"The Best of Broadway" Benefits Sandy Hook Promise
On September 22nd, Connecticut will welcome a remarkable lineup of Broadway stars for a benefit performance supporting Sandy Hook Promise at the SHU Community Theatre in Fairfield, CT. This event, titled "The Best of Broadway," is the brainchild of Dodie Pettit, a former Broadway performer in Cats and Phantom of the Opera. The inspiration for the benefit arose when her husband, folk legend Rex Fowler, was asked to perform his song "Living In America" for a new Sandy Hook Promise film titled A Father’s Promise.
The documentary A Father’s Promise tells the story of Mark Barden, whose son Daniel was tragically killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting. Deeply moved by the mission of Sandy Hook Promise to combat gun violence, Dodie reached out to the foundation in January 2024, seeking permission to gather Broadway performers for a fundraising event aimed at raising awareness and support for gun violence prevention.
The benefit will feature an extraordinary array of talent, including two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton (City of Angels, Chicago), Craig Schulman (Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Jekyll and Hyde), Alton Fitzgerald White (original Mufasa in The Lion King), Robert Cuccioli (Tony-nominated for Jekyll & Hyde), Gay Willis (Showboat), Frank Mastrone (original cast member of Phantom of the Opera), Terry Eldh (Phantom of the Opera), Paul Schoeffler (Rock of Ages, Sweet Charity), Scott Mikita (Phantom of the Opera), Ted Keegan (Phantom of the Opera), and Keith Buterbaugh (Phantom of the Opera).
The evening will also include performances by Joseph Gray, the long-time opening act at Amateur Night at the Apollo, as well as Paige Backus and Grace Hutchinson, recipients of the Connecticut Dance School Kevin Gray Scholarship, named in honor of Dodie Pettit’s late husband, Kevin Gray. Dodie and Rex will also take the stage as part of Aztec Two-Step 2.0, with Beth Ertz, who has orchestrated for Barbra Streisand, Willie Nelson, and Plácido Domingo, serving as the music director.
Frank Mastrone recalled, "The day of the Sandy Hook tragedy, I was rehearsing with over 100 elementary school children. We continued the rehearsal because we didn’t want fear and sadness to win. We cannot let hate and sadness win today. That is how we honor the victims of senseless violence."
Keith Buterbaugh emphasized, "As an adult, I am morally responsible for the safety of children. My hope is that this small contribution will help achieve that."
Connecticut resident Terry Eldh added, "The Sandy Hook tragedy happened in my backyard. Anything I can do to prevent another is a priority for me."
Paige Backus, a student at Connecticut Dance School, expressed her dedication to the cause, stating, "I am dancing for Sandy Hook Promise because more young adults my age need to be educated on this topic. Hesitating to take action against gun violence only makes it happen more often."
For those interested in sponsoring the event, making a donation, or advertising in the program, please contact co-producer Lorie Lewis at lslewis24@gmail.com.
For tickets, a full cast list, and more information, visit broadwaypromise.com.