A new chapter in Broadway’s engagement with fans is set to begin, as The Festival debuts in Kingston, New York, from August 14 to 16. This three-day event promises to offer theatre aficionados an immersive experience, featuring an array of performances by some of the most illustrious names in musical theatre.
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Creators Joshua Saltman and David Schwartz, who share a longstanding friendship rooted in their love for Broadway, have come together to cultivate a festival that combines concert-style performances with festival flair. Among the star-studded line-up are acclaimed artists Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, Christopher Jackson, and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Additionally, this festival will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved musical Rent with a special reunion of its original cast.
The genesis of the festival arose from Saltman’s shift from New York City to Southern California, where he grew fond of the music festival scene, particularly Coachella. This led to the concept of a Broadway-themed alternative. “What if we did Coachella, but for Broadway?” Saltman recalled. This idea brewed for several years until a Broadway cruise inspired him to consider a more intimate scale. Instead of tens of thousands of attendees, he envisioned a gathering of 2,000 to 3,000 fans.
When Saltman pitched the idea to Schwartz, the latter found it compelling not only for the performances but for the sense of community it could foster. Schwartz remarked, “Creating a place where fans from all over the country could come together and celebrate this art form felt incredibly special.” This sentiment underpins the festival’s mission: to offer a unique experience that allows fans to connect, interact, and immerse themselves in the world of Broadway.
Past events like BroadwayCon and Elsie Fest have aimed to bring theatre lovers together, yet the founders believe that The Festival offers something different. Saltman emphasised that it had to be unique in both scope and venue, making it an experience that true Broadway enthusiasts could not afford to miss. This concept aligns closely with the essence of a music festival, where the atmosphere and location play just as vital a role as the performances themselves.
Festival-goers can expect an array of activities that extend well beyond concerts. Schwartz described the festival as a “Broadway campus,” where multiple performance spaces will showcase everything from cabaret shows to sing-alongs. The main stage serves as the heart of the event, accompanied by other venues like the Campfire Stage, which will host intimate performances amid the scenic landscape.
“We’re trying to create an experience of discovery,” Schwartz explained, highlighting the festival’s approach to programming, which includes not just established Broadway hits but also unexpected collaborations and surprise performances that will keep attendees engaged throughout the weekend.
Food will also play a significant role in the festival’s atmosphere, with a selection of local vendors from the Hudson Valley region providing a diverse culinary experience. The founders aimed to ensure that the festival feels authentically regional, incorporating familiar names from the local dining scene. This attention to detail reflects their commitment to crafting an all-encompassing festival experience.
Additionally, the reunion of the Rent original cast is poised to be a highlight of the event. Schwartz’s personal connection to the musical adds an emotional layer to the celebration, as he has long considered it a defining piece of Broadway history. The founders have managed to assemble nearly the entire original cast, promising both fan-favourite songs and heartfelt stories from the performers.
While much of the focus has been on crafting a memorable artistic experience, the logistical challenges have not gone unnoticed. Saltman jokingly mentioned the minutiae of planning, including the realities of managing festival facilities and audience flow. This behind-the-scenes work is crucial to ensure that the event meets the high expectations set for such an ambitious undertaking.
In response to feedback from the community, single-day tickets were introduced to allow more fans the opportunity to experience The Festival. Saltman and Schwartz emphasised the importance of making the festival accessible to a wider audience while remaining attuned to fan input to shape future editions of the event.
As the opening day approaches, the excitement is palpable for both the founders and the theatre community. The aim is for The Festival to not only be a successful inaugural event but to carve out a lasting tradition that attendees will look forward to returning to in years to come.
With the festival now officially on sale, excitement builds as theatre lovers prepare to engage with Broadway in a new and transformative way, blending music, community, and the magic of the stage in the picturesque setting of Hudson Valley.