Stories

What’s New at New 42 – April 2026

On March 16, New 42 hosted “Finding Your Voice: A New 42 Book Talk” featuring a new young adult novel called Limelight by author and actor Andrew Keenan-Bolger. In conversation with his sister, New 42 Artist Council member and two-time Tony Award winner Celia Keenan-Bolger, Andrew spoke about the inspiration for this book, his process for writing it, and about the book’s themes of self-discovery and community-building that exposure to art and performing can inspire.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger seated on stage next to his sister Celia
Photo: Alexis Buatti-Ramos

Author Andrew Keenan-Bolger speaks about his new book with event moderator, his sister, Celia Keenan-Bolger. Throughout the evening, Andrew read excerpts from Limelight that led into stunning performances of “Sing Happy” by Tony Award winner Ali Stroker, “What’ll I Do” by Tony Award nominee Micaela Diamond, and “Simple Joys” by Tony and Grammy Award winner J. Harrison Ghee.

Limelight‘s protagonist, 15-year-old Danny, has always felt alone and invisible. When he transfers into LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, his life is turned upside down by new friends and opportunities to embrace—instead of hide—his love for musical theater. Given our mission to make extraordinary performing arts a vital part of everyone’s life from the earliest years onward, it was truly meaningful for us to help share a book that highlights the life-changing power of the arts for kids.

Wishing theater kids everywhere a happy spring,

Signature: Russell Granet

Russell Granet
President & CEO
New 42

New Victory Family Benefit: CIRCUS IN THE CITY; Surrounding the colorful text are two photos of a juggler and a person balancing on a stack of chairs against a blue, starry background.

It’s New Victory Family Benefit time

Kids at last year’s New Victory Family Benefit raved about the event with one sharing, “This was the best day EVER!” You, too, can have your best day by claiming the last spots for tomorrow’s Circus in the City event. The fun-filled afternoon starts at 12pm with a performance of YOAH at the New Victory Theater, followed by a celebratory procession across 42nd Street and an all-out party at Dave & Buster’s with lunch, games, activities and more. And don’t miss out on the silent auction!

This annual event raises important support for our programs that aim to give young people access to theatrical experiences that inspire them to be curious and creative and to establish a lifelong love of the arts.

Bid in the Silent Auction

Three sparkler fireworks with words Create, Wonder and Imagine above them

Make plans to attend our final birthday season celebration on June 1

This has been a remarkable year for New 42, beginning when we received the Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre last June, and including birthday celebrations for New 42 Studios and New Victory Theater! Our annual New 42 Gala will close out this year of celebrations with an evening recognizing our organization’s 35th Anniversary on Monday, June 1, at The Plaza Hotel.

This special evening will honor three individuals who have each played an important role in New 42 history: Tony Award winner André De Shields, New Victory Artistic Director Mary Rose Lloyd and longtime New 42 Board Member Sarah Long. It promises to be an exciting night with special performances and tributes, directed by Tony Award-winner Warren Carlyle.

Reserve your table or tickets

A New Victory usher helps a young patron at the Accessibility Table

New Victory wins UP-STAND Family-Friendly Award

We’re proud to have been nominated by New Victory theatergoers and chosen as a top NYC organization for outstanding accessibility and family-friendliness. New Victory also won in 2019!

Check out the rest of the winners

Categories

News

Tags

Russell Granet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments Leave a comment