“Aladdin” star Michael James Scott is set to host the 2023 “Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth” concert on June 18 at 11 a.m. in Times Square. The third annual event is presented by the Broadway League’s Black to Broadway initiative and is free and open to the public.
Performances are scheduled from the upcoming production of “The Wiz,” as well as from 25 Black artists from a dozen Broadway shows including “A Beautiful Noise,” “& Juliet,” “Camelot,” “Chicago,” “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “MJ,” “New York, New York,” “Parade,” “Shucked,” “SIX,” “Some Like It Hot” and “Sweeney Todd.” American Sign Language interpretation will be provided during the event.
In addition, the 2023 Juneteenth Legacy Award will be presented to Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon. He is being recognized for his contributions to the Broadway community and beyond.
“Congratulations to producer and Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon as the recipient of the 2023 Juneteenth Legacy Award,” president of the Broadway League Charlotte St. Martin said in a statement. “We acknowledge his enormous contributions to Broadway which have resulted in staging powerful works that delve into Black storylines and star Black artists. Through his many endeavors, he has created opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. We invite audiences to join us for ‘Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth’ and experience this uplifting event in the heart of the Theater District.”
Sponsors for this year’s concert include United Airlines, M·A·C (Make-up Art Cosmetics), the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, the Music Performance Trust Fund, the Araca Group, Open Jar Studios and the Times Square Alliance.
Created by the Broadway League in 2019, the Black to Broadway initiative aims to foster greater involvement in and access to Broadway for all Black people and celebrates the Black community within the industry.
