First Lady Michelle Obama Hits Broadway to 'Shine a Light on Girls' Education'

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama recently teamed up with some of Broadway's biggest stars for the Broadway Shines a Light on Girls' Education event at New York's Bernard B. Jacobs theater. The function, hosted by TV personality Stephen Colbert, served as an expository concert for the spouses of international heads of state in unison with the White House's Let Girls Learn initiative.

The gala included performances by selected cast members of the many recent female-focused, hit Broadway shows, such as prominently presented excerpts of The Color Purple, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Wicked and Waitress. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles also offered remarks pertaining to important gender-related issues in the performing arts domain.

As reported by Billboard, Mrs. Obama delivered a stirring speech in which she addressed the congregation of influential leaders' partners and throngs of Girl Scouts and schoolchildren:

"I want to be clear that as First Lady of the United States I have no budget of my own for programs, I have no authority to make or pass laws, and I cannot issue any kind of executive orders," she told the audience, before reminding them that, "When people hear the stories of girls who aren't in school they want to help. And as spouses of world leaders, so many of us here in this room have platforms to tell these stories and bring people together to take action for these girls."

Albany, New York's Times Union printed additional details on the Broadway song selections performed during the concert, highlighted from the aforementioned Broadway musicals:

"The 90-minute event included the 2016 best actress Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo singing a powerful 'I'm Here' from The Color Purple, Jennifer DiNoia and Carrie St. Louis singing 'For Good' from Wicked, the performers Charity Angel Dawson,  Stephanie Torns and Jenna Ushkowitz singing 'A Soft Place to Land' from Waitress, and a medley of songs by Carole King led by Chilina Kennedy."

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TagsMichelle Obama, Broadway, Shine a Light on Girls' Education, Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple, Jennifer DiNoia, Carrie St. Louis, Charity Angel Dawson, Stephanie Torns, Jenna Ushkowitz, Carole King, Chilina Kennedy, Waitress