Brooklyn-born Constantine Maroulis, Tony-nominated star of Broadway’s Rock Of Ages (and former American Idol contestant), was honored last Thursday by Inside Broadway, the acclaimed theater for young audiences, for his support for arts education.
Before the event, Maroulis visited Junior High School 278 in Marine Park to work with students who performed musical theatre at the June 25 gala. Inside Broadway Founder/Executive Director Michael Presser, introduced by Principal Debra Garofalo, also spoke to the students.
Constantine discussed his career and gave advice to students about how to get ahead in the arts. Constantine said that he studied hard, both in high school and in a music conservatory college, and that “things happened fast, I can’t believe it.” He gave examples of big stars who had worked very hard to get where they were (like Madonna), and said “Dreams come true, you just have to work at it.” He encouraged the students “to work hard and to see as many shows as possible.”
Onstage, musical theater students performed a run through of “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”
Inside Broadway, founded and directed by Michael Presser and now in its 26th year, works with schools throughout New York City, introduces children to musical theatre and develops their creativity, through Cultural After-School Adventures and other programs.
Other honorees were Tony Award-winner (for Gypsy) Laura Benanti and her husband Steven Pasquale (Reasons To Be Pretty). Tony-nominated Judy Kuhn (Les Miz, Chess, Rags, She Loves Me) performed songs from the Broadway songbook and more, and Fox 5 TV News Entertainment Reporter Julie Chang will emcee the ceremonies, all at The Players Club in Manhattan.
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