New York City, April 22, 2025 — Broadway is celebrating Earth Day in a big way with a vibrant live concert in the heart of Times Square, aimed at raising awareness about climate change and promoting actionable steps toward sustainability. The special event, held on the Pedestrian Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets, took place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was streamed live via Stars in the House for audiences at home.
This year’s Earth Day concert, a marquee event for the New York City Department of Transportation’s citywide “Car-Free Earth Day”, featured performances by an impressive lineup of Broadway stars, young performers, and environmental advocates. Hosted by Broadway veterans Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson, the event showcased a powerful mix of talent while shining a spotlight on the theater community’s commitment to combating the climate crisis.
The star-studded event featured live performances from Grammy Award nominee Merle Dandridge (Hadestown), Tony Award nominee Stark Sands (& Juliet), Lissa deGuzman (Wicked), Adrian Blake Enscoe (Swept Away), Jenn Gambatese (Mrs. Doubtfire), Tony Award nominee Anika Larsen (Almost Famous), Jaygee Macapugay (Suffs), Jennafer Newberry (Wicked), Tony Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Andrew Rannells (Book of Mormon), Kelsie Watts (SIX: The Musical), Rema Webb (Chicago), and Khaila Wilcoxon (Redwood).
In a standout moment, Tony Award winner Shaina Taub (Suffs) led a grand finale performance of her anthem “Keep Marching”, bringing together over 80 young performers from across the region. The show emphasized the power of collective action and the importance of perseverance in the fight against climate change.
The event also featured performances from young students, underscoring the role of the next generation in leading the charge for environmental change. Kindergarten and 1st-grade students from P.S. 212 in Hell’s Kitchen joined actress and singer Jenn Gambatese for a special performance of “Do Re Mi”. Additionally, more than 75 students from across the tri-state area, including participants from Cassie Okenka Voice Studio, EPIC Players, NYU Steinhardt, Perkiomen Valley High School, R.Evolución Latina, and Wolf Performing Arts Center, contributed to the concert’s vibrant celebration.
As part of Broadway’s ongoing efforts to implement more environmentally friendly practices, the concert was backed by the Broadway Green Alliance (BGA), an organization dedicated to educating and motivating the theater community to adopt sustainable practices. The BGA, founded in 2008, brings together a wide range of stakeholders from across the industry, including producers, theaters, unions, and related businesses, to promote greener operations and reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
The BGA collaborates closely with organizations like the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to identify and promote best practices for theater professionals and audiences alike. Through the combined efforts of Broadway’s theater professionals and its global alliances, the BGA is striving to create a more sustainable future for both the arts and the environment.
In addition to Broadway’s role in the event, the Times Square Alliance has been instrumental in cultivating the creativity and energy that makes Times Square an icon of urban life and entertainment. Founded in 1992, the Alliance is committed to maintaining the vibrancy of Times Square while promoting local businesses and organizing major events, including the renowned New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Solstice in Times Square. Through collaborations like this one on Earth Day, the Alliance continues to foster the connection between culture and environmental advocacy.
Broadway’s Earth Day concert was not just a celebration of theater but a powerful reminder of the entertainment industry’s ability to inspire and mobilize audiences for a greater cause. As the concert drew to a close, it was clear that Broadway’s commitment to fighting climate change, engaging future leaders, and raising awareness is an ongoing effort that will continue to resonate far beyond the stage.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
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