When Broadway’s“Rock of Ages” star Constantine Maroulis wasn’t able to stay for Marine Park Intermediate School 278’s Drama Club’s closing performance of “There’s No Business Like Show Business” during the Broadway Beacon Awards, which they were invited to perform at, Maroulis instead visited the students on their own turf to watch their dress rehearsal.
Under the direction of IS 278’s Musical Theater Director Victoria Turoff, Inside Broadway School Liaison Katie McAllister, andChorus Teacher Renée Browne, the students performed for the former “American Idol” heartthrob at the school, 1925 Stuart Street in the Marine Parksection of Brooklyn, and on stage at the ceremony, held at the historic Players Club in the Gramercy Parksection of Manhattan.
Emceed by FOX 5 reporter Julie Chang, sponsored by Inside Broadway, and featuring performances by Judy Kuhn, voice of Disney’s “Pocahontas,” and renowned Broadway pianist Malcolm Gets, the Broadway Beacon Awards honor individuals who support bringing live theater to students in the New York City public schools.
Maroulis was the recipient of the evening’s first Broadway Beacon Award. Other notables included Couple of the Year Award winners Laura Benanti, known for her film debut in “Take the Lead” opposite Antonio Banderas, and her husband Steven Pasquale, of the FX series “Rescue Me,” for their support in providing live theater to New York City public schools.
