Broadway’s biggest stars came out to support Swish’s annual Songs in the Key of Equality. Hosted by ABC News correspondent Sara Haines, the night was filled with music, laughter and pride at Le Poisson Rouge.
From Broadway tunes to today’s hits, the stars covered everything. Adam Chandler kicked off the night with his high heel shoes and rendition of Jessie J’s Domino and the energy kept going with Sutton Lee Seymour from So You Think You Can Drag? Other performers included Joshua Dixon, Chris Gleim, Jodi Bluestein, Allison Hooban, Matthew Kovach, Vicky Modica, Christina Rowan, Erik Sisco, Leonard Sullivan, Katie Thompson, Molly Tynes, Andromeda Turre, and Justin Michael Vanpelt.
One of the special guests of the night was actor and singer Stephen Wallem. Known as Thor Lundgren from Showtime series Nurse Jackie, Wallem was previously a cabaret singer in Chicago and was famous for his comedic acts. Instead of singing the hit song Defying Gravity from Wicked, Wallem created his own twist to the song, ‘Defying Parody.’
Proceeds raised at the event benefit Swish, which for 11 years has engaged thousands of straight and LGBT members to work towards LGBT rights. Constantly an active member of the gay community, Swish was awarded Best of Gay New York from Time Out NY and endorsed the National Equality March in 2009.
“This year, Swish is embarking on a new venture to expand its mission to more communities around the world,” said Sara Haines. “Swish Ally Fund helps grassroots organizations so that they can engage straight allies in the fight for love and equality.
Haines is an active member of the LGBT community fighting for equal rights since her bother is openly gay. “Everywhere I go I always mention my brother,” she said. “All people know of him is his name and that he is gay.”
As the performers left the stage they stated why they Swish and support LGBT rights. From the serious to the jokes, everyone was there to make a difference.
*All images via Leslie Barbaro Photo
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