In partnership with Playbill, to benefit NYC Pride/Heritage of Pride, RiseNY – an immersive museum dedicated to showcasing the culture, history, and stories of NYC through cutting-edge technology and innovative storytelling – will present Rise Up. Live Proud, a special Pride celebration taking place on Thursday, June 26, beginning at noon. The event will be staged live from the Torch Balcony at RiseNY, overlooking West 45th Street in the heart of Times Square.
Hosted by activist, entertainer, and the 2025 Grand Marshall for NYC Pride, Marti Gould Cummings, Rise Up, Live Proud is free and open to the public, and will bring together Broadway stars, LGBTQIA+ artists, and allies for an uplifting celebration of music, pride, and community. Performers include Broadway veteran Anthony Rapp (Rent), Mario Cantone (And Just Like That), Sandra Valls (Real Women Have Curves: The Musical), Jackie Cox (RuPaul’s Drag Race), and cast members of Wicked, with additional talent to be announced. The performance will feature songs from each artist, performed from above Times Square and shared on Playbill.com and RiseNY’s digital platforms.
The event also includes an online raffle held in conjunction with the concert, offering fans the chance to win exclusive Broadway merchandise, show tickets, and one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences, including: 2 grandstand tickets to NYC Pride; 2 tickets to see Wicked on Broadway; a virtual date with 7-time Emmy-nominated actress and comedian Nicole Byer; $50 Planet Hollywood gift card; Serendipity3 gift basket; Playbill swag bag; and 2 VIP tickets to RiseNY.
All proceeds from the raffle will help to support year-round programs of NYC Pride/Heritage of Pride that empower and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community. To enter the raffle, click here.
Rise Up, Live Proud plays on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at noon, at RiseNY, 160 W 45th Street, Torch Balcony, NYC. Admission is free.