As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the Broadway community came together on September 9 in Duffy Square to commemorate the historical date with a classic New York anthem. Bebe Neuwirth, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Joel Grey, Andrew Rannells, Kara DioGuardi, Hunter Parrish and many more stars joined the casts of Broadway show to perform John Kander and Fred Ebb’s “New York, New York” alongside a 29-piece orchestra.
The performance mirrored a similar tribute to New York that took place shortly after the terrorist attacks in 2001, where “New York, New York” was also sung. Broadway shows had resumed performances on September 13, 2001.
“Ten years ago all of us were still reeling, grieving and going through all kinds of deep and difficult emotions,” Tony winner Bebe Neuwirth, who performed at the original event in 2001, said after the performance. “We were all changed by what happened on 9/11 and it’s an honor to be here to bring attention to this cause.”
Even actors who had yet to make their mark on the Great White Way at the time were on hand to lend their support. “Everyone is here for a cause that’s important to not only New Yorkers, but to the rest of the country,” said Hunter Parrish, who returns to Broadway this fall in Godspell. “The fact that we get to usher in this weekend of remembrance is such a privilege.”
The event was produced by The Broadway League in support of the I Will campaign’s 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.
Photos by Bruce Glikas for Broadway.com
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