6 minute read
Stage a Comeback
Stage a Comeback
Josh Strickland and Michael James Scott Lit Up Orlando in The Music of Disney on Broadway.
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STORY & PHOTOS BY RACHEL COVELLO
Rain and cooler temps didn’t put a damper on the Disney magic that took center stage in downtown Orlando March 20-21. After a yearlong hiatus, Broadway returned with a fervor at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival event titled, “The Music of Disney on Broadway.”
While Broadway plans to remain dark until at least May 30, 2021, the three-show performance featured four of Broadway’s brightest stars. Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”), Michael James Scott (Genie from “Aladdin”), Kissy Simmons (Nala from “The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”) lit up the city with stellar performances.
I was there, front and center, to witness the resurrection of Broadway. It was one of the most emotionally charged events of the year, for both myself and the performers.
A year ago, COVID wreaked havoc on the Broadway world. The industry has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strickland and Scott, two out and proud gay men, recall the exact moment when they received the news that Broadway was shutting down and how it affected both their professional and personal lives.
“We were in Epcot when we started to hear about this news. Michael and I had just finished doing the festival of the arts in Epcot,” said Strickland. “Michael went back to Broadway. I returned to New York to do some auditions and was staying with Ashley. I ew back to Vegas three days before the shutdown. If you were in a major city during the shutdown the vibe was intense.”
Scott shares his experience. “I went back to New York City to do Aladdin. I was shooting for a performance of the Tamarin Hall Show. While we were about the go on stage, the governor announced the shut down.”
While both performers were devastated by the news, like any seasoned Broadway star, they knew the “show must go on.”
“2020 was the year of the pivot,” said Scott. “It was such a pivot for so many of us. For me, I recognized how fragile our industry is. We will be the last to come back and the hardest hit. We also had to pivot with tech stuff . I’m blessed that my husband is a film director.”
While Strickland attempted to adjust to new technology, he admits it wasn’t easy. “I didn’t have a ring light or a nice microphone to make things look ok. But we found what worked. We did a lot of things for free to help the community and to bring entertainment. That’s not just our job – it’s who we are.”
Scott and Strickland were part of several viral Broadway videos. “There were so many!” emphasized Scott.
Although the March Frontyard Festival was Strickland’s first live audience since the shutdown began, Scott had the opportunity to perform his new album, A Fierce Christmas, to the Dr. Phillips Center audience at the end of 2020. His show was the first Frontyard Festival concert. “It was a response to everything going on. It was my protest – with Joy. Ashley was also a guest. It was a cool experience to open right here in my hometown.”
Both Scott and Strickland were overjoyed to bring Broadway back to a live audience. “This is my first live show since COVID,” said Strickland. “This concert is so important. There isn’t much going on with Broadway. This is a glimmer of hope that things are coming back.”
“We’re the only thing in the country of its kind happening right now,” said Michael.
“It’s a beautiful honor to have. Even more so, we are beginning to move forward. It’s exciting!”
—Josh Strickland
The Dr. Phillips Center built the outdoor Frontyard Festival stage to accommodate social distancing. The outdoor space consisted of framed-out club boxes with comfortable seating and an online ordering service that prompted fast delivery from masked servers.
The evening felt eerily normal. The energy on stage and in the stands was palpable. The singing and dancing provided a sense of rejuvenation and hope to all in attendance. The Broadway music I once took for granted sounded fresh and new. I felt like a kid again, blurting out my favorite Disney tunes as I watched the talent dance across the stage. The tears streamed down my smiling cheeks throughout the twohour musical experience.
Pianist Jim Abbott arranged all of the music. Songs included popular hits from "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," "Aida," "Tarzan," "Little Mermaid," "Mary Poppins," "Newsies," "Hercules," "Aladdin" and "Frozen."
There were several highlights throughout the evening. Strickland hit powerhouse notes during his rendition of “Santa Fe” from Newsies. Scott also stole the show with his performance of “You Ain’t Never Had a Friend Like Me”. While Scott is used to prancing around in a tight blue spandex Genie suit, it seems that he can strut his stu in any out t – even a red sparkly blazer and pants. His performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Strickland also brought it home with his interpretation of Olaf from "Frozen." His humor and childlike nature were a perfect t for the lovable summer snowman.
But the finale of the show took the proverbial cake. “Let It Go,” rearranged by Abbott to include all four singers versus the standard two, was a welcome change from the song we have all heard way too many times.
When asked how they’ve both benefited from the shutdown, they had nearly identical responses.
Scott said, “I’ve been with my husband for over 12 years. It’s been a blessing to be together during COVID. We’ve been apart for so long. We’re always in different places: London, LA, Australia. We had gotten married at the end of 2019. This was the first year we were together every day. It was a blessing in so many ways.”
—Michael James Scott
Strickland agreed. “I’ve been married to my husband for six years and together for eleven. Each year brings new things and new love. We’re rolling with the punches. We’ve been apart so much because he’s an actor, too. Like Michael was saying, it was nice to get time together. Every day all day long. Are there hard times? Of course. But you grow as a couple.”
Even with the quality time at home, the two Broadway stars are ready to get back to the stage.
“I’m an entertainer,” said Scott.
“We’re excited to bring this music back,” added Strickland.
Brought it, they did!
RACHEL COVELLO is the CEO and publisher of OUTCOAST™, a digital magazine and travel blog marketing Florida as an LGBTQ-inclusive destination to “Visit. Celebrate. Live.” Her company o ers a variety of advertising, marketing and consulting services to companies interested in promoting their brands to a high-income niche market. She and her wife reside in St. Petersburg, Fla. Covello’s participation represents Gulf Coast and Central Florida inclusion. Visit her travel blog at outcoast.com
