A new festival celebrating the magic of Broadway has made its debut in the scenic Hudson Valley, drawing nearly 3,000 attendees from across the United States. Known as The Festival, this inaugural event was touted as the ‘Coachella for Broadway,’ featuring a diverse array of performances, reunions, and discussions over a vibrant three-day weekend.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/The-Festival-Recap-081826-15-416bb228e0014f56a1c5366e8b7133cd.jpg)
The festival took place from August 16 to August 18 at the Hutton Brickyards Riverfront Hotel + Venue in Kingston, New York, showcasing over 165 performers and nearly 30 programmes. The event boasted significant highlights, including a 30th anniversary reunion of the original cast of the iconic musical ‘Rent’ and thrilling performances from renowned artists such as Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, and Brian Stokes Mitchell.
In a notable announcement following the successful debut, festival organisers confirmed that The Festival will return in 2027, sparking excitement among attendees and performers alike. Founders Joshua Saltman and David Schwartz expressed their delight, saying, “Thank you to all of the amazing fans who came together as a community to celebrate this art form and each other.” They also noted, “We couldn’t be prouder of the experience and the incredible team that put it all together.”
Attendees were treated to an engaging atmosphere that felt both large in scope and intimately connected. Throughout the weekend, it transformed the venue into a vibrant Broadway village, where celebrated Tony winners mingled with fans, sharing moments that transcended the usual performer-audience divide. The picturesque backdrop of the Hudson River added to the festival’s charm, with expansive stages providing a variety of performances nestled among local artisan vendors and food stalls.
The first day of The Festival set a dynamic tone with varied programming. From the energetic Broadway Rave dance party to intimate campfire performances, the diversity of talent was on full display. Notable acts included a celebration of the Disney songbook hosted by Tommy Bracco, and performances from artists like Jasmine Amy Rogers, known for her breakout role in ‘Boop! The Musical.’
As Day Two unfolded, the festival witnessed one of its most anticipated events: a gathering of the original Broadway cast of ‘Rent’, celebrating its 30th anniversary. The emotional reunion featured 13 members who reminisced about their experiences while performing beloved songs such as “Seasons of Love” and “La Vie Bohème.” This poignant moment was accompanied by performances that complemented the festival’s theme of community and shared history within the theatre world.
In addition to the reunion, Saturday offered opportunities for collaboration among Broadway’s finest. Celebrated composer Jason Robert Brown led a special performance with Norbert Leo Butz and Kelli O’Hara that revisited some of his most famous works, while Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry showcased her documentary ‘Satisfied’ to eager fans. The atmosphere remained electric as a new generation of musicals was presented, hinting at Broadway’s bright future.
Sunday brought a relaxed yet celebratory vibe as festival-goers reflected on the inspiring weekend. Patti Murin offered a solo performance before hosting “Duet to Me One More Time,” featuring various performers. The closing acts included Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald, whose collaborative performance of “Wheels of a Dream” served as a fitting capstone to the festival’s closing moments.
As the festivities came to a close, participants joined in a final singalong of “So Long, Farewell,” marking not just an end but a promise of what’s to come. The festival managed to cultivate a sense of belonging and connection among its visitors, leaving many eager for what is expected to become a biennial tradition.
As producers Saltman and Schwartz discover more about their audience’s preferences, they are keen to build upon the successes of this first iteration. Saltman remarked on the collaborative spirit of the event, emphasizing the importance of community input as they look ahead to 2027.
With an extraordinarily rich tapestry of talent and camaraderie, The Festival’s inaugural year proved to be a milestone in celebrating Broadway’s artistry. As thousands of fans returned to their homes enriched by the experience, one thing became clear: this festival not only celebrated Broadway’s past but also paved the way for its future. For updates on the upcoming festival in 2027, interested parties are encouraged to visit BroadwayFest.com.