Interview: Steve H. Broadnax III & Rashad McPherson Are Getting Ready for Another Juneteenth in Times Square

The best of Broadway will return to Times Square later this month for Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth, a free outdoor concert centered around Black artistry and unity that will feature an entirely Black Broadway cast performing Broadway musical numbers. 

The concert will be hosted by Michael James Scott, and will honor two-time Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad with the The 2024 Juneteenth Legacy Award.

Ahead of the special day, BroadwayWorld checked in with Director and Writer Steve H. Broadnax III and Music Director Rashad McPherson to get the scoop on what's to come for this fourth annual event!

Welcome back for year four! What's new for 2024?

SB: For 2024, we're thrilled to introduce some exciting updates to our event lineup, including new performances, guest speakers, and interactive experiences that promise to make this year even more memorable and impactful.

RM: I am so excited to be music directing Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth for the 3rd  year in a row! I always look forward to this celebration! This year in addition to performances from some of the most gifted Black creatives currently on Broadway, we have some recent nominees and winners (Tonys, Grammys, and more) who will take the stage. I’m really looking forward to a very special group performance that will feature performers across several shows. 

This year's event is recognizing the amazing Phylicia Rashad, who joins the ranks of Kenny Leon, Ben Vereen, Leslie Uggams... how wonderful is it to have this opportunity of recognition for these incredible luminaries?

RM: I saw Ms. Rashad most recently in Skeleton Crew, and I was awestruck by her brilliant performance. For the last few decades, we have had the privilege of observing various layers of her brilliance on TV and in film, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. 

SB: Their incredible contributions to the arts and entertainment industry are not just wonderful, but also essential in showcasing their enduring legacies.

You have both been a part of this event long enough that you can surely reflect back on its growth. What has it meant to you to be a part of that process and to watch it evolve?

SB: Being a part of this event's journey over the years has been incredibly rewarding. Witnessing its growth and evolution has been nothing short of inspiring. It's been a privilege to contribute to celebrating Juneteenth and creating a platform that celebrates talent, diversity, and excellence in the arts and to see it resonate with audiences year after year. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a key part of this annual event is the profound impact it has on the community. From providing opportunities for emerging artists to honoring seasoned professionals, this event fosters a sense of unity and appreciation for the arts that extends far beyond its duration.

RM: I feel like each year we have raised the stakes and made the celebration even more special and impactful than the year before.  If I recall correctly, this year we had the most responses from participants who expressed interest in joining the celebration than we ever have. It’s so exciting to me that these gifted performers recognize the importance of this historic holiday and how needful this celebration is to the greater NYC community.

Any goals for 2025 and beyond?

SB: Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, our goal is to continue expanding the reach and impact of the event and Juneteenth. We aim to collaborate with even more artists, organizations, and sponsors to amplify Juneteenth and support the next generation of talent in the arts.

RM: In addition to making my Broadway debut this month, I facilitated a table-read for the first play that I have ever written, titled Hagar and the Giant. If things go according to plan, I’ll have my play on its feet sometime next year!

Elevator pitch: why should people head to Times Square on 6/19?

RM: This Juneteenth 2024, all roads lead to Times Square NYC! Some of the best and most gifted Black performers on Broadway will share their amazing gifts in celebration of Black creativity, Black art, and Black freedom. Where else could you experience this level of talent (including those currently nominated for Tony’s) in one place…for free?! It’s sure to be an afternoon that you don’t want to miss!

 SB: If you're looking for an unforgettable experience that celebrates Juneteenth and the rich tapestry of the arts and honors iconic figures like Phylicia Rashad, then Times Square on June 19th is the place to be. Join us for a day filled with performances, tributes, and inspiration that you won't want to miss!

BIOS:

Steve H. Broadnax III (Director) THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN (Broadway) Susan Lori Parks SALLY AND TOM at the Guthrie Theatre and The Public In New York (World Première), Katori Hall’s 2021 Pulitzer Prize Première THE HOT WING KING at The Signature Theatre, Lee Edward Colston’s THE FIRST DEEP BREATH at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and  Chicago’s Victory Garden Theatre (Premiere and Winner of Jeff Awards Best New Work), Dominique Morisseau’s  SUNSET BABY at The Signature Theatre (NYC) BLOOD AT THE ROOT at the National Black Theatre (Winner of Kennedy Center's Hip Hop Theater Creator Award) and William Jackson Harper’s Premiere TRAVISVILLE at NYC Ensemble Studio. Ensemble Studio Theatre member and serves as the Associate Artistic Director at People’s Light Theatre and a Professor of Theatre at Penn State University; Co-Head of MFA Directing. Writing credits include ME AND THE DEVIL (Lantern Theatre), 2020 VISION, BAYARD RUSTIN INSIDE ASHLAND, BONEZ(People’s Light Theatre), CAMOUFLAGE (St. Louis Black Rep.)

Rashad McPherson is a performer, music director, and composer living in New York, NY. Rashad made his theatrical music directorial debut with the world premiere of Bayard Rustin: Inside Ashland; written and directed by Steve H. Broadnax, III (People’s Light Theatre). He composed and co-arranged the score alongside Jason Michael Webb.This May Rashad made his Broadway debut in Ben Platt: Live at the Palace (Palace Theatre). This historic residency will run through June 15th. Directly following, Rashad will embark on a 21-city “Honeymind” Tour with Ben Platt performing piano and vocals. Earlier this year Rashad finished writing and facilitated a table-read for the first play that he has ever written: Hagar and the Giant. He looks forward to workshopping it and other new, original theater work next year. Currently Rashad is preparing to release a live, visual performance album that he recorded at a NY Soundstage. This project will feature several new songs, and will be accompanied by numerous live performance videos. Rashad released the second single from this project, “Everyday People” (featuring Stout), this past November 2023.