The lights dimmed, the curtain rose, and Broadway’s brightest stars took center stage—but this wasn’t just another performance. On Monday evening, The Town Hall in Manhattan’s Theater District transformed into a vibrant hub of political energy, hosting a dynamic mobilization event for Kamala Harris, the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate. The event, aptly titled “Broadway for Harris,” served as a powerful reminder of the intersection of art, politics, and civic duty.
The significance of the venue itself wasn’t lost on the audience. Tony Award-winning playwright Shaina Taub, known for her work on the acclaimed musical “Suffs,” pointed out that The Town Hall, designed by suffragists a century ago, was built as a space for community dialogue and social action. “It’s a great metaphor for democracy,” Taub remarked, “everyone deserves just as good a seat as everyone else—everyone deserves to have their voices heard, valued, and respected.”
And heard they were. The night unfolded with a captivating blend of musical performances, inspiring speeches, and a clear call to action. Anne Hathaway, a two-time Oscar winner, made her first public endorsement for Harris, declaring to the cheering crowd, “In case you didn’t know, I am voting for Kamala! Is anybody else here voting for Kamala?” The actress then delivered a rousing rendition of Queen’s “Find Me Somebody To Love,” a song that resonated deeply with the event’s theme of finding common ground and uniting for a shared purpose.
Fellow mom and stage icon Audra McDonald, known for her remarkable voice and impactful performances, spoke passionately about her four children and the future she’s fighting for. Her powerful rendition of the classic show tune “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” served as a poignant reminder of the values at stake in this election.
While the star-studded lineup featured prominent names like Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Porter, and Kristin Chenoweth, the night belonged to those who are often on the frontlines of political action. US Representative Jasmine Crockett, a powerful voice in the House of Representatives, delivered a stirring speech that resonated with the crowd. “This race is tight,” Crockett acknowledged, “but the reality is that there are people in this country who need us to deliver. It’s important that all of us recognize our power. For a while, we’ve been made to feel like we’re powerless, being told our vote doesn’t matter. But it really does. The power has always belonged to the people.”
Crockett’s words served as a rallying cry, urging attendees to leverage their influence and engage in meaningful political action. She emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization, encouraging those who can’t knock on doors to use their social networks and engage in online activism. “If you have a group chat—infiltrate it, on behalf of the campaign,” Crockett urged, “put out information and hit back on the disinformation and misinformation. Recognize your power.”
The “Broadway for Harris” event was more than just a star-studded spectacle; it was a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in shaping the future. As actor Coby Getzug pointed out, we need people to donate their “time, treasure, or talent” to mobilize voters and ensure their voices are heard. The event served as a testament to the power of artistic expression and a call to action for voters to engage, contribute, and make their voices heard in the final weeks of the election.
As the curtain fell on this extraordinary night of music, messages, and mobilization, one thing was clear: the stage was set for a powerful finale, and the message resonated beyond the walls of The Town Hall, reaching millions of viewers online. The final act is upon us, and the power to shape our future rests in our hands.