Broadway Battles Bullying Benefit

Michael Morones

Last night I got to be a part of a wonderful benefit for Michael Morones, Broadway Battles Bullying.  Eleven year-old Michael loves the TV series "My Little Pony" and was repeatedly bullied at his school as a result.  Out of desperation this past January Michael attempted to hang himself from his bunk bed.  "This joyful and otherwise resilient boy had reached a moment when he felt taking his own life was the only solution.  Michael was found in time to save his life, but not soon enough to prevent permanent and severe brain damage.  Though it was originally unclear if Michael would make it out of the hospital, he is now undergoing rehab.  The potential extent of his recovery remains unclear, but he will need ongoing managed care for the remainder of his life" (www.BroadwayBattlesBullying.com).

My amazing friend, Rich Silverstein, championed this cause, gathered together a tribe of volunteers and performers for the benefit and I was so happy to get to have Erin's Faces do the makeup and Blow and Co. Blow Dry Bar do the hair - here are some pictures from the night -

Jennifer Laura Thompson of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and "Wicked" sang Annie Lennox's "Beautiful Child"

Anastacia McCleskey of "Violet" and "The Book of Mormon" sang "I Am Changing" from "Dreamgirls" 

Mariand Torres from "Wicked" and "Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812" sang Sara Bareilles' "Brave"

Carrie Manolakos of "Mamma Mia!" sang Paula Cole's "Me"

Jill Paice of "Matilda" and "The 39 Steps" sang "Hold On" from "The Secret Garden"

Opera diva Joyce DiDonato who is singing at the Met this month sang "Una voce poco fa" from "The Barber of Seville"

Lauren Worsham of "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" sang "The Beauty Is" from "The Light in the Piazza"

Sydney Lucas from "Fun Home" sang "Ring of Keys" from the show

If you would like to donate to Michael's cause please click HERE for his recovery fund.