For a full schedule and more information, visit Playbill.com/Pride.

Take a look at 2022's Pride in Times Square celebration: