Image design by Sara AmrozowiczGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created a domino effect, spanning every industryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. One such heavily affected industry has been New York City’s Broadway and theater communitiesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Recently, Broadway announced it has made the difficult decision to keep theaters and productions closed until at least January 2021, leaving many without work for the foreseeable futureGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

In response to the uncertain times Michael EGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Merritt, a producer/playwright and Registered Nurse, established Brave Hearts for BroadwayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Brave Hearts for Broadway aims to unite both the frontline and theater communitiesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As Merritt states: “Frontline workers have captured the heart of the world and now, we can do even more by giving back to my other community Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028. theaterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. There is a way that frontline workers can help those who work in theaterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Not only performers, but everyone who work in theaterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I could organize a frontline choir to help raise money for The Actors Fund who help, not just actors, but all entertainment professionals as wellGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.”

On September 23, 2020 at 7PM Brave Hearts for Broadway will be hosting a virtual show with its FrontLine Choir, consisting of essential workers who are also theater professionalsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The show, titled ‘Let Us Entertain You’, will be filmed virtually and streamed that evening to entertain and inspire the theater community and beyondGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The event will feature original songs by songwriters including Matt Cusson and Terron Brooks, Elisa Nicholas, and Andrew David SotomayorGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Choreographers Kathleen Brazie and John Scott are crafting an original tap and dance segment to music written specifically for the showGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Also planned are video tributes from frontline workers and theater performers throughout the duration of event, in addition to members of the international theater community coming together to perform an original song in honor of all frontline and essential workers, all to fundraise and support The Actors FundGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Joining the Brave Hearts for Broadway initiative is the Astoria Filmmakers Club (AFC)Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Its founder, Phillip Cappadora JrGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028., initially met Michael Merritt last year during one of the AFC’s weekly meetings at Katch AstoriaGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. When Cappadora was contacted in regards to Brave Hearts for Broadway, he immediately recruited graphic artists, footage, dancers and singers, and more to join the causeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

For those interested in submitting and donating to this great cause, contributions are open from all types of artistsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. “There’s not a “limit” to being an actor per seGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This project is going to be continuing upon its success on a month to month basisGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Broadway is in the “ICU” and in going to take everyone’s involvement to make this workGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We do welcome anyone compelled to contribute, sharing the message is more valuable than the moneyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. That will comeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Painters and designers inspired to do something with us are welcome to raise money on behalf of the project as well”, said Cappadora JrGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

If you are interested in learning more about Brave Hearts for Broadway, please visit its official website hereGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. A special thank you to Phillip Cappadora JrGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. and the Astoria Filmmakers Club for bringing this wonderful initiative to our attention!