Photos: Primary Stages 2026 VARIETY SHOW Benefit Featuring Ari Afsar, Zachary Noah Piser, and More

Primary Stages recently celebrated The Primary Stages Variety Show, a one-night-only cabaret-style event of songs and scenes that celebrates Primary Stages’ rich creative history and the immensely talented artists who have helped to shape it. Check out photos of the event.

Directed by Emilio Ramos (Director, See What I Wanna See Off-Broadway Revival; Associate Director, Broadway’s Maybe Happy Ending), the event took place Wednesday April 29, 2026, at 7pm at Chelsea Table and Stage inside the Hilton Fashion District Hotel (152 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001). The evening included cocktails, dinner, musical performances, and scenes performed by Broadway and Off-Broadway’s biggest stars.

Performers included Ari Afsar (I & YOU at McCarter Theatre, That Girl at Berkeley Rep), Jeffrey Bean (Broadway’s Bells Are Ringing, Dig at Primary Stage), Alex Finke (Broadway’s Come From Away, Les Misérables), Gizel Jiménez(Warriors concept album, Broadway's Wicked), Pablo Laucerica (Dear Evan Hansen National Tour, Broadway’s The Queen of Versailles), Dorcas Leung (Broadway’s The Notebook, Miss Saigon), Zachary Noah Piser (Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked) and Jonathan Raviv (Broadway’s The Band’s Visit, On That Day In Amsterdam at Primary Stages). 

They performed works by Primary Stages artists Neena Beber (Writer, Rutka, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Primary Stages Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group Alum), Hilary Bettis (Writer, Off Broadway's 72 miles to go..., “The Americans,” Primary Stages Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group Alum), Bekah Brunstetter (Writer, Broadway’s The Notebook, “This Is Us,” Primary Stages Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group Alum), Adam Gwon (Composer & Lyricist, All the World’s a Stage), Rehana Lew Mirza (Writer, That Girl, A Beat of Our Own, Primary Stages Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group Alum), Theresa Rebeck (Writer, Broadway’s I Need That, Bernhardt/Hamlet, Dig and Downstairs at Primary Stages), and Kimberly Senior (Director, Broadway’s Disgraced; …Discord at Primary Stages).

For over 40 years, Primary Stages has championed new works by some of America’s most exceptional playwrights. Their family of artists—from early-career playwrights to household names—continues to tell relevant and impactful stories worldwide, and the Primary Stages Variety Show is a joyful celebration of their creativity.

The Primary Stages Variety Show is a benefit event dedicated to raising vital funds for Primary Stages’ artistic programs, which champion playwrights at every stage of their careers. In an increasingly challenging theatrical landscape, Primary Stages remains steadfast in their commitment to nurturing bold, visionary artists through their Writers Groups, Developmental Labs, Educational Initiatives, and Mainstage Productions. Together with their artists and supporters, they are building the future of the American Theater – one play at a time