Pride Month is almost over, but the celebration is just getting started.
On Friday, June 23, Broadway star Tituss Burgess is teaming up with Playbill and American Express to host the first ever “Anthems of Pride” in New York City’s Times Square to support LGBTQIA+ Pride.
The one-off event will be an evening of live performances featuring Broadway’s biggest stars, including cast members from “& Juliet,” “Hamilton,” “SIX,” “Some Like It Hot” and “Shucked.”
For generations, Broadway has been a safe space for gender representation. Anthems of Pride will celebrate LGBTQ+ ideals with musical anthems from members of the community.
Plus, it will be a guaranteed great show. “If you’re a Broadway lover, there’s something for you,” Burgess told the NY Post. “If you’re just a general lover of the arts, there’s probably also something for you. “
Want to attend “Anthems of Pride?” The event is set to take place on the Playbill Main Stage in the heart of Times Square from 5:15 p.m. to 7.pm. this Friday, June 23rd.
If you can’t make it to the Times Square show and want to see Tituss live, stay tuned. Burgess will team up with his “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” co-star Jane Krakowski to perform their two-person “Center Of The YOUniverse” show at New York City’s Minetta Lane Theatre from July 27-29.
Tituss Burgess on “Anthems of Pride”
We spoke to Burgess at length about “Anthems of Pride.” Here’s a few brief excerpts from our conversation.
New York Post: What does Pride mean to you?
Burgess: Pride is walking in the absence of fear.
NYP: What about the Anthems of Pride event inspired you to host?
Burgess: It’s the inaugural event, and American Express has a long history of getting alongside the LGBTQIA+ community. This is the most excited I’ve been about Pride.
I’ve personally been through a bit of a metamorphosis. I think I’ve become the best me I’ve been in my entire life. I’ve been outside of myself, watching myself do this. I wanted to be a part of something that represents exactly how I’m feeling.
NYP: What can people expect from Anthems of Pride?
Burgess: It’s a star-studded event with tons of surprise guest performers. We’ve got Alex Newell from “Shucked,” J. Harrison from “Some Like It Hot,” a performance from the cast of “SIX” and so much more.
NYP: How do you see the LGBTQIA+ community being represented on Broadway?
Burgess: We are it. It’s been on our backs since its inception.
We are working to reclaim Broadway and make it as diverse as possible. We still have a lot of work to do, but this lovely concert is helping with that type of visibility.
The queer community and queer-adjacent communities need to be represented in the design team, on stage, in the scenic design, in production, in owning Broadway houses and such.
We are here to remind people, not only that we are here and that there’s something to celebrate, but that there’s still work to be done. This is a celebration for us, by us, but also for people who are not us who can join us in the fight.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Tituss Burgess’ “Centre of the YOUniverse”
Starting July 27, the six-time Emmy award nominee will star alongside fellow actor Jane Krakowski in the three-night production, “Center of the YOUniverse.”
The show will highlight the iconic chemistry between the two stars, who have worked together in “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “30 Rock” and “Schmigadoon!”
“Jane is like my sister,” Burgess said. “She is one of the smartest women I have ever worked with. The only thing that upstages her beauty is the comedic genius that she is.”
According to Burgess, Tina Fey and Ellie Kemper will not be appearing in the production, but expect to potentially see them in the audience on one of the nights.
“Center of the YOUniverse” will play off-Broadway at New York’s Minetta Lane Theatre at 7 p.m. July 27-29.
At the time of publication, ticket prices start at $80 before fees on Vivid Seats.
All prices are subject to fluctuation.
Tituss Burgess’ 2024 Projects
If you prefer to see Burgess in a solo live performance, unfortunately, you’re going to have to wait until next year when the actor performs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN from June 13-15, 2024.
Burgess will also be starring in the upcoming Disney Original Movie, “The Slumber Party, from Imagine Kids+ Family.
The film is based on the YA novel of the same by Jen Malone about a sleepover birthday party hypnotism gone awry. Burgess will play Mesmer, an actor who plays different characters such as a hypnotist for birthday parties.
“I’m always excited to return to my Disney roots,” Burgess said. “I’ll work for those people for the rest of my life.”
Speaking of Disney, Burgess — who played the original Sebastian in The Little Mermaid on Broadway — saw the new live-action movie and gives it his stamp of approval. “Halle [Bailey] did a beautiful job embodying Ariel. It was an exquisite performance,” he said.
Broadway shows to check out this summer:
We found affordable tickets for a number of Broadway performances taking place this summer:
What else is on Broadway? Check out our list of all the Tony nominees running these next few months here.