On November 9th, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe bustled with talent, enthusiasm, compassion and goodwill when the Broadway Artists Connection presented “Happiness” a benefit for CAT Youth Theatre. Hosted by the incomparable Colin Cunliffe, who’s moves revealed a style only perfected by a cast member of the slick, Fosse-styled show Pippin, the lively entertainment featured performers from a wide range of Broadway shows, including The Last Ship, Evita, Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, If/Then, Newsies and A Chorus Line.
“What a wonderful evening, and such a joy to be part of that incredible cast,” said Sean McDermott (Grease, Miss Saigon, Falsettos, Starlight Express) who sung a glorious rendition of “Only Make Believe/You Are Love” with the beautiful Heather Parcells (A Chorus Line, Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, Soul Doctor, Wonderland). The performance was Directed by Jessica McRoberts (Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, Follies, Nine) and Accompanied by Michael Lavine.
CAT Youth Theatre, Founded & Directed by Helen White, is a free program that helps young people create socially relevant original plays. Members learn vital life skills enabling youth to become self-confident, compassionate and accountable; to develop relationships across differences; build community; and be prepared to act as contributing citizens. “The better I got to know the staff and students of CAT Youth Theatre and could see the impact they have on young people, the more proud I became to have them as our charity partner,” says Tamlyn Brooke Orlando, founder of the Broadway Artists Connection. BAC is continuing to collect donations for CAT Youth Theatre; donations can be made HERE.
Full Cast of “Happiness“:
Hettie Barnhill (Leap of Faith, Spider-man Turn Off the Dark, Fela!)
Colin Cunliffe, Host (Pippin, Addams Family, Evita, Cry-Baby)
Christina DeCicco (Evita, Sister Act, Spider-man Turn Off the Dark)
Reg E Gaines (Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk)
Sarah Hunt (The Last Ship)
Megan Lewis (If/Then, Spider-man Turn Off the Dark, Grey Gardens)
Sean McDermott (Grease, Falsettos, Miss Saigon, Starlight Express)
Pat McRoberts (Miss Saigon)
Happy McPartlin (Hands on a Hard Body)
Brad Nacht (Billy Elliot)
Tamlyn Brooke Orlando (42nd Street, Dame Edna The Royal Tour)
Heather Parcells (Soul Doctor, Wonderland, A Chorus Line, Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang)
Gabrielle Ruiz (In The Heights, Evita)
The benefit was sponsored by: Peak Performance Tours, Pincus Elevator Company, Advanced Staging Productions, Young Adjustment Company and Farmstead Gourmet.
The Broadway Artists Connection – BAC brings together Broadway artists & enthusiasts to create, connect and share their talents for the greater good of our communities.
Creative Arts Team – CAT Youth Theatre. CAT is a FREE program that helps young people to thrive – on stage and in life. Members create socially relevant original plays while learning vital life skills such as self expression, educational discipline, social consciousness, leadership and responsibility to self and others. This award winning nonprofit is changing lives through the power of drama.
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe – Over the last 40 years, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe has served as a home for groundbreaking works of poetry, music, theater and visual arts. A multicultural and multi-arts institution, located at 236 E 3rd Street, the Cafe gives voice to a diverse group of rising poets, actors, filmmakers and musicians who have not yet found consistent havens for their work.
Hettie Barnhill Sean McDermott & Heather Parcells
Sarah Hunt Cast