After a sold-out run at the New York Theatre Workshop, the musical “Sing Street” was set to make its Broadway debut this month. But dreams of the Great White Way had to be put on hold–as so much has–due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yet indefinite postponement–with cast members now scattered throughout the U.S. and overseas–doesn’t necessarily translate into silent waiting. In a nod to the “show must go on” mantra, the cast will unite online for a one-night benefit performance.
Aiding and abetting this production, “Sing Street: Grounded–At Home With The Broadway Cast,” which takes place tonight (Thursday, 4/30) from 6:30-7 pm ET on Facebook Live on Sing Street’s Broadway Facebook page, are ad agency Droga5 and production house SMUGGLER which have not just created the marketing campaign for the performance but also helped the “Sing Street” ensemble with every aspect of creating and producing a Broadway performance from home, from the look and feel of the show, the technical aspects of bringing it to life, and the performances of the actors to amplification ideas that are being unveiled across daytime talk shows, and social media platforms like TikTok. At every touchpoint, Droga5 and SMUGGLER have been collaborating with “Sing Street” cast, director Rebecca Taichman, and producers to help create a performance true to the spirit of the theatrical production.
The event is also designed to do good beyond creative expression. Donations can be made directly to The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and Broadway Cares’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund using the Facebook “donate” button on Facebook Live during the livestreamed event, which will be available on demand through Monday, May 4 at 6:30pm (EST).
The “Sing Street” cast members, currently situated in Ireland, Great Britain, New York, California, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, Vermont and Massachusetts, will be performing from their homes, playing their instruments and singing, all in unison on Facebook Live with ambitious technological experimentation, using the medium of the moment with a young cast that is excited by and comfortable with the art that’s possible with a cell phone and a laptop.
Droga5 and SMUGGLER orchestrated each performer from the safety of their homes using a combination of Zoom, Quicktime, and a technical director, Brett Dicus, who was able to patch in SMUGGLER director Henry-Alex Rubin to rehearse and then record each scene as they interrelate with one another. With so many variables (multiple performers, multiple windows, competing internet realities), contributors wanted to push the look and feel of the event beyond some of the earlier COVID homespun live streams. Creators introduced detailed guardrails by which to direct each scene and performer including script edits, improvisational techniques and an art direction that could tie together the entire look and feel of the performance as the actors themselves desired. Droga5 and SMUGGLER were careful not to over-produce anything, because the show was really the creation of the performers themselves, and the goal was to help serve their needs and orchestrate the best version of their vision.
“Being a small part in the journey of ‘Sing Street’ is a gift. This cast is the definition of special and there is a purity that shines through regardless of the circumstance. While you have to wait to see Rebecca Taichman’s stunning vision for this musical when it arrives on Broadway, you will get a glimpse of the talent, character, heart and spirit of this young cast as they raise much needed donations for The Mayor’s Fund and Broadway Cares,” said SMUGGLER co-founder and “Sing Street” producer Patrick Milling-Smith. “Like the rest of the world, the cast is stuck at home but determined to contribute to those who are risking their lives for us every day. We hope this event can be a reminder to us all of how fortunate we really are, how the world needs togetherness, and hopefully touch some hearts and provide a moment to pause and feel joy.”
David Droga, founder and creative chairman of Droga5, said, “As we all wait for the world to regain its balance, humanity is breaking out in all shapes and sizes. The best theater has always made us think, feel and escape, and this should be no different, albeit in unusual circumstances. I am so grateful to all the incredible talents from ‘Sing Street’ for stepping up to help those on our frontlines in such a lateral and spontaneous manner and, hopefully, also creating something memorable for millions of us all stranded on the sidelines.”
“Sing Street” is set in Dublin, 1982. Everyone is out of work. Thousands are seeking bluer skies across the Irish Sea. Conor (portrayed by Brenock O’Connor) and his schoolmates find an escape from their troubles by forming a band to impress a mysterious girl. With an original score that embraces the sounds of the ‘80s, “Sing Street” celebrates the joy of first love and the power of music. “Sing Street: Grounded–At Home With The Broadway Cast” will feature songs including “Up,” “Drive It Like You Stole It” and “Go Now,” as well as “Love and Stars,” the world premiere of a new song written for the Broadway production of Sing Street.
“Sing Street” is directed by Tony Award winner Taichman (Indecent), features a book by Tony Award winner Enda Walsh (Once), music and lyrics by Gary Clark (front man of Danny Wilson) & John Carney (“Modern Love”), choreography by Obie Award winner Sonya Tayeh (Moulin Rouge), and is based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney.
“Sing Street” stars Max Bartos as Darren, Brendan C. Callahan as Gary, Billy Carter as Robert, Zara Devlin as Raphina, Gus Halper as Brendan, Jakeim Hart as Larry, Martin Moran as Brother Baxter, Anne L. Nathan as Sandra, Johnny Newcomb as Barry, O’Connor as Conor, Gian Perez as Kevin, Sam Poon as Eamon, Skyler Volpe as Anne, Amy Warren as Penny, Anthony Genovesi as Declan, with off-stage covers Ilan Eskenazi, Dashiell Eaves, Shadia Fairuz, Sophie Hearn, Michael Lepore and Jace Reinhard.
“We want to help the doctors, nurses and first responders who are putting themselves in harm’s way so we can all stay safe in our homes. As we have our instruments and our voices, this is something we can do to help those who are on the front lines of this disaster. On behalf of our entire cast, we are encouraging everyone to support The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS,” shared O’Connor, Devlin and Halper in a joint statement. “We are excited to have this opportunity because we have found a way to play together again, hopefully capturing the charm and heart of the show from our homes around the world.”
“During this time of crisis, I’ve been moved watching the cast and creative team put this together in order to do something charitable for the community” said producer Barbara Broccoli, producer of “Sing Street on Broadway.” “They have come up with a very ambitious and unique version of the show, until such time that they can reassemble and perform the entire show on Broadway.”
