1214 Foundation Heads to Broadway

Pictured: Photo 1 of the ’Aladdin’ crowd by Van Dean Photos 2-5 courtesy of Brianna Bauch

Sunday, July 12 was a day several months in the making for a group of 177 Sandy Hook Elementary School kids and their parents. Van Dean worked with co-organizers, Laura Hubner, Tracy Hoekenga and Maryrose Kristopik to organize a trip to Broadway to see a performance of the critically acclaimed ‘Disney’s Aladdin.’ After enjoying the musical, the group was treated to a talkback with members of the cast.

Mr. Dean, Broadway Records President and a producer of ‘Cinderella the Musical,’ called this year “the year of Aladdin at Sandy Hook” in a post on Facebook.

“The third and fourth grade students did “Aladdin Kids” as their school show. We brought several ‘Aladdin’ cast members to visit with the kids and mentor them for their production. And today they got to see it on Broadway together.”

For a few of the students, it was their first Broadway show and having just seen this magical production myself, I cannot think of a better choice. Mr. Dean continues, “It was truly a magical experience. Thank you to the cast (a huge number of them participated in the talkback) and thank you to my co-organizers.” Members of the cast also posed for photos with the young Sandy Hook students and their parents outside the stage door.

At the same time, the 1214 Foundation opened up an opportunity for anyone in the foundation to attend a performance of ‘On the 20th Century’ across the street at the American Airlines Theatre before it closes on Sunday. These young people and their parents had the opportunity to meet the show’s star Kristin Chenoweth. Yes, please.

The lovely Brianna Bauch (who appeared in ‘Godspell’ at SCSU and both ‘Seussical’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s ROCKIN’ Eve’ with the 1214 Foundation) got the chance see ‘On the Twentienth Century.’ “It was absolutely incredible. Kristin was phenomenal in her role and the show was wonderful,” Ms. Bauch told me.

It got even better for this talented young performer at the end of the performance. “ Afterwards we all sat in the rear mezzanine of the theater and met [Ms. Chenoweth] and the director, Scott Ellis. She was so genuine and an absolute bundle of love and joy.”

The actress answered questions posed by the Newtown residents. Some of their questions were about her inspiration, her favorite thing about Broadway and how she does the costume changes in the show.

1214 Foundation director Michael Unger knew that Kristin Chenoweth is Ms. Bauch’s inspiration and asked her to come into the row where the teen was sitting in order to take a picture. Ms. Bauch promptly burst into tears as she stood next to her idol. “It was just an all around incredible experience and I still am in shock that I met the woman that gives me hope for my future as a performer.”

Brianna Bauch will be portraying Martha Dandridge in 1214 Foundations/NewArts’ upcoming production of ‘Liberty Smith.” The musical will run July 31, Aug. 1 and 2 at Newtown High School. The younger Sandy Hook students will be presenting what I know will be an adorable version of ‘The Lion King, Jr.’ running Aug. 6 though 9 at Newtown High School.