Broadway Stars Gather for Immersive Festival

A novel three-day Broadway music festival, dubbed "The Festival," is scheduled to take place at Kingston, New York's Hutton Brickyards from August 14-16. This innovative event promises an immersive experience, aiming to blend the communal spirit of music festivals with the magic of Broadway.

The festival will showcase an impressive roster of Broadway performers, including Audra McDonald, Christopher Jackson, and Kelli O'Hara. Attendees can anticipate a diverse program featuring concerts, intimate sing-alongs around campfires, comedy performances, and spontaneous collaborations. The event also includes local food and artisan vendors, aiming for a fully immersive experience.

Organizers Joshua Saltman and David Schwartz, former Disney lawyers with a passion for musical theater, envisioned an event where Broadway fans could connect and celebrate their favorite art form. The festival is designed as a destination, offering a unique atmosphere akin to major music festivals, set against the scenic backdrop of the Hudson Valley.

Attendees can curate their own weekend, moving between various performance spaces like the main stage, the New 42 Stage overlooking the Hudson River, and the Campfire Stage for intimate performances. A special highlight will be the 30th-anniversary reunion of the original Broadway cast of "Rent," featuring nearly all its original members.