Playbill Pride12th Annual Night of a Thousand Judys, Celebrating Judy Garland, Sets June Date
Written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, the Pride concert benefits The Ali Forney Center.
By
Andrew Gans
April 17, 2024
Artwork designed and illustrated by Daniel Nolen
The 12th annual Night of a Thousand Judys concert will be presented June 3 at 7 PM at Joe's Pub, the intimate cabaret located within Off-Broadway's Public Theater.
Written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, the annual Pride concert will benefit The Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest agency dedicated to helping LGBTQ homeless youth.
Night of a Thousand Judys will honor the late entertainment icon Judy Garland with songs from her career as movie star, recording artist, and stage performer. Peter James Cook will direct the evening with choreography by Jason Wise and music direction by Drew Wutke.
Guest performers will be announced at a later date.
“After
doing this show for 12 years, I've come to think of June as Judy's
month!,” Sayre said in a statement. “It's such an exciting time putting this show
together—working out the songs and the singers. Beyond that, it's just
exciting to work with the Ali Forney Center again. To take a moment,
before the deluge of Pride Month inundates us with rainbows and slogans,
and focus on the reason for the season. To sort out what our community
means, what we stand and stand up for. I am honored and humbled to still
be standing up for this amazing organization. And I am overjoyed to be
standing up for Judy Garland. The perfect combination for Pride season.”
Through
its 24/7 Drop-In Center, Ali’s Place, and a network of 13 emergency
and transitional housing sites, the Ali Forney Center serves over 2,200
LGBTQ+ young people. The Center also supports organizations to utilize its expertise to replicate its model of success around the world.
Night of a Thousand Judys is produced by Dan Fortune and Adam J. Rosen, with Fortune serving as executive producer.
