150 Young Artists Join All-Star Broadway Cast In Arts For Autism Benefit Concert

Broadway lineup:

Christopher Jackson, Tony Award® nominee (Hamilton)
Stephanie J. Block, Tony Award® nominee (Falsettos)
Adrienne Warren, Tony Award® nominee (Shuffle Along)
Jennifer Laura Thompson (Dear Evan Hansen)
Teal Wicks (Finding Neverland)
Abby Mueller (Beautiful)
John Michael Dias (Beautiful)
Betsy Struxness (Hamilton)
Kelvin Moon Loh (The King and I)
and more!

This year’s show will introduce Mina Cuesta, an incredible lyric soprano on the spectrum. She was non-verbal in early childhood, but her parents’ introduction to music became her pathway to communication. “Mina’s love of theatre and singing is infectious and endearing. When she sings it’s obvious she has found the thing that makes her feel most alive,” Says Jacque Carnahan, Artistic Director and Producer. Mina and Kelli O’Hara will sing a surprise onstage duet with a message to match the inspiration of the evening.

Andrew Duff, diagnosed with autism at age two and Autism Speaks’ Multimedia Producer, explains his connection with theater. He says, “It’s a place of expression. It’s practicing social cues. There’s not really a right or a wrong. In some ways, it has helped me more socially than any other therapy I’ve had.” Andrew is scheduled to speak at the show.

“It’s inspiring to watch young performing arts students and Broadway actors share a message of acceptance as they are joined on stage by performers on the spectrum. It’s a chance for the young people involved to perform on Broadway, a dream for many, and a chance to support an important cause. It’s an incredible show,” says Michael Holzer, Producer and General Manager of ETA.

Arts for Autism is produced by Educational Travel Adventures (www.etadventures.com) and Believe NYC (Believe-NYC.com) with 100% of proceeds from ticket sales donated to Autism Speaks. Last year’s inaugural event raised close to $40,000.