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A Broadway Benefit to Remember

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Witty, funny, touching, and REAL.

Every year, our network hosts a Broadway Benefit. These events have raised a total of over $1.3 million to support our schools. It has become an annual tradition  — a celebration of Hebrew Public, and an opportunity to connect with our community.

This year, we watched the show Tootsie. The new musical is based on the acclaimed 1982 comedy classic. The story follows talented but difficult actor Michael Dorsey, played by Tony nominee Santino Fontana, who struggles to find work until an audacious, desperate stunt lands him the role of a lifetime.

The show was a representation of real-life scenarios. Each character revealed their true colors, the good AND the bad. The show touched on topics that most Broadway musicals would probably steer away from, such as gender politics, rejection, unemployment, difficult relationships, and the obstacles that one may face when pursuing their dream — with a hilarious spin.

We’ve all been through at least one of these situations, right? The show is relatable. I’m not sure if anyone of us would go to the extent that Michael Dorsey did by pretending to be someone they are not, but desperate times do call for desperate measures.

I must say that Tootsie did not let us down. It also confirmed that being a woman, is no job for a man!

Prior to the show, we enjoyed a performance from our third and fourth-grade chorus during our pre-show reception. They sang beautifully while families enjoyed hors d’oeuvres. It was a wonderful afternoon, with a room filled with family, friends, and laughs.

 

 

 

As our families walked out of the theatre — you could see the smiles and joy on their faces, which only meant one thing — that our Broadway Benefit was a success. We are truly grateful for the support we receive from each and every one of you.

Until next year!

 

By Elisabeth Castera

Our Teacher is an Author!

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We are thrilled to announce that one of our amazing teachers is also an author! Tara Drouin from Hebrew Language Academy Charter School shared her wonderful book named “One Heart” with us. Tara has been teaching for ten years and has been a musician for twenty. Growing up in a family that played musical instruments and sang, music was embedded in her life at a young age. Tara was inspired to write the song “One Heart” that incorporates her experiences with diversity from being a teacher, a mom and musician.

Tara strongly believes that there needs to be more unity and kindness in the world – that is how “One Heart” originated. The song speaks about how we all may have our differences, whether it is a different eye color, skin color or hair color but inside, we all have one heart. Tara believes that this message needs to be shared with children at a young age.

Aside from writing such an inspiring song, Drouin has written a book that incorporates the lyrics to the song with lovely illustrations by Nancy Noskewicz  – an art teacher that Tara used to work with. A free download of the song comes with the book. Tara’s students love singing the song in her classroom and plans on giving a copy of the book to her class. She expresses to them that our differences are what makes us all unique but inside we’re all the same, we are all human beings with one heart and we all need to be unified. Tara says, “If you have friends, family and you’re healthy, you really have it all.”

 

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At her spare time, Tara enjoys yoga, going to the beach, making jewelry and going to the movies with her husband and daughter.

Congratulations Tara and Nancy on creating your first book and thank you so much for being a great example to our students! Tara’s book is now available on Amazon, and can be purchased here.

Events:

If you’d like to see Tara perform live, she will be performing children’s songs with her friend Katie at Jones Beach Band Shell and the event is free!

See details below!

July 24th, July 31st & August 11th: Jones Beach Band Shell @8pm. (Field 4)

By Elisabeth Castera