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 April 16-May 16.
Allen Cohen: "'No Day But Today,' from Rent, inspires me every day of my life. My brother was sick during the run of Rent, and it gave me the drive to keep going, for life is short. My brother did pass from cancer, and I got 'No Day But Today' tattooed on my forearm to remind me that every day is worth living to my utmost and that Rent (which I’ve seen 30 times) was there for me to escape while my brother went through pain and agony."
Anthony Case: "'Wait for Me' from Hadestown is an exceptionally powerful song. It does an excellent job of showing Orpheus' steadfastness in getting to the underworld to claim his love once more. There is an inherent resilience in it that tends to rub off on me when I listen. While The Fates chime in with discouraging messages, the final chorus really pushes the listener to a triumphant sort of feeling."
Corey Hutcheson: "'The Music of the Night' (The Phantom of the Opera) has always romanticized talent in a way that was so alluring. It enchanted me and made me fall in love with musical theatre. Ever since seeing a performance of that song when I was just in middle school, I have made it a priority to seek out and enjoy musical theatre as much as possible. Simply put, that song ignited my passion for the arts and inspired me to become an English teacher!"
Kim Folse: "My daughter and I recently saw the musical Frozen. Although I have heard the song 100+ times, listening to the actress sing 'Let it Go' that particular day, was exactly what I needed to hear. I am dealing with a lot of stressful personal issues at this time and for just two hours, I was able to relax and enjoy this amazing play and let all of my worries go, even if it was just for a couple of hours! It’s amazing how a song can seem like to was written for you and can touch your soul in ways never imagined. 'Let it Go' did that for me! The power of music should never be underestimated! ❤️"
Elizabeth Poynton: "'Me and the Sky' from Come From Away inspires me because it highlights a lesser known narrative of the first female flight pilot who rises through a male dominated field to become a high-ranked advocate and educator in the profession, as well as the impactful trauma of how the thing she loves most in the world and dedicated her life to, flying, was harnessed for destructive evil. Empowering, reflective, and thoughtful!"
Lisette Ramos: "Cosette from Les Misérables is a character who inspires me. This show was my first Broadway show and when I heard Cosette it reminded me of my name, Lisette. I love her survival instincts and ability to thrive given her birth and early life circumstances. It reminds me of my own childhood as a child of immigrant parents. I never had a childhood as I had to parentify my parents. I didn't even know I was doing it. My parents and I have a close relationship. It is because I am a mother that I can forgive my parents as parents only do what they can at the time. It makes me want to be a better person and parent."
