Night of Broadway Stars 2023

This is year eight for me in photographing an event I look forward to every year. I look forward to it more than any other annual event. This is the Night of Broadway Stars 2023 hosted by Covenant House Georgia. It is nothing short of amazing. I know amazing is overused, like “This sausage biscuit is amazing.” Or “This new hand soap I got at Costco is amazing!” But this evening is truly amazing in that it completely changes the lives of humans for the good. Six talented Broadway stars flew into Atlanta to perform live onstage at the Coca Cola Roxy for some of Atlanta’s finest who are in a position to give generously.

Generosity Abounds at Night of Broadway Stars 2023

All of these people come together to raise money for Covenant House Georgia youth experiencing homelessness. The funds raised in this one evening not only go to housing, but to medications, and counseling. They go to education on many different levels from basic life skills to completing obtaining diplomas, GEDs, and degrees. And to job placement. Eventually leading to independent living and self-sufficiency.

Overcoming situations of homelessness, abuse, abandonment, and trafficking through no fault of their own as children or young adults is something I can’t fathom. Being loved unconditionally, given the tools and support to become independent by Covenant House Georgia…well that is what I call amazing. I will gladly support them every chance I get.

Private Tour with Roosevelt Credit

Before the show got started, I had the pleasure of spending a little extra time with Roosevelt Credit. Several months ago, I photographed him performing at a private party at the Arthur Blank Family Foundation, but didn’t get to talk to him. This evening, I got over ten minutes with him. We walked across the street from the Roxy so Roosevelt could see the whole front of the building (we had each entered through the back loading dock). He surprised me with a jump turn and two thumbs up in the middle of the street as we were walking back in. And then I gave him a brief tour of the inside and upstairs as it’s a remarkable and intimate venue. I learned he knows one of my friends who is a talented conductor, which made the world feel a little smaller and more connected.

Broadway star Roosevelt Credit standing in front of Atlanta Coca Cola Roxy at the Battery with two thumbs up

The Atlanta Mayor Attended Night of Broadway Stars 2023

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was there to meet the youth and speak to all the guests who attended. This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and photographing him at a Covenant House Georgia event. He is a clear supporter of Covenant House Georgia and their youth. I love seeing a Mayor who cares so much about fellow humans.

David Homrich, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Dr. Alie Redd, and Egbert Perry standing inside the Coca Cola Roxy smiling together during NOBS 2023. — David Homrich, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Dr. Alie Redd, Egbert Perry.

Dr. Alie Redd and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens standing together backstage at the Coca Cola Roxy — Dr. Alie Redd and Mayor Andre Dickens

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens giving a side hug to Dr. Alie Redd at Night of Broadway Stars 2023 — Dr. Alie Redd and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens leaning into a clear podium and laughing on stage at the Coca Cola Roxy — Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

Dr. Alie Redd giving Neil Berg a solid high five hand shake backstage at Night of Broadway Stars 2023. — Neil Berg and Dr. Alie Redd giving a high five grab as they changed places backstage

Night of Broadway Stars 2023 Performances at the Coca Cola Roxy

Big names and even bigger performances had the crowd on their feet cheering, singing along, and dancing. They sang songs from Les Miserable, Rent, Grease, Porgy + Bess, and many others.

Broadway Star Catherine Brunell ending her performance on stage with her head back and arms outstretched — Broadway star Catherine Brunnell from Les Miserables and Mary Poppins

Broadway star Alan Green performing onstage at the Coca Cola Roxy for Covenant House Georgia — Broadway star Alan Green from Sister Act and Charlie + the Chocolate Factory

American Idol and Broadway star Lakisha Jones performing onstage at the Coca Cola Roxy — American Idol and Broadway star Lakisha Jones

Joey Calveri performing live onstage at Night of Broadway Stars 2023 for Covenant House Georgia — Broadway star Joey Calveri from West Side Story and Grease

Broadway stars Rita Harvey and Roosevelt Credit performing onstage at the Coca Cola Roxy — Broadway stars Rita Harvey + Roosevelt Credit

Covenant House Georgia Youth Telling Her Story

I have had the pleasure of photographing this Covenant House Georgia youth previously. However, this was the first time I heard her story of homelessness and overcoming. I’ll be honest. I had tears streaming down my cheeks as I listened and photographed her on stage. She was incredibly brave to stand before hundreds of people, sharing her horrific and sad past. I was so proud of her and how far she has come. She gave all of the credit to Covenant House Georgia for helping her into an independent adulthood.

Covenant House Georgia youth onstage at Night off Broadway Stars 2023 telling her personal story of homelessness

Bid Dawg Auctions Got The House Cheering Loud

There were incredible items to bid on this evening. From a CavaPoo to a private lunch with Delta CEO to an Arthur Blank Suite experience for a Falcons game. Highly coveted and bidded auctions!

Bid Dawg Auctions Devon Chin onstage to show off a puppy for auction during the Night of Broadway Stars 2023 — Devon Chin of Bid Dawg Auctions auctioning a CavaPoo

Night of Broadway Stars cheering enthusiastically during Bid Dawg Auction for a puppy

Live auction slide projecteeed of an Arthur Blank Suite Experience up for bid for an Atlanta Falcons game.

A man standing and raising his fist in the air in excitement during a Night of Broadway Stars 2023 live auction for Covenant House Georgia

Live auction of a lunch with Delta CEO Ed Bastian to raise money for Covenant House Georgia

Covenant House Youth Telling His Story

This youth told a very emotionally touching story about his past, surgical recovery, and how all of the support from Covenant House Georgia made a tremendous difference.

Covenant House Georgia youth onstage telling his personal story of homelessness and rejection to a packed theatre at the Coca Cola Roxy.

Broadway star Alan Green singing to a smiling youth from Covenant House Georgia — Alan Green singing to Covenant House Georgia youth onstage at Night of Broadway Stars 2023

Alan Green singing to Covenant House Georgia youth who is slowly uncovering his face and looking up smiling

Covenant House Georgia Youth Perform On Stage

Eight Covenant House Georgia youth performed a broadway song together on stage. They sang beautifully and with so much passion.

Covenant House Georgia youth standing onstage at Night of Broadway Stars performing a song.

Backstage view at Coca Cola Roxy of Covenant House Georgia youth performing for an audience of hundreds

Covenant House Georgia youth singing into microphones onstage at the Coca Cola Roxy

Covenant House Georgia youth holding hands raised above their heads as they end their performance together

More Auctions To Raise Funds for Covenant House Georgia

The last round of auctions were for various amounts from $10,000 all the way down to $150. Each one detailing exactly how those benefit the youth of Covenant House Georgia. From types of services in personal care and career seeking assistance to the number of youth who would benefit from each donation in this auction.

Covenant House Georgia Leigh Hall standing onstage with Devon Chin for $10,000 auction item to fund a need. — Leigh Hall detailed how far $10K goes at Covenant House Georgia

Fund a need item of $5,000 up for auction during Night of Broadway Stars 2023 for Covenant House Georgia

Dr. Alie Redd pointing to Egbert Perry who wants to donate to Covenant House Geogia's Fund a Need item of $5,000

Guests at Night of Broadway Stars 2023 raising their auction numbers to donate to Covenant House Georgia — Dozens raise their numbers to donate in Covenant House Georgia auctions to raise money for youth assistance

Covenant House International CEO Bill Bedrossian

Bill Bedrossian flew into Atlanta to participate in the Covenant House Georgia Night of Broadway Stars 2023. He talked about his non-profit history and passion for Covenant House. His pride for work this organization does in changing the lives of youth experiencing homelessness was obvious.

Night of Broadway Stars 2023 Ends with Massive Performance

The night ended with Broadway stars performing amongst the youth from Covenant House Georgia. People were on their feet cheering and dancing as the evening wrapped up. I think everyone went home feeling emotionally full about making a difference in Atlanta and having enjoyed incredible Broadway performances at the Coca Cola Roxy.