Days After the Tony Awards Broadway's Brightest Lit up the Stage to Benefit Operation Smile

By: Jun. 12, 2014
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On June 10, 2014, producer and director, Caleb Ryan and a cast of rising stars on Broadway revived the timeless music of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in the one night only performance of We'll Take Manhattan, all to benefit Operation Smile. New World Stages played host to the performance and exclusive after party with industry heavy hitters in attendance including Tony Award winners Billy Porter and Michael Starobin, Grammy winner Kurt Elling, Two Time Tony Award Nominee Laura Osnes as well as television personality Chenoa Maxwell from the OWN network's hit television show Love in the City.

The gala concert featured the vocal talent of some of Broadway's best including Hannah Elless (Godspell; Mamma Mia; The Other Josh Cohen), Laura Dreyfuss (Once; Hair; What's It All About), Trevor McQueen (Annie Get Your Gun) and Telly Leung (Glee; Rent; Godspell; Flower Drum Song; Wicked). The show was headlined by PENTATONIX singer Kirstin Maldonado (Winner of NBC's the Sing Off) with Jeremy Lewis from the acoUstiKats (Season 4 NBC's The Sing Off). Morgan Reynolds (The Full Monty; Life Could be a Dream, CA cast) joined them on stage along with show director and producer Caleb Ryan.

Bryan Carter and his band sizzled on stage providing music and dashing good looks to accompany the sweet sounds of the all-star cast. Carter most recently toured with Grammy Award winners Kurt Elling and shared the stage with Wynton Marsalis.

The performance was followed by an exclusive after party in the venue's chic event space. Guests sipped on cocktails and bite sized sliders, risotto balls and salmon tartare while listening to the sounds of a musical quartet. The room filled quickly with some of Broadway's brightest stars and other notable personalities. Glee's Telly Leung led a live auction where winning bidders won a night on Broadway including show tickets to Idina Menzel's new show IF/Then as well as an exclusive VIP Shopping Tour from Style Room Shopping Tour Experiences.

All net proceeds from the event were donated to Operation Smile on behalf of it's attendees and sponsors.

About Operation Smile:

Operation Smile is the largest volunteer-based medical charity providing free cleft surgeries. Since 1982, Operation Smile, through the help of dedicated medical volunteers, has provided more than 3.5 million comprehensive patient evaluations and over 220,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with facial deformities. The organization trains local doctors in developing countries and strengthens healthcare systems so more children in some of the poorest areas of the world may be treated. Operation Smile has become one of the most prominent organizations in the world working in over 60 countries to heal children's smiles.

About Caleb Ryan:

Director and producer is a young phenom from New Zealand who has made a splash in the New York theater scene directing two showcase evenings 'One Merry Little Night' in December 2013 and 'Crystal Method' cabaret show at the West End Cabaret Lounge in February of this year. He is a three-time national award recipient for his performances at the Big Sing competitions in New Zealand, his home country, and has toured singing professionally in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.



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