Stories

This past spring, Garden of Dreams and MSG Entertainment collaborated to establish “Broadway Dreams,” a new program that gives children from Garden of Dreams partner organizations the opportunity to attend a Broadway show that they otherwise would not be able to enjoy. The program was created following the April 2012 Talent Show, in which Broadway stars from various shows served as mentors for the young participants. Broadway stars Tony Vincent, Christina Sajous and Derrick Baskin, among others, worked closely with over 100 Talent Show performers during rehearsals to perfect their acts leading up to the big show. Throughout the entire process, the Talent Show performers continued to impress and inspire their mentors with their talent, work ethic and passion. To reward them for their effort, cast members from the Broadway musical Memphis invited 200 children and their families to enjoy the show and participate in a ‘Question and Answer’ session with the stars of the show following the performance.

Noelle, a member of the Starlight Foundation and a performer in the 2012 Talent Show, said, “I fell in love with the actors, the great music and the incredible singing and dancing! I was thrilled to see Derrick Baskin again… He was nice enough to give me his autograph and have his picture taken with me!”

The children and their families enjoyed the excitement and entertainment of the show, and appreciated the generosity of the Memphis cast.

Since the program’s inception, nearly 1,000 children and their families have attended various Broadway shows including the comedy How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, the musical Ghost and the off-Broadway production of Traces. This week, 200 children from various Garden of Dreams partner organizations will be attending Sister Act at the Broadway Theatre.

Children from the Garden of Dreams Foundation’s 22 partner organizations continue to experience the arts through Broadway performances and are exposed to a culture of New York City that they may not have had the privilege to be a part of without this program. “Broadway Dreams” is proving to be an impactful program that gives children facing obstacles an up-close look on Broadway and continues to provide incredible and unforgettable experiences for aspiring performers, entertainment fans and their families.

A big thank you to our Broadway friends at Memphis, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Ghost, Traces and Sister Act who have embraced “Broadway Dreams” and donated tickets to their outstanding productions!