(Photo: fizkes/Shutterstock)
By Matthew Wexler
The theater community continues to rally amid the coronavirus epidemic. Here are some examples of how artists are inspiring others to find optimism during these unprecedented times.
Brian Stokes Mitchell Sings “The Impossible Dream” From His Window
The Tony Award-winning actor and board president of The Actors Fund recently battled COVID-19 and has since recovered. He took to the window of his New York City apartment to sing “The Impossible Dream from his Tony-nominated role in Man of La Mancha.
Transport Group Launches While We’re Home
Off-Broadway’s Transport Group, whose critically acclaimed production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown closed early due to the coronavirus, just launched While We’re Home a new essay series reflecting on the theater company’s 20-year history. John Cariani penned the first installment about his experience in Transport Group’s 2017 revival of Picnic.
Stars in the House Continues to Entertain and Raise Funds
Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley’s relentless schedule continues as they virtually connect with stars of stage and screen to raise much-needed money for The Actors Fund’s emergency COVID-19 efforts. They recently launched an online auction (keep an eye out for more items as they sell quickly!) and have even more guests lined up for the coming weeks, including SCTV cast members Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara and Martin Short (April 15, 8 p.m. EST), cast members from Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (Friday, April 17, 8 p.m.) and more. Here’s a look at a recent episode with the original cast of Spring Awakening.
The Show Goes On at Trinity Rep
Providence’s award-winning theater has created a virtual library featuring excerpts from past productions as well as Shakespearean sonnet readings for all you fans of the Bard. Here’s a scene from their innovative 2018 production of Ragtime.
#SunshineSongs Continue to Shine Bright
Theater fans from around the world continue to post to Instagram with the hashtag #sunshinesongs — our recent favorite is Parker Weathersbee singing “You Will be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen — accompanying himself on the ukulele no less!
Matthew Wexler is The Broadway Blog’s editor. His arts writing has appeared in Dramatics Magazine and on TDF Stages and ShowTickets.com. Matthew is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association and a past fellowship recipient from The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Critics Institute. Read more of his work at wexlerwrites.com.
