The evening, which began at 9:30 PM and was hosted by Harriet Harris, featured Aaron Lazar (Mamma Mia!, Les Miz), Adrian Bailey (The Little Mermaid), Ali Stroker ("The Glee Project"), Andrew Samonsky (South Pacific), Tony nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Kinky Boots), Annie Funke (If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet), Betsy Wolfe (The Last Five Years), Carmen Ruby Floyd (After Midnight, Porgy and Bess), Carole Lasser, Chris Pinnella (Trans Siberian Orchestra), Graham Rowat (Mamma Mia!), Tony nominee Howard McGillin (The Phantom of the Opera), Drama Desk winner Jim Brochu (Zero Hour), Tony nominee John Tartaglia (Avenue Q), Tony nominee Karen Akers (Nine), Kathleen Monteleone (Hands On A Hardbody), Marissa Perry (Sister Act, Hairspray), Peter Scolari (Lucky Guy), Steve Rosen (Peter and the Starcatcher) and Timothy McDevitt (Carousel at Lincoln Center).
Tony nominee Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime) directed with music direction by Lawrence Yurman (Far From Heaven, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, Grey Gardens).
Born for Broadway was created ten years ago as a student-sponsored cabaret at Marymount Manhattan College, where founder and executive producer Sarah Galli was enrolled as a performance major. Galli created the show as a way to give back after her brother, Jeff, suffered a spinal cord injury in 1998 in a diving accident.
Born for Broadway's mission, according to press notes, "is to engage college campuses across the nation in raising funds for paralysis related organizations. By engaging young artists and producers in this philanthropic commitment, students have an opportunity to produce their own musical theatre production, while using their time and talent for a greater cause. The annual Broadway gala showcases the performances of both established performers as well as emerging talent. All funds contributed from college productions and the gala benefit research and quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, through both national and grassroots non-profit organizations."
