Andrew Keenan-Bolger + Special Guests: Limelight

Moderating this discussion is notable veteran of the theatre Jenn Colella, with a special performance from Kyle Ramar Freeman and Callum Francis. This event will be hosted in the Strand Book Store's 3rd floor Rare Book Room at 828 Broadway on 12th Street.

Can’t make the event? Purchase a signed copy of Limelight here.

ACCESSIBILITY:

Strand Book Store is an ADA compliant venue. The event space is accessible via elevator.

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our events team at events@strandbooks.com by Feb. 10 to request.

Please ask a Strand employee upon arrival for directions to accessible seating if preferred.

For further information on accessibility in this space, or to make a request, please contact events@strandbooks.com

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Fame meets Rent in this powerful YA debut about a boy who must reconcile with his identity and insecurity as he steps into the spotlight, from Broadway star Andrew Keenan-Bolger.

The only thing standing between Danny and his dreams is…everything.

For fifteen years, Danny Victorio has kept his head down, kept his mouth shut, and kept everyone out. But an audition for Manhattan’s most prestigious arts school offers him a chance to escape Staten Island—and his crumbling family—for good.

If he doesn’t screw everything up.

At LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, Danny is thrust into a world of fierce talent and even fiercer ambition. As he navigates overwhelming expectations, the ghosts of his past, and, for the first time, real friendship, Danny can’t shake the question: Where do I belong…if I belong at all?

Set against the gritty, vibrant backdrop of 1996 New York City—where peep-show palaces were giving way to Disney stores, “Club Kids” ruled the nightlife scene, and a new musical called Rent was driving teens to sleep on the seediest sidewalks of Times Square in hopes of a ticket—Limelight is a story about discovering your voice, finding your family, and figuring out who, and where, you’re really meant to be.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger (he/him) is the coauthor of the three-book series Jack & Louisa and cocreator of the popular series Submissions Only. As an actor, he has starred in six Broadway shows, including Newsies, Tuck Everlasting, and Mary Poppins, in the films On Swift Horses and The Rewrite, and in dozens of television series. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he moved to New York in 1996 and lives in Brooklyn with his husband and his dog.

A veteran of the theatre, Jenn Colella’s extensive Broadway resume includes principal roles in productions of Suffs (Drama League Award Nomination), If/Then, Chaplin, High Fidelity, and Urban Cowboy (Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), Off-Broadway in SUFFS (Outer Critic Circle Award nomination), Beebo Brinker Chronicles, Lucky Guy, Slut and Closer Than Ever. Previously, Jenn starred in the Tony Award-winning, smash hit musical Come From Away as Captain Beverley Bass in a performance that earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in addition to Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations. Jenn also won a Grammy Award for her work on the Dear Evan Hansen cast recording. On screen, Jenn can most recently be seen starring opposite Claire Danes and Natalie Morales in Apple TV’s THE BEAST IN ME, as well as in CBS’s ELSBETH. Additional screen credits include THE BEAST, ELEMENTARY, RESCUE ME, THE GOOD WIFE, THE CODE, MADAM SECRETARY, FBI: MOST WANTED, EVIL, UNCERTAINTY, and the live capture film of COME FROM AWAY on Apple TV.

Kyle Ramar Freeman, a Miami native and graduate of AMDA. He made his Broadway debut in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning musical, A Strange Loop, and later in London's West End leading the show in the role of Usher. Recently, he portrayed the Lion in the revival of The Wiz, captivating audiences on both Broadway and the National Tour. Committed to community and gratitude, Kyle uses his art to inspire and uplift those around him.

Callum Francis is an internationally working theatre performer with over 17 years of professional experience across the West End, Australia, and Broadway. Known for his award winning role as Lola in Kinky Boots, Callum is the only person to place the role on 3 major continents. Originally from the UK and now based in New York, Callum has built a career rooted in both classic and contemporary musical theatre staring in production such as THE LION KING, MISS SAIGON, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, TITANIQUE and more. In addition to performing, Callum is the CEO and founder of We The Industry and not for profit charity that strives to achieve visibility within the arts and makes sure that everyone gets a seat at the table. So far We The Industry has fully funded 9 people through their study and training. This is what Callum is most proud of.