Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office
“Though we will never be able to fully repay the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform, this initiative serves as a small token of appreciation to New York City’s veterans,” said Councilman Ulrich.
By Forum Staff
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) on Sunday announced a new partnership with the Theatre Development Fund to start a pilot program that will provide military veterans admission to Broadway shows at no cost.
The TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program launched last weekend with 50 veterans attending a matinee performance of “Miss Saigon.” Ulrich and the council have secured the funding for TDF to offer a limited number of free tickets to Broadway shows, which will be distributed through partnering veterans groups. In addition, talks with veterans who are working on each production will be offered to help build a sense of community with former service members in attendance, Ulrich noted. And TDF will offer complimentary memberships to any participating veterans, so they can continue their theatergoing at reduced costs.
“I am proud to support TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program, which will give our nation’s heroes access to some of the most popular shows on Broadway,” said Ulrich, chairman of the Veterans Committee. “Though we will never be able to fully repay the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform, this initiative serves as a small token of appreciation to New York City’s veterans. I’d like to thank TDF, and all participating groups, for turning this vision into a reality.”
According to the councilman, to date, seven Broadway shows have committed to making tickets available for the program. Future performances include: “Beautiful” on Sunday, Jan. 21; “Come From Away” on Thursday, Jan. 25; “School of Rock” on Monday, Jan. 29; “Chicago” on Sunday, Feb. 4; “A Bronx Tale” on May 16; and “Kinky Boots” on Saturday, May 19.
Ulrich said that TDF is partnering with the following companies to help identify veterans interested in participating in the program: Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders, SAGEVets; Borden Avenue Veterans Residence; CUNY Student Veterans; DE-CRUIT/Bedlam Outreach; Easter Seals; Jericho Project; Samaritan Village; Sam Young American Legion Post #602; Services for the Underserved, Veterans Division; and Veterans of America, Patriot House.
