Broadway stars and alumni will be making their way from New York City to Fairfield, Connecticut on September 22, 2024, to perform in “The Best of Broadway,” a benefit for Sandy Hook Promise. In an evening to honor lives taken in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, a group of extraordinary Broadway stars will lift up their voices to raise funds and awareness to prevent gun violence.
Proceeds from the event will go to Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a leading national nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent gun violence. The financial support will allow them to teach more people the warning signs of potential gun violence and how to get help. Their signature Know the Signs programs are proven to have averted at least 16 planned school shooting attacks, hundreds of youth suicides, and countless other acts of violence.
This star-infused evening of music and dance features Broadway stars from the casts of: Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chicago, City of Angels, CATS, Jekyll & Hyde, and more. Hosted by Tony award winner James Naughton and legendary folk star Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step, the performance is the first of its kind in Connecticut.
Cast members as of July 2024 include:
- James Naughton: Tony Award Winner, City of Angels, Chicago
- Craig Schulman: Former Phantom & Jean Valjean, Les Miserables
- Ted Keegan: Former Phantom, National Tour
- Keith Buterbaugh: Former Raoul and Phantom, Broadway, National Tour
- Dodie Pettit: Original Cast Phantom, Ballet Populaire, Christine
- Frank Mastrone: Original Cast Phantom, Title Role, Jekyll & Hyde, Les Miserables
- Terry Eldh: Phantom Broadway, Carlotta
- Scott Mikita: Phantom Broadway, Multiple roles, 7500 shows
- Paul Schoeffler: Broadway Rock of Ages, Sunset Blvd, Beauty and the Beast
- Robert Cuccioli: Jekyll & Hyde plus AZTEC TWO-STEP 2.0
Dodie Pettit, co-producer, explains, “We are coming together to add our voices and spirit to help Sandy Hook Promise continue to spread their good works. We put this show together with the incredible generosity of my Broadway family who have donated their talent and time to raise money and awareness for one of the most important causes of our time. After my husband, Rex (Fowler), was approached to donate his song ‘Living in America’ for the new Sandy Hook film ‘A Father’s Promise’ and appear at their NYC concert film debut in December 2023, we were deeply moved by the Sandy Hook Foundation. I approached Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden about producing a fundraising concert, and ‘The Best of Broadway’ was born.”
“The Best of Broadway” is proudly sponsored by Moffly Media, Lamar Advertising, Wings4Peace, and Westport Downtown Association. Sponsorship opportunities are open through August 16th. Contact Dodie Pettit at graypet@aol.com if you are interested in sponsoring the event, offering a monetary or in-kind donation, or advertising in the program.
For tickets, the full cast list, and more information, visit broadwaypromise.com.