VIDEOS: Silliness Ensues as Darren Criss and Brian Stokes Mitchell Warm Up For DNC Performance

As reported by BroadwayWorld, theatre and politics merged last night as dozens of performers from the Broadway community gathered at the Democratic National Convention to sing "What The World Needs Now Is Love."

The starry lineup included Audra McDonald, Idina Menzel, Ben Vereen, Darren Criss, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Rosie Perez, Kristen Bell, Debra Messing, Richard Kind, Stephanie J. Block, Rosie Perez, Seth Rudetsky, Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway and, in a 'Cagney & Lacey" reunion, Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless.

The 1965 hit penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David was adopted as an anthem to honor the 49 victims of the shooting at Orlando's Pulse nightclub after Rudetsky conceived the idea for an enormously successful Broadway for Orlando all-star recording of the song to benefit the LGBT Center of Central Florida. Visit broadwayrecords.com.

Before the performance, Darren Criss and Brian Stokes Mitchell indulged in a bit of silliness to loosen up for the big moment.

As reported by BroadwayWorld, the 2nd Annual Elsie Fest, a day-long music festival celebrating songs from the stage and screen, conceived last year by Darren Criss, will be held on September 5 at the Ford Ampitheatre at the Coney Island Boardwalk.

This year's event is set to feature: Megan Hilty,Tituss Burgess, Darren Criss
Lena Hall, Jason Robert Brown, Corey Cott, REBEL AND A BASKETCASE, PASEK AND PAUL, Julie James and with a special guest performance by
Cynthia Erivo.

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