BroadwayWorld

By: BWW News Desk

March 30, 2017

Tisch New Theatre closes out their 10th Anniversary season with ONWARD, a concert to benefit Good Chance Theatre. The evening will feature 11 New York University students, across multiple schools, performing songs ranging from musical theatre to pop and R&B. The concert will also premiere an original song written in honor of the event by student Kaila Wooten.

Good Chance Theatre is a UK-based non-profit that builds temporary theatres in areas where expression is stifled and where immigrant and local communities are struggling to integrate. They work to provide hope, and promote freedom of expression, creativity, and dignity for all. Good Chance built its first theatre in a refugee and migrant camp in Calais in 2015 and since has expanded to London and Paris. According to cast member and Tisch freshman Gage Thomas, "Good Chance Theatre is a prime example of how the power of theatre can bring a group of people together. They allow these people who have no homes and have nothing but the things they brought with them to have a space to forget what is happening outside and just express themselves." For cast member and Steinhardt senior Kuhoo Verma, Good Chance is special because they "understand that expression in theatre is the most collaborative and unifying way to heal."

ONWARD is entirely produced, directed, designed, and performed by NYU students. Casey Whyland, of Broadway's Billy Elliot and a senior in the Gallatin school, directs and choreographs. When asked about the rehearsal process so far, 3-time Broadway veteran and Gallatin senior Andy Richardson said, "Getting to be part of an experience like this is thrilling. It's a different environment than a normal show but the talent is so vivid." Through ONWARD, the students of Tisch New Theatre hope to not only support Good Chance Theatre with a donation from the ticket sale proceeds but also to raise awareness of the selfless and vital role they play in the lives of those in need. For Kuhoo Verma, the concert is a "celebration of our responsibility as human beings. We can and should and will take care of each other."

ONWARD will be performed on April 15th at 7:00 PM in the Eisner & Lubin Auditorium within NYU's Kimmel Center for Student Life, located at 60 Washington Square Park South. For tickets and additional information, visit NYUTischNewTheatre.com.

Tisch New Theatre was formed in 2008 as a platform on which all students, regardless of area of study, can experience the theatre industry within NYU and New York City. TNT is committed to developing ambitious work intended to entertain, inspire, and unite the artistic efforts of the Tisch Community with the entire NYU student body.

TNT's production of ONWARD will feature the following: direction/choreography by Casey Whyland (Broadway's Billy Elliot, Annie national tour); music direction by Alexandra Crosby; lighting design by Cati Kalinoski; costume, hair, and make-up design by Deijah M. V.; production stage manager Charlie Saslow; production coordinator Basil Apostolo; general manager Nicole Crisci; marketing director Joey Mervis; producers Matthew Ko and Tim Sebastian.

The cast features: Alex Lugo, Andy Richardson (Broadway's Newsies, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Gypsy), Audrey Hobert, Beth Million, Daniel Youngelman, Gage Thomas, Jessica Kantorowitz, Julesy Flavelle, Kuhoo Verma (Berkley Rep's Monsoon Wedding), Michael Manzi, and Stephen Mellen.

For more information about Tisch New Theatre, visit www.NYUTischNewTheatre.com.