BroadwayHD marked a significant milestone with a spectacular 10th-anniversary celebration at the SVA Theatre in New York City. The event started with a glamorous red carpet, followed by a screening of highlights from the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert. The evening featured an engaging conversation with an impressive lineup of Tony Award winners, including Stephen Schwartz, Alex Newell, Ben Vereen, John Rubinstein, and many more.
Founded by Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley, BroadwayHD began as a vision to make Broadway’s magic accessible to theatergoers around the world. What started as a dream has grown into a global streaming platform, allowing audiences of all ages to experience live performances from the comfort of their homes, anytime, and from any location.
Since its inception, Lane and Comley have viewed BroadwayHD as more than just a streaming service. They see it as a bridge to live theater that generates curiosity and drives ticket sales for in-person performances. Through its 24-hour streaming service, BroadwayHD brings Broadway into people’s living rooms and provides a gateway for audiences with limited access to live theater due to geographic, economic, or physical limitations.
One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of highlights from the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert, which is currently available on BroadwayHD. This concert, recorded at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London last April, celebrates the enduring legacy of Stephen Schwartz’s Tony-winning musical. The star-studded production features Tony Award winner Alex Newell (Shucked) as the Leading Player, a 25-piece orchestra, and a 50-person choir. Other notable cast members include Olivier Award winner Patricia Hodge as Berthe, WhatsOnStage Award winners Lucie Jones as Catherine and Cedric Neal as Charlemagne, Zizi Strallen as Fastrada, and Jac Yarrow as Pippin. The production also features Ryan Heenan as Theo, Idriss Kargbo as Lewis, and the four Players—Amonik Melaco, Jak Allen-Anderson, Sally Frith, and Gleanne Purcell-Brown.
The audience enjoyed a lively panel discussion moderated by Julie James. The panel featured Stephen Schwartz, Alex Newell, Ben Vereen, John Rubinstein, Jac Yarrow, and Tovah Feldshuh. The group reminisced about memorable backstage moments and the challenges of bringing Pippin to life on stage. They also reflected on the show’s legacy and impact on Broadway. Ben Vereen, who originated the role of the Leading Player, shared a heartfelt tribute, saying, “Bob [Fosse] would be quite proud. Bob would be smiling that we’re keeping it going and his style is still sprinkled through the choreography. You guys did a good job.”
The celebration culminated with a No Time at All performance by Patricia Hodge, followed by an audience sing-along to the chorus, creating a joyful and communal experience for all in attendance.
BroadwayHD continues to innovate and redefine theater experience by making Broadway and other live theater productions accessible to audiences worldwide. As the service celebrates its 10th anniversary, it remains committed to breaking down barriers—whether geographic, economic, or physical—and ensuring that theater remains a universal and inclusive experience.
For more information about BroadwayHD and how to subscribe, visit www.BroadwayHD.com.
