The Broadway musical “Redwood” will host two special post-show conversations ahead of its final performance on May 18 at the Nederlander Theatre. Both discussions will focus on themes touched on in the original musical.
On May 15, following the 7 p.m. performance, Dr. Chelsea Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton Foundation, will participate in a discussion on addiction and recovery. She will be joined by Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner of New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Support, and David Wilke, vice president and chief development officer of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. The conversation will be moderated by Sean Daniels, founder of the Recovery Arts Project.
The Clinton Foundation’s Overdose Response Network, which began in 2012, has worked to address the overdose crisis through partnerships that expand access to naloxone, build faith-based support networks and train community leaders in prevention and recovery strategies. Clinton acknowledged the role of the arts in supporting these efforts, saying in a statement, “We are grateful to partners like the Recovery Arts Project, which has committed to put naloxone in every Broadway house, and to shows like ‘Redwood’ that shine a critical light on the stories of addiction and recovery.”
The second talkback will take place on May 17, following the 8 p.m. performance. Environmental activist julia butterfly hill will join “Redwood” star Idina Menzel for a conversation about the healing power of nature. Hill’s own story, of living in a redwood tree for two years as a protest against deforestation, was a part of the inspiration for this musical. The discussion will be moderated by Jan Svensen Weiss, head of social impact for the production.
“The legacy of the seeds ‘Redwood’ planted will continue to spread and grow long after the show leaves Broadway,” said Hill.
Talkbacks will be available exclusively to audience members attending the performances on those dates.
“Redwood” opened at the Nederlander Theatre on February 13. Written and directed by Tony Award nominee Tina Landau, the musical features music by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Diaz and Landau. Menzel, who also co-conceived the project with Landau, stars in the production. It is produced by Eva Price, Caroline Kaplan, Loudmouth Media and MEP.
The final performance of “Redwood” is scheduled for May 18.
