Idina Menzel Headlines A BroaderWay Foundation’s Celebrity Karaoke Battle

Idina Menzel (Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com)

Your favorite Broadway stars will battle it out at A BroaderWay Foundation’s first-ever Broadway Karaoke Battle on Monday, May 21, 7:30 p.m., at New York City’s iconic PlayStation Theatre. Created by Idina Menzel in 2010, the foundation offers girls from urban communities an outlet for self-expression and creativity through arts-centered programs. In addition to Idina and host Rosie O’Donnell, the star-studded program will include favorite stars Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Melissa Errico, Michael McDonald, Corey Cott, Seth Rudetsky, Laura Benanti and Jennifer Nettles, plus favorite Broadway shows.

Today’s social environment is particularly challenging for young women. There is an increased need to advocate for oneself and champion for change. Yet so many youths lack access to opportunities to develop the necessary confidence and conviction required to do so. ABW is determined to change that inequity and has developed a strong arts curriculum that promotes female empowerment and builds confidence and independence. “I’ve always been known for my big singing voice, but I struggled for years to find my own personal voice,” said Menzel.

With the help of talented friends from the Broadway community—some of whom audience members will see perform at ABW’s Karaoke Benefit—the girls explore self-esteem and leadership themes, but most importantly, they find their own voice, make new friends and form bonds that will last forever.

Research shows that what happens outside of school has a significant impact on what happens in school for millions of students. Summer learning programs are proven to advance students’ academic and social growth, keep children safe and healthy during the summer and send young people back to school ready to learn.

Now in its eighth year, Camp BroaderWay has grown into a four-year program, with over 100 girls participating every summer. “I’m especially proud that our graduates are now returning as counselors, mentoring the younger girls and enrolling in year-round Leadership in Training programs,” said Menzel. “I want to empower these girls to cultivate their personal voices through their stories.”