Did You Hear About: Broadway's Best Shows

I'm sure I don't have to tell you, dear readers, about the current danger that threatens the arts & culture industries around the world right now. If you're unaware, please take a moment to read these threads shared by incredibly talented people who can sum it up with far greater fluidity than myself here and here.

I'm also sure I don't have to tell you that it's not just those in the arts & culture industries that are hurting, and many of us are in precarious situations, but we still want to show support for the people who keep us distracted, entertained and enlightened about and by the human experience, yet our funds too are running low or we're not sure how many more funds we may have.

That's why I'm making a point to share information on how you can direct your beautiful energy, gratitude and support to sources that help the arts & culture community, while gifting you with the spark that keeps creatives at the heart of our social evolution. And this month, I'm pointing you in the direction of Broadway's Best Shows and their Spotlight on Plays.

Founded by Jeffrey Richards, Jim Glaub and Jacob Soroken Porter, Broadway’s Best Shows provides entertaining, engaging content, long-form features and exclusive access to Broadway’s Best performers and performances during this time of need. With the goal of bolstering the artistic community while maintaining the safety of their staff, supporters and audience during the pandemic, the organization is staging readings of some of the most dynamic and thought-provoking plays to grace the page performed by some of theater's most brilliant actors and guided by some of theater's most fearless directors ...

... starting at a price of $5 per ticket.

Yeah, you read that right. With the help of TomorrowTix, you can watch everyone from Patti LuPone to Ed O'Neill to Constance Wu to Laura Linney to Alan Cumming to S. Epatha Merkerson deliver powerful performances from the comfort of your own home. And while you're staying safe and giving yourself a much-deserved reprieve from daily stress, you're helping keep theater alive as we weather this difficult transition together, thanks to all proceeds going to supporting The Actors Fund.

If you're unfamiliar with The Actors Fund, it's an organization that helps the entertainment community meet the unique challenges that come with having a career in the arts. Providing services like emergency financial assistance, affordable housing, health care and insurance counseling, senior care, secondary career development, and more. For many performers, The Actors Fund is the only safety net they have, and right now, they need that safety net more than ever.

I'm sure many of us are suffering from Zoom burnout, but if you love the theater, miss being able to see fantastic live performances, or just really want to see some of your favorite actors remind you why they're you're favorite actors, I highly recommend taking in a show or two. The contribution is small, but the gain is immeasurable.

Personally, I plan to watch Alan Cumming, Constance Wu, Anson Mount, K. Todd Freeman and the incomparable Ellen Burstyn bring Uncle Vanya to life on November 19th. This adaptation is directed by Danya Taymor, and narrated by Tony award winner Gabriel Ebert, whom I've had the pleasure of seeing in my very first Broadway theater experience in 2015. I can't wait.

But if Chekov isn't your cup of tea, you're welcome to check out:

• Race on October 29th
• Boston Marriage on November 12th
• Time Stands Still on December 3rd
• Barbecue on December 10th

Supporting Spotlight on Plays, and Broadway's Best Shows in general, may be the easiest way for you to show support of the stage without leaving your home. And trust me when I say, a little bit of support goes a long way.

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Top Video by Broadway's Best Shows