Photo Flash

Harvey Fierstein Honored at Second Stage Fall Benefit

The ”Torch Song” revival, currently running on Broadway, originated at Second Stage Theater.

Jason Zednick

New York City

November 13, 2018

J. Harrison Ghee, Harvey Fierstein, Cyndi Lauper and the Kinky Boots company take the stage at Second Stage Theater's 40th anniversary Fall Benefit. — J. Harrison Ghee, Harvey Fierstein, Cyndi Lauper, and the *Kinky Boots* company take the stage at Second Stage Theater's 40th anniversary fall benefit.
(© Steve and Anita Shevett)

Second Stage Theater celebrated its 40th anniversary with its fall benefit on November 12 at Terminal 5 in honor of Tony Award winner and Second Stage Theater alumnus Harvey Fierstein. The evening featured performances and appearances by Cyndi Lauper, Billy Porter, Rosie O'Donnell, Annaleigh Ashford, Keala Settle, Wayne Brady, Christopher Sieber, Michael Urie, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and the original Hairspray Dynamites.

Honoree Harvey Fierstein and a puppy walk the red carpet.
(© Steve and Anita Shevett)

The one-night-only benefit event celebrated Torch Song returning to the Hayes Theater 36 years after its original Broadway run and including the entire cast from Second Stage Theater's production: Michael Urie, Mercedes Ruehl, Ward Horton, Jack DiFalco, Roxanna Hope Radja, and Michael Hsu Rosen. Torch Song played Second Stage's Tony Kiser Theater last fall.

Shoshanna Bean cuddles with a puppy at Second Stage Theater's fall benefit.
(© Steve and Anita Shevett)

Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell directed the benefit, written by Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin. The event was cochaired by Robert Greenblatt, Richie Jackson, and Jordan Roth with honorary chairs Lauper and Joe Mantello.

All funds raised at the benefit will support and sustain Second Stage Theater's artistic programs.

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