The entire cast, band, and members of the creative team participated in the talkback – in which topics such as queer representation, the process behind the creation of Drag the Musical, and self-celebration were discussed. Kevin Smith Kirkwood (one of NQT’s teaching artist – and who previously performed in the Shubert house Stage 42 in Kinky Boots) summed up the talkback beautifully in saying:
“In a time where queer people, drag artists, and trans people are being demonized in the political climate and culture, it is SO important for young people to see queer artists thriving and putting beautiful art into the world that speaks of our experiences.  It was especially important for our group, several of whom are trans students, to see the storyline of a young person onstage being validated and celebrated for being their authentic selves. Representation matters, now more than ever. … It was a truly magical and INSPIRING experience for our Staging Pride youth.”
The idea for this talkback started with conversations between Amy Ackerman, another NTQ teaching artist, and myself when we discussed the importance of queer representation in theatre. The shows we work with are much more than simple performances – they have the ability to inspire, motivate, and spark conversations. With the current times, it’s critical that we use our voices – both onstage and off – to have these discussions and talkbacks, especially for our LGBTQ+ youth.
Thank you to NQT, Diana Lounsbury, Tim Croner, KGM Theatrical, and the entire cast and crew of Drag the Musical for helping create this memorable experience for NQT’s students. As one of NQT’s students said, “It was everything”! ​

​The Broadway community reaches far and wide, and you never know where you can make an impact. The NYPD reached out to Paul D’Antonio, VP, Security to support a community event for cancer survivors and their families, Beauty Against Cancer. Paul knew exactly who to reach out to, Kenny Nunez, house manager, Shubert Theatre. He spoke to Kenny and without hesitation, Kenny connected the NYPD organizers with Alicia Keys’s team and they supplied the event with gift bags of beauty products from Alicia’s line, Keys Soulcare, for everyone in attendance (and then some).  

​This personal touch made the event quite the success.