Exclusive: Stars Sing Out to Raise Money for Breast Cancer Research at Janice Jam

Earlier this month, the Broadway community turned out in dazzling force for The Janice Jam: Broadway for Breast Cancer, an unforgettable evening of performance, remembrance, and action held at Sony Hall in the heart of Manhattan’s theater district. The evening, founded by Broadway performer Matt DeAngelis (Swept Away, Hair, Waitress) in honor of his late mother Janice, culminated in an emotional announcement: the event raised an incredible $115,000+ for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

The night featured a powerhouse lineup of Broadway talent, including Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, Tony winner John Gallagher Jr., Krysta Rodriguez, Stark Sands, Maia Reficco, and many more. Plus extraordinary nightlife performers from PJ Adzima’s Stage Time which included burlesque, magician, and a sword swallower. DeAngelis and co-executive producer Bryan Campione curated the program to reflect Janice’s spirit—joyful, fierce, and filled with love for the arts.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the inaugural Fighting Flamingo Award to Krysta Rodriguez, a breast cancer survivor whose advocacy continues to inspire. Powerful performances were punctuated by moving speeches, including one from Stage IV thriver Tami Eagle Bowling, who was surprised by her fifteen-year-old daughter Ashley Bowling singing a duet with Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate Sarrah Strimel Bentley, reminding the audience of the urgency to fund metastatic breast cancer research.

 The evening featured musical direction by Benjamin Rauhala (Disney Princess: The Concert) and support from a top-tier band and creative team. A pre-show set by DJ Choppy and performances from Astroband kicked off the evening, with an afterparty at Hurley’s keeping spirits high well into the night.

Proceeds from The Janice Jam directly support research grants through BCRF, the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. For more information or to donate, visit www.BCRF.org. 

Photo Credit: Michael Hull