Lia Chang Photos: BD Wong, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brandon Victor Dixon, Tom Viola at “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”

On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, Tony award-winning actor BD Wong hosted “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids,” at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York.

BD Wong Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Currently appearing on NBC’s critically acclaimed drama “Awake,” Wong collaborated with Wayne Barker (Broadway composer of PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS) to write a mini-musical based upon King Matt the First, Janusz Korczak’s beloved Polish children’s story. He co-wrote, directed, choreographed and performed with 11 handpicked kids from the “Rosie’s Theater Kids” program.

Joe Benincasa, executive director of The Actors Fund of America, BD Wong, honoree Tom Viola, executive director Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids and BD Wong in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Rosie's Theater Kids in King Matt the First. Photo by Lia Chang

Brian Stokes Mitchell, fresh off a plane from Dallas where he appeared in “Do You Hear the People Sing” a Broadway-style concert featuring the music of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon at the American Airlines Center, was introduced by Joe Benincasa, executive director of The Actors Fund of America, to present RTKids’ honoree Tom Viola, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids with his award.

Brian Stokes Mitchell. Photo by Lia Chang

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Rosie's Theater Kids and honoree Tom Viola. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids' honoree Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Photo by Lia Chang

Tom Viola. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie’s Theater Kids who were mentored by Audra McDonald, Dana Moore and John Tartaglia performed, while Derick K. Grant, Brandon Victor Dixon and Zakiya Young performed with the budding performing artists.

Tom Viola, Lori Klinger and BD Wong. Photo by Lia Chang

In 2003, thanks to the generosity and vision of Founder Rosie O’Donnell, Artistic and Executive Director Lori Klinger created RTKids, dedicated to providing quality instruction in music, drama and dance at no cost to New York City public school students, inspired by O’Donnell’s life-long concern for children, love of theater, and dream of teaching. Eighty-six percent of students who participate in Rosie’s Theater Kids are from low-income families. Rosie’s Theater Kids annually involves more than 5,000 teachers, students, and their family members at 17 schools. There are currently programs in Harlem, Midtown West, Chelsea, Lower East Side, East Village, and Chinatown.

Derick K. Grant. Photo by Lia Chang

Derick K. Grant and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Derick K. Grant. Photo by Lia Chang

Derick K. Grant and Rosie’s Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Derick K. Grant and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Derick K. Grant and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Derick K. Grant and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids and Zakiya Young. Photo by Lia Chang

Zakiya Young. Photo by Lia Chang

Brandon Victor Dixon. Photo by Lia Chang

Brandon Victor Dixon and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Brandon Victor Dixon and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Brandon Victor Dixon and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie'sTheater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie'sTheater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie'sTheater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie'sTheater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

Rosie's Theater Kids.Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Rosie's Theater Kids. Photo by Lia Chang

Brandon Victor Dixon, Lisa Danser and Zakiya Young. Photo by Lia Chang

Joe Benincasa and Tom Viola. Photo by Lia Chang

BD Wong and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Photo by Lia Chang

Roberta Wong, Richert Schnorr, BD Wong and Timothy Johnson. Photo by Lia Chang

Valerie Norton, Brandon Victor Dixon, Thecla Morganstern and Lisa Danser. Photo by Lia Chang

Brandon Victor Dixon. Photo by Lia Chang

http://www.rosiestheaterkids.org/
Other articles by Lia Chang:
Photos: BD Wong in Rehearsal for “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”
The SFIAAFF30 Kicks Off with World Premiere of White Frog Featuring Booboo Stewart, Harry Shum, Jr., Joan Chen, Kelly Hu and BD Wong, at the Castro Theater on March 8
Tony award-winning actor BD Wong stars in NBC’s Awake; video preview and interview
Photos: Alan Cumming, Sutton Foster, David Pittu, Jarlath Conroy and Gordana Rashovich at Charles Busch’s Judith of Bethulia
Mark Bennett Receives Lucille Lortel Nomination for Outstanding Sound Design for An Iliad
Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (3pm) with Andre Bishop, Mary Beth Hurt, Jennifer Lim, Angela Lin, Philip Kan Gotanda, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Richard Thomas, Jay O. Sanders, and more
Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (8pm) with Oskar Eustis, Patti LuPone, Lisa Emery, Ann Harada, Paolo Montalban, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Henry Stram, Richard Thomas, John Weidman and more
Photos: In Rehearsal with Director Bartlett Sher and the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan
Thom Sesma, Patti LuPone, Cindy Cheung, Jennifer Lim, Sab Shimono, James Yaegashi and more set for Shinsai: Theaters for Japan Benefit on March 11 at the Great Hall at Cooper Union in New York
Multimedia: Exclusive photos and video of Disney’s The Lion King Las Vegas -In the Makeup Chair with Thom Sesma
David Henry Hwang to Receive 2012 William Inge Distinguished Achievement in the American Theatre Award
Chinglish Playwright David Henry Hwang Moderates “RepresentAsian: The Changing Face of New York Theater” at Pope Auditorium at Fordham University
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Coming to America through The Angel Island Immigration Station
Orville Mendoza Joins the Broadway Cast of Peter and the Starcatcher, Previews Begin March 28 at the Brooks Atkinson
Photos: Laila Robins, Sean Dugan, C.J. Wilson, Peter Francis James, Bill Irwin and Tricia Paoluccio at Signature Theatre Company’s revival of Edward Albee’s The Lady From Dubuque
Photos: “How To Succeed” stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rose Hemingway and John Larroquette at Lord & Taylor for Windows Unveiling
Multimedia: Promises, Promises’ Stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes at Lord & Taylor Fifth Ave
Broadwayworld.com Photo Flash: Library of Congress’ IN REHEARSAL Exhibit
Photos: David Duchovny, John Earl Jelks, Amanda Peet, Tracee Chimo at Opening Night Party of Neil LaBute’s Break of Noon
Celebrating my mom – AN ACTIVE VISION: BEVERLY UMEHARA…LABOR ACTIVIST…1945-1999
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

BD Wong with his mom Roberta and Lia Chang. Photo by Richert Schnorr

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2012 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at lia@backstagepasswithliachang.com.

Lia Chang Photos: BD Wong in Rehearsal for “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”

Last weekend, I caught up with BD Wong at the Maravel Arts Center on 445 W. 45th St. in New York, where he was rehearsing a number which will be performed in “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids,” on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, 405 W. 55th St. @ 9th Ave in New York.

BD Wong rehearses with Rosie’s Theater Kids at the Maravel Arts Center on 445 W. 45th St. in New York on March 17, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

BD will also be hosting the event, (also honoring Tom Viola, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids), which features Rosie’s Theater Kids alongside Derick K. Grant, Brandon Victor Dixon, Zakiya Young, and special taped video appearances by Audra McDonald and John Tartaglia. A highlight of the evening is sure to be an original piece conceived and co-written by BD, in which he will perform with 11 of the children from the “Rosie’s Theater Kids” program.

BD Wong rehearses with Rosie’s Theater Kids at the Maravel Arts Center on 445 W. 45th St. in New York on March 17, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

In Manhattan, thousands of children live near the “Great White Way” but never have the opportunity to step inside one of the theaters and experience Broadway. As Rosie O’Donnell says, it’s “like living in Hawaii and not having access to the beach.” Today, New York City public schools rely largely on private funding for arts education and they continue to struggle due to a constant shortage of public funding. This is where Rosie’s Theater Kids comes in, providing theater exposure and theater training to hundreds of NY City Public school kids each week.

BD Wong rehearses with Rosie’s Theater Kids at the Maravel Arts Center on 445 W. 45th Street in New York on March 17, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

BD shared, “For several weeks now, I have been rehearsing with 11 of Rosie’s Theater Kids, Music Director Steven Jamail and RTK Vocal Performance Teacher Lisa Danser. Everyone on the staff there is a gem.”

BD Wong rehearses with Rosie’s Theater Kids at the Maravel Arts Center on 445 W. 45th St. in New York on March 17, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

“My pal Wayne Barker (Broadway composer of PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS) and I wrote a mini-musical for me to perform with the RTKs, based upon a beloved Polish children’s story called KING MATT THE FIRST. Each kid has a featured role in the piece, and they have taken to the material like bees to honey.”

BD Wong rehearses with Rosie’s Theater Kids at the Maravel Arts Center on 445 W. 45th St. in New York on March 17, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

“I really recommend you check this out. I’m really kind of proud of it, and it is just a lot of fun. And it is a great, great cause.
…They are all totally remarkable. There’s not an ounce of bad energy. Get a ticket! Smiles guaranteed.”

Rosie’s Theater Kids rehearse at the Maravel Arts Center on 445 W. 45th St. in New York on March 17, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

The Tony award-winning actor has just returned from attending the world premiere of his latest film (in which he is featured with Joan Chen, Booboo Stewart, Harry Shum, Jr.) WHITE FROG, directed by Quentin Lee at the SFIAAFF30 in San Francisco.

Cast and crew of White Frog — with BD Wong, Gregg Sulkin, Quentin Lee, Tyler Posey, Boo Boo Stewart, Harry Shum Jr., Ellie Wen, Joan Chen, David Henry Hwang, Kathryn Layng at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco on March 8, 2012. Photo by Michael Jeong/Courtesy of SFIAAFF

He is also currently appearing as Dr. John Lee in NBC’s new critically acclaimed drama “Awake,” which also stars Jason Isaacs, Laura Allen, Steve Harris, Dylan Minnette, Michaela McManus, Wilmer Valderrama and Cherry Jones.

BD Wong as Dr. John Lee on NBC's "Awake".

In 2003, thanks to the generosity and vision of Founder Rosie O’Donnell, Artistic and Executive Director Lori Klinger created RTKids, dedicated to providing quality instruction in music, drama and dance at no cost to New York City public school students, inspired by O’Donnell’s life-long concern for children, love of theater, and dream of teaching. Eighty-six percent of students who participate in Rosie’s Theater Kids are from low-income families. Rosie’s Theater Kids annually involves more than 5,000 teachers, students, and their family members at 17 schools. There are currently programs in Harlem, Midtown West,Chelsea, Lower East Side, East Village, and Chinatown.

Rosie’s Theater Kids rehearse at the Maravel Arts Center on 445 W. 45th St. in New York on March 17, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

“PASSING IT ON: An Evening of Mentorship to benefit ROSIE’S THEATER KIDS”
6:30PM Doors open
7:00PM Performance
8:00PM VIP after party

Purchase tickets online or call: 646-434-2774.
General Admission – $225 -includes one general admission ticket for the performance
VIP Ticket – $500 – includes one VIP ticket for the performance and after-party, listing in the program.

Other articles by Lia Chang:
The SFIAAFF30 Kicks Off with World Premiere of White Frog Featuring Booboo Stewart, Harry Shum, Jr., Joan Chen, Kelly Hu and BD Wong, at the Castro Theater on March 8
Tony award-winning actor BD Wong stars in NBC’s Awake; video preview and interview
Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (3pm) with Andre Bishop, Mary Beth Hurt, Jennifer Lim, Angela Lin, Philip Kan Gotanda, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Richard Thomas, Jay O. Sanders, and more
Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (8pm) with Oskar Eustis, Patti LuPone, Lisa Emery, Ann Harada, Paolo Montalban, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Henry Stram, Richard Thomas, John Weidman and more
Photos: In Rehearsal with Director Bartlett Sher and the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan
Thom Sesma, Patti LuPone, Cindy Cheung, Jennifer Lim, Sab Shimono, James Yaegashi and more set for Shinsai: Theaters for Japan Benefit on March 11 at the Great Hall at Cooper Union in New York
Multimedia: Exclusive photos and video of Disney’s The Lion King Las Vegas -In the Makeup Chair with Thom Sesma
David Henry Hwang to Receive 2012 William Inge Distinguished Achievement in the American Theatre Award
Chinglish Playwright David Henry Hwang Moderates “RepresentAsian: The Changing Face of New York Theater” at Pope Auditorium at Fordham University
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Coming to America through The Angel Island Immigration Station
Orville Mendoza Joins the Broadway Cast of Peter and the Starcatcher, Previews Begin March 28 at the Brooks Atkinson
Photos: Laila Robins, Sean Dugan, C.J. Wilson, Peter Francis James, Bill Irwin and Tricia Paoluccio at Signature Theatre Company’s revival of Edward Albee’s The Lady From Dubuque
Photos: “How To Succeed” stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rose Hemingway and John Larroquette at Lord & Taylor for Windows Unveiling
Multimedia: Promises, Promises’ Stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes at Lord & Taylor Fifth Ave
Broadwayworld.com Photo Flash: Library of Congress’ IN REHEARSAL Exhibit
Photos: David Duchovny, John Earl Jelks, Amanda Peet, Tracee Chimo at Opening Night Party of Neil LaBute’s Break of Noon
Celebrating my mom – AN ACTIVE VISION: BEVERLY UMEHARA…LABOR ACTIVIST…1945-1999
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang. Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2012 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at lia@backstagepasswithliachang.com.