Each month for a year Prudential is gifting free tickets to theatre fans from across the U.S. with the Prudential Standing Ovations Ticket Giveaway, presented by Playbill. For the chance to win, entrants are answering the question "Which Broadway character or song inspires you, and why?" in a short essay or video. Read a few of last month's most stirring responses below.
Entries for this month's contest will be accepted January 18-February 16.
Kevin Gavin: "Pippin inspires me. Pippin is searching for happiness and fulfillment in life. He wants to live an extraordinary life. Pippin tries many things but cannot find happiness or fulfillment. Pippin finally finds fulfillment and happiness in a simple life and the love of Catherine and Theo. So many people spend their lives and money searching for happiness and fulfillment. We do not find happiness in an expensive car or sweater. We find true happiness in a simple life and the love of our family and friends."
Katie Shopkorn: "The song 'For Good' from Wicked inspires me. The song reminds me of my best friend from childhood who passed away a few years ago. She came into my life for a reason—she showed me what true friendship and support is about. We were always the two Katies—we were inseparable, and when she died, a part of me died with her. I think of her every time I hear the song. It is the perfect representation of true friendship and love."
Dana Lech: "'You’ll Never Walk Alone' from Carousel inspires me throughout difficult situations, especially throughout the Covid pandemic. Facing the death of a loved one and financial hardships has been harsh, but I continue to walk through difficulties with hope in my heart that good times will happen again. It goes along with the attitude of 'we are all in this together,' which has been prevalent nowadays, and I hope to instill resiliency in others."
Denise Blocker: "Angelica in Hamilton shines brightest for me. She is strong, intelligent, and forward thinking. She understands the politics of her day, and yet is already looking forward to improving the future by imagining women’s rights. She also understands the limits of her time, and is both practical and considerate of her entire family. She showcases her love for her sister when she introduces Eliza to Alexander, even after being infatuated herself by his 'mind at work.' Her voice throughout the first half of the show is both powerful and narrative. It also foreshadows Alexander’s future infidelity. I look forward to the day that I can see this production live!"
Sydney de León: "'What I Did For Love' from A Chorus Line. It is a stunning and monumental piece of theatre history that has me teary every time I hear it. As a musical theatre performer, the song reminds me of what I’m doing all of this for. I really don’t have words for the way it makes me feel. It’s just the sensation of flying and falling and light. Every time Morales does her monologue before the song and talks about the chorus girls in their eyelashes, I’m hit with such a sense of ‘oh my god, it’s not just me. I want that so badly.’ It’s incredible and earth rocking. I hope one day to be able to be a part of any performance of the song. Broadway makes me so happy and I am so happy to be a part of this vibrant community.
The original Broadway cast of Titanic
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