EXCLUSIVE: The company of the Broadway musical A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical will lead a special effort to support those affected by the horrific attack that took place in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
The musical chronicles the life and career of the legendary New Orleans-born jazzman. The company of Wonderful World kicked off the fundraising project with moments of silence at this past weekend’s performances, and a QR code will remain posted at the theater with which theater-goers can gather information and make donations to the Greater New Orleans Foundation. (Donations can also be made directly here.)
In addition to the show’s pledge of support, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will stand united with the company of A Wonderful World and has pledged to add an additional $10,000 as a special grant to whatever funds are raised during the effort.
At least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured when a man drove a truck through a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street.
The Wonderful World fundraising effort was initiated by cast member Darlesia Cearcy, who plays Armstrong’ wife, Lucille Wilson.
“A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical sets up one foundational question: why and how did Louis Armstrong invite us into a song so full of hope, love and light about life?,” Cearcy said in a statement. “We as a company traverse through his life starting with his birthplace, New Orleans, and his humble, exciting and yet troubled beginnings. This birthplace was and is the place where he initially discovered his love for jazz and, thus, created an empire and status as the King of Jazz.
“We honor that status each day at the top of our show inside the French quarter with a song titled ‘Bourbon Street Parade,’ she continued. “Here we dance and sing to reignite the days of celebration of New Orleans and his contributions to it as an art form. We transport our audiences from there to his first home base called Jane Alley and sometimes James Alley before we head to Storyville and onward.
“It is our hope, joy and responsibility to help, honor and support our fellow citizens that remind us of our surrogate home base and national neighbor through our leader Louis Armstrong. As one of the women who plays his wife (Lucille) I understand the importance of giving ourselves over to something greater than ourselves as Lucille would have done. We as a company know this truth. In order for us to share our story of A Wonderful World and sing that honestly, we must do our part. Louis found it for us and established the way forward. Our ‘compass’ including the moral one is being made clear.
“No one needs to suffer the way those innocent victims and their families have suffered, so we stand together in solidarity and love to support them. It’s what Louis Armstrong or ‘Pops’ (as they call him in New Orleans) would have wanted. We aim to serve the greater good. A musical can be fruitful inside of communities. I hope we have and will continue to demonstrate healthy, positive efforts for communities such as New Orleans.”
Danny Whitman, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, added, “We are so proud to be a part of this compassionate Broadway community, coming together to help those in need. This is a moment to show solidarity and provide real support to the people of New Orleans.” In addition to the grant, BC/EFA has seven direct service organizations throughout Louisiana, including the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation and Project Lazarus in New Orleans.
A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical is playing at Broadway’s Studio 54.
The post Broadway’s Louis Armstrong Musical ‘A Wonderful World’ Leads Fundraising Effort For Victims Of New Orleans Tragedy appeared first on Deadline.
