[New York, NY, June 2025] - TheaterWorksUSA is thrilled to announce Cause for Applause NYC, a one-night-only fundraising concert taking place Sunday, July 20th at 7pm at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (Off-Broadway).
This special evening will bring together TWUSA alumni—including Broadway veterans and recent touring performers—in celebration of the organization's mission to provide free performances to students across the New York area.
“At a time when arts and education funding are facing unprecedented challenges, we’re reminded just how essential it is to ensure more young people have access to live theatre,” said Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director of TheaterWorksUSA.
“This concert honors the exceptional artists who make that possible. We’re proud to bring them together for a night that celebrates their artistry and affirms our belief that all students deserve an inspiring first theatre experience.” added Jillian Carucci, Associate Artistic Director.
Hosted by Josh Breckenridge (Broadway: Swept Away, The Heart of Rock and Roll, Come From Away, The Scottsboro Boys), Cause for Applause NYC will feature Broadway talent who are also proud alumni of TWUSA, including Chris McCarrell (Broadway: The Lightning Thief, Les Misérables), Danny Quadrino (Broadway: Wicked, The Who’s Tommy, Newsies, Bye, Bye, Birdie), Elisa Galindez (Broadway: Real Women Have Curves), Alyse Alan Louis (Broadway: Amelie, Disaster!, Mamma Mia!) and standout performers from TWUSA’s recent national tours. Additional alumni performers will be announced soon. The concert is directed by Jillian Carucci, with music direction by Fernanda Douglas.
In the 2024–2025 season, TheaterWorksUSA’s touring productions reached over half a million students, teachers, and families through 11 productions performed in more than 1,200 communities across the U.S. and Canada.
Previously, TWUSA’s Cause for Applause program provided over 30,000 free and subsidized theater tickets annually to schools nationwide, eliminating financial barriers to live performance. Now, with an expanded focus on the New York area, the program aims to broaden access for local students and families to experience the power of high-quality theater.
Tickets for Cause for Applause NYC: A Benefit Concert are now on sale. $49 tickets are available for a limited time at TWUSA.ORG/CFANYC—early purchase is strongly encouraged. A limited number of $100 VIP tickets are also available, offering premium seating and a meaningful way to support the cause.
THEATERWORKSUSA (Barbara Pasternack, Producing Artistic Director; Tegan Meyer, Managing Director) has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. TWUSA believes that access to art—and theater, in particular—is vital for our youth. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals. Acclaimed alumni include Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Disney’s Frozen), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent), Jerry Zaks (The Music Man), Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen), Miguel Cervantes (Hamilton), Kathleen Chalfant (Angels in America), and Chuck Cooper (Tony award-winning actor, The Life). WWW.TWUSA.ORG
