Maestra Music’s Amplify 2026 gala concert, and fundraising event energized City Winery NYC at Pier 57, filling the Hudson River venue with Broadway talent, music, and a shared commitment to amplifying voices too often unheard.
Guests entered the venue with wine in hand, and mingling quickly spread throughout the room. Artists and collaborators buzzed around, reconnecting and celebrating one another’s careers. A lovely buffet encouraged conversation before attendees took their seats at tables arranged throughout the intimate room. Lively auctions energized the night, raising support for Maestra Music and its mission for equity in theatre. Guests bid on tickets and backstage passes to The Lost Boys and Death Becomes Her. They also bid on a one-of-a-kind voicemail recorded by Jonathan Groff.
Betsy Wolf and Hannah Cruz at Amplify 2026, photo by Adren Dickson
Aneesa Folds and Kaila Mullady opened the concert with an improvised piece built from audience-submitted words, honoring influential women in attendees’ lives. Tony-nominated Betsy Wolfe (currently Death Becomes Her) and Hannah Cruz ((currently Chess) co-hosted the evening. Both wore Kendra Scott jewelry and greeted the audience with energy. Sara Bareilles thrilled the room with her presence, delighting fans and fellow artists alike.
Backed by the Maestra House Band, performers delivered a diverse lineup of musical highlights. Mackenzie Meadows moved the audience with “The Way She Sees Me” from Lighthouse. The Rescues energized the crowd with “If We Make It Through The Night” from the new hit show The Lost Boys. Abby Mueller captivated with “Heart of Stone” from Six, and Claire Kwon charmed with “Yes” from Crazy Rich Asians.
Shaina Taub at Amplify 2026, photo by Nicole Wilson
The inaugural Amplify Award went to Shaina Taub, celebrated as the creator of Suffs. This musical tells the story of the American women’s suffrage movement and features an all-female cast. Consequently, it celebrates bold voices and history-making women, aligning perfectly with Maestra Music’s mission. Introduced by Nikki M. James, Taub emphasized the importance of community within the theatre industry. She also highlighted Georgia Stitt, founder of Maestra, and the organization’s role in fostering connection. Later, Alex Newell closed the evening with a show-stopping performance of “Keep Marching” from Suffs, thrilling the audience. Additionally, mentors and mentees were recognized throughout the night for their achievements, showcasing Maestra’s impact on the theatre community.
Furthermore, the gala highlighted Maestra Music’s RISE (Representation, Inclusion, & Support for Employment) Theatre program. RISE provides tools, resources, and a national platform to support underrepresented theatre professionals. Moreover, the program actively helps people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, deaf, and disabled artists. Through RISE, these artists gain visibility, opportunities, and the chance to be seen, considered, and hired.
Alex Newell at Amplify 2026, photo by Nicole Wilson
