STAGE TUBE: Young Broadway Performers and Friends Sing in Solidarity for Orlando Victims and Their Loved Ones

On Saturday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m., a group of over 60 children including Broadway performers and friends joined together in New York City in Times Square to raise their voices for peace in hopes to help end gun violence. They created a peaceful sing-in demonstration in front of the Walgreen's on West 42 Street and Broadway.

The children sang John Lennon's Imagine while several played along on guitars, wore silver ribbons in remembrance of the Orlando shooting victims, and carried signs saying phrases such as "We deserve a better future", "Imagine a Better World", "Love is Love is Love is Love is Love", #EndGunViolence,#ImagineSingforPeace. A large crowd gathered around them with many joining in the singing. The ad hoc group of children was assembled via social media posts, emails and word of mouth, and they used their time and talent simply to be heard. With the power of social media, their hope is that their message to end gun violence will spread and be heard across the world.

The idea for the demonstration was sparked by a facebook post written by a fourteen year old Broadway performer, Sam Poon ( The King and I, Macbeth, Billy Elliot, Les Miserables). In response to the Orlando shooting at The Pulse Night Club, he expressed anger and frustration over the gun violence in our society that is repeatedly occurring. After reading his post, Jody Prusan, of Connecting Talent Company reached out to Sam, urging him to once again use his voice and be heard. Together, Sam and Jody planned a peaceful demonstration/sing-in. ( They staged a similar one in December in response to the San Bernardino shooting.) Industry kids came to participate from near and far, with some flying to New York City to honor loved ones affected by the tragedy in Orlando. The children hope that they can affect change and demonstrate hope as they continue to raise their voices to imagine a world in peace.

Kids and Teens represented past and present Broadway shows and tours including: A Christmas Story, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Billy Elliot, Elf the Musical, Fly the Musical, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Kinky Boots, Les Miserables, Lion King, Macbeth, Mary Poppins, Matilda, Runaways, School of Rock, Shrek, South Pacific, and The King and I