There is nothing quite like experiencing the world of Broadway for the first time, and Rosie O’Donnell is making sure that this can happen for as many kids as possible.
In 2003, she coined her organization Rosie’s Theater Kids, or RTK, at PS 51, a Title I public school bordering on the theater district where students would walk by Broadway theaters daily, and never have the opportunity to go inside. Rosie described this as “…like living in Hawaii, and never having access to the beach.”
Together with Rosie, Artistic and Executive Director Lori Klinger developed PS Broadway – RTKids foundational program. In 2003, all 40 fifth graders at PS 51 participated in 15 weeks of singing and dancing training, and every single fifth grader went to see their first Broadway show – all free of charge. The organization has blossomed into so much more since then, and now is complete with iconic broadway mentors for the kids.
After two years of not having the gala due to the pandemic, Rosie’s Theater Kids returned to the stage on Monday evening to honor CBS President and CEO George Cheeks and Broadway producers Cathy and Elliott Masie (The Prom) at this year’s Passing It On Gala, an evening of performances celebrating mentorship. The gala, originally hosted by BD Wong but taken over by Jawan M. Jackson began with a performance and honoree presentation at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, and was followed by a dinner hosted with a performance by Orfeh and Andy Karl.
This years brilliant mentors and performers included Jerusha Cavazos, Christopher Jackson, Jawan M. Jackson, Isabelle McCalla, Earl Mosely, Joanna Numata, Nasia Thomas.
Artistic and Executive Director Lori Klinger says of this year’s gala, “Our students are so excited to be back on stage after two years of virtual performances. Despite all the obstacles during that time, they have persevered and grown as a community, as young leaders, and as artists. They can’t wait to experience the energy of a live performance and to hear the applause of all those that have continued to believe in them.”
Learn more about the brilliant organization here!
