Love for BroadwayCon

After spending the last 4 days in New York City at BroadwayCon, I'm prepared to say that I've never been so inspired and excited by an event in all of my life.  It was truly amazing and I can't believe that I had the chance to attend - I'm still pinching myself!  It of course, started as a way to see the Broadway greats and have some fun geeking out over theater, but after the first hour or so, I realized this event was so much more than that.  It's about new ideas, giving people a chance to belong where everyone shares the same passion, and mostly about doing good and being kind.  In 3 days, I saw no judgement, no harsh words, no anger.  All I saw was an outpouring of love and excitement from the attendees and the stars.  

If you're the least bit into theater, I would recommend trying to attend next year.  You will leave not only more excited about theater than when you went in, but you'll also be energized and full of new ideas!  Honestly, I started writing them down I had so many thoughts and ideas in my head.

Even with all of this fun, I did have a few favorites. So without further ado, these are the things that made me super happy.

Facetiming Lin Manuel Miranda: As a surprise treat, the organizers of the con created a surprise panel where the entire room had the chance to talk to Lin from London.  I mean, really?! How awesome is that!?  To top it all off, Oak stopped by to say hello too.

Artists as Activists Panel: This panel was hosted by Oak, and discussed ways to be an activist and an artist.  Panelists included the woman that started the Ghostlight Project, and the woman that started Broadway Advocacy Coalition.  They were so inspiring and shared so many different ways to get involved.  Hearing them share their own journeys to advocacy and change really showed that theater is so much more than just acting and singing.

The Opening and Closing ceremonies: The opening ceremony was a 45 minute skit with original songs and special guests.  What made it relevant and special is that the theme was inclusivity.  Since the con was being held on a weekend that saw our President trying to ban Muslims from entering the country, I'd say the organizers picked the perfect theme to open the weekend.  The original song that was sung in the closing ceremony as well, was about "singing a little louder and dancing a little harder" and "while the time we're in right now is just a scene change."  I'm hoping they're going to release it as a single, because it really was beautiful!

YouTube SingAlong: It is exactly what it sounds like.  For 45 minutes last night, the organizers broadcast theater performances from YouTube on the big screen and everyone sang and dance along. So theater nerdy and yet so fun!

CosPlay! - Oh my goodness! Theater lovers are so darn creative!  I saw Glinda, Hedwig, Elphaba, Mormons, Newsies, Mark Cohen, King George III, and so many more.  But I have to say, my fave (which isn't a surprise to anyone) is Whizzer from Falsettos.  So simple, and so perfect!

And this has absolutely nothing to do with the con but it was definitely a highlight - seeing the Falsettos cast sing at Barnes and Noble on 86th and then having them sign the album. Also, me not freaking out in front of them was a major highlight and win for me!