Playbill and Times Square’s immersive attraction RiseNY hosted an unforgettable  performance on August 21, featuring Broadway favorite Kerry Butler (Mean Girls, Hairspray). Butler lit up the RiseNY torch stage with a powerhouse performance of “Shine a Light” from Heathers: The Musical, thrilling the crowd with her signature voice and charm. Butler can currently be seen in the popular cult musical at Off-Broadway's New World Stages. 

Butler also teamed up with RiseNY’s Playbill Torch Song host Marti Gould Cummings for a duet of “Home for You” from Bat Boy: The Musical, which she will star in at New York City Center October 29–November 9.

Check out our video featuring her full performance!

“We are so thrilled to partner with Playbill on the Torch Song Series, which celebrates the incredible talent of Broadway stars like Kerry Butler,” said Evan Storey, Producer for RiseNY. “Bringing these performances to the heart of Times Square for free is such a gift, and it connects perfectly with RiseNY’s mission to honor New York’s culture and history.”

RiseNY’s Playbill Torch Song Series, each featuring a different Broadway musical and performer, takes place live from RiseNY’s torch balcony overlooking 45th Street, where audiences can enjoy these performances free of charge. Previous performers include Najah Hetsberger and Kelsie Watts from SIX: The Musical, and a Pride concert featuring Anthony Rapp (Rent).

For more information and future performance announcements, follow RiseNY on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

RiseNY is an immersive museum dedicated to showcasing the vibrant culture, history, and stories of New York City. Through cutting-edge technology and innovative storytelling, RiseNY provides visitors with an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city that never sleeps.