BWW Blog: Neka Zang of Broadway's ROCK OF AGES - Rocking the Boot Campaign

Happy hump day. Actually, for me it is not hump day but rather my only day off during the week. Rock of Ages has a different schedule compared to other Broadway shows. We are dark on Wednesdays rather than Mondays. It works out so great that way for us, as it gives me the opportunity to be an audience member at other Broadway shows that I want to see on my day off.

As I mentioned in my last blog, Tuesday night’s show this week was a big one. It was our “Military Appreciation Night” at Rock of Ages, for which we partnered with The Boot Campaign to give back to our troops – we had over 160 military personnel in the audience, all of whom received free tickets to our show, and at the end of the show we brought up an amazing soldier who had completed two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and been awarded the Purple Heart. He was given a new, mortgage-free home for all he has done for our country and our freedom. It was absolutely moving, I don't think there was a dry eye on the stage!

Every single audience member that night was invited to an after party at B.B. King’s to celebrate this fantastic organization. There were some great live bands playing 80's rock songs (many from our show!), soldiers mingling and stories being told. It was so touching to hear how strong these soldiers have been after returning home. Many of them who had lost limbs, friends, and family, were now running marathons, and staying so incredibly positive. It truly inspired me and encouraged me to never feel sorry for myself or give up.

I felt honored to have been a part of The Boot Campaign, and it’s always great to spend time with the cast outside of work. We are such a tight group over at Rock of Ages and I consider all of them a part of my family.

Another amazing opportunity this week is Hard Rock "Rocks" Times Square, a concert to benefit St. Mary's Hospital for Children, New York's oldest children's hospital. Other artists set to perform are Karmin, Cher Lloyd and Chris Rene. It should be a great day, and another way to give back!

In other news......Are you all voting this year? I hope so. I like to get involved and have a voice. I have the presidential debate on now in the background as I write this entry. The best part about it was, I saw two Broadway commercials air during it. One for "Chaplin" and another for "Peter and the Starcatcher." How cool, right? I saw both these shows and loved them equally.

Until next time...

Note:  If you'd like to be the next featured blogger for BroadwayWorld.com, contact: christina@broadwayworld.com.

 

.Tessa, Neka and Jeremy for "The Boot Campaign"

 

Supporting our Troops

 

Cassie, Tessa, Neka and Cody at BB Kings after party for "The Boots Campaign"

 

ROCK OF AGES

 

ROCK OF AGES

 

With the Amazing "Rock of Ages" Band

 

 ROCK OF AGES