The Broadway League has announced the launch of “East to Broadway,” a new audience development initiative designed to welcome, celebrate, inspire and connect with the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. East to Broadway is dedicated to cultivating a more representative Broadway experience by offering meaningful engagement opportunities, empowering AANHPI audiences, creatives and performers, and building long-lasting relationships that honor the varied cultural heritages of these communities.
In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the East to Broadway initiative officially launched on May 7 with an event in partnership with the Tony Award-nominated musical “Maybe Happy Ending.” A select group of AANHPI influencers and cultural leaders attended the performance, which was followed by a talkback at the Museum of Broadway. The post-show conversation was moderated by East to Broadway founding member Kevin Lin and featured the creators of “Maybe Happy Ending,” Will Aronson and Hue Park, along with director Michael Arden and cast members Darren Criss, Marcus Choi and Dez Duron, who discussed the show’s journey to Broadway and the power of storytelling.
“The Broadway League is dedicated to supporting great storytelling and community programs that elevate the many voices of theater,” said Jason Laks, president of the Broadway League, in a statement. “We are so excited to launch East to Broadway, and grateful to partner with ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.”
Building on the success of other Broadway League initiatives such as Black to Broadway and ¡Viva! Broadway, East to Broadway will offer programming and engagement opportunities designed to amplify AANHPI voices, foster a sense of belonging and energize future generations of theatergoers and artists alike. Previously, East to Broadway held a similar event with Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony-nominated show “Yellow Face.”
For more information about East to Broadway and its upcoming events, visit easttobroadway.com.
