Even more Broadway talent will entertain at the New York City Gay Men's Chorus' annual gala benefit March 23 at the Edison Ballroom at Hotel Edison.
The benefit, titled Harmony and set to begin at 6 PM, will boast performances from the newly announced Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton, Sunset Blvd.), Bianca Marroquin (Chicago), John Riddle (Frozen, The Visit), Samantha Pauly (Six, The Great Gatsby), three-time Tony nominee Mary Testa (Oklahoma!, 42nd Street, On the Town), and Alysha Umphress (On the Town, American Idiot).
These artists join the previously reported three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello (Parade, Scandalous, Bad Cinderella), two-time Tony nominee Kate Baldwin (Hello, Dolly!; Finian's Rainbow), Olivier winner Lesli Margherita (Gypsy, Zorro), Blaine Krauss (Hamilton, Kinky Boots), and Maria Bilbao (Sweeney Todd, In the Heights).
The entertainment will be directed by Chad Austin with music direction by Dave Klodowski.
The forthcoming evening will honor Tony-winning composer John Kander as well as advertising executive Aaron Walton. The celebration will include an open bar, three-course dinner, a silent and live auction, and entertainment with performances from the New York City Gay Men's Chorus and the Broadway artists. Michael Tate will serve as the auctioneer.
“As someone who has been at the intersection of theatre and business
his entire career, it brings me immense joy to honor John Kander and
Aaron Walton at Harmony. Chicago was the first
Broadway show I ever saw, and Mr. Kander’s work has shaped generations
of music lovers, including myself. Mr. Walton is a titan of the business
world and a longtime supporter of NYCGMC. Together, they embody the
mission and spirit of this organization, and it is a privilege to
celebrate their extraordinary contributions,” Executive
Director Rashad V. Chambers said in an earlier statement.
Kander’s four-decade collaboration with the late Fred Ebb included Flora the Red Menace, Cabaret, Zorba, The Happy Time, 70 Girls 70, Chicago, The Act, Woman of the Year, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Steel Pier, Curtains, The Scottsboro Boys, and The Visit.
Walton is the CEO/co-founder of Walton Isaacson (WI) advertising agency, with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, he was inducted into the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame. Founded in partnership with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, WI has built business relationships with numerous brands. In 2023, he was named Agency Executive of the Year by Ad Age.
Harmony is a celebration of the power that music has to bring people together, build community, celebrate diversity, and advocate for change. The Gala raises funds to support artistic and life-enhancing programs.
For ticket information click here.