Looking for something unforgettable to do in New York City this October? On Friday, October 10 at 3 PM, RiseNY and Playbill are teaming up to present a special live Torch Song performance in partnership with the Ali Forney Center, and the one-night-only show, I Put a Spell on You.
A One-of-a-Kind Times Square Performance
From the heart of 45th Street, visitors and passersby can experience the magic of Broadway up close!
Tony nominee Robyn Hurder, best known for her showstopping performances in Broadway’s Smash, Chicago, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, A Beautiful Noise, and her dynamic portrayal of Cassie in the 75th Anniversary New York City Center Gala Production of A Chorus Line, will perform live from RiseNY’s iconic torch balcony alongside I Put a Spell on you co-star and creator Jay Armstrong Johnson.
Johnson is considered one of Broadway’s most versatile triple-threats, having starred as “Raoul” in The Phantom of the Opera for the global phenomenon’s record-breaking 30th anniversary, “Chip” in the celebrated revival of the classic musical On the Town, and the original casts of the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair, Hands on a Hardbody, and Catch Me if You Can.
The performance will be hosted by none other than iconic drag artist and activist Marti Gould Cummings, bringing extra flair and NYC spirit to this can’t-miss afternoon showcase.
Presented in partnership with the Ali Forney Center, this special Torch Song event celebrates love, resilience, and the enduring power of performance—right in the middle of Manhattan’s most vibrant intersection.
Celebrate Broadway, Pride, and NYC’s Creative Spirit
RiseNY’s torch balcony performances have become a signature New York experience, blending live entertainment with the city’s electric street energy. This Torch Song edition pays homage to both Broadway’s legacy and the LGBTQ+ community that continues to shape NYC’s cultural heartbeat.
The collaboration with the Ali Forney Center—a leading organization supporting LGBTQ+ youth—underscores RiseNY’s commitment to inclusion, creativity, and community.
Make a Day of It: Explore RiseNY
After the show, step inside RiseNY for a fully immersive journey through the city’s history and culture. The experience starts with a short film that captures New York’s rise through time, followed by museum-style galleries celebrating fashion, film, music, and more.
Then, cap it all off with RiseNY’s state-of-the-art flying theater—a breathtaking ride that lifts you 30 feet in the air, giving you panoramic views of NYC’s landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building.
Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting for the weekend, RiseNY offers the perfect blend of entertainment, inspiration, and New York pride.
Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Location: RiseNY, 160 W 45th Street, Times Square
🎟️ Admission: Free to view from 45th Street; tickets required to enter RiseNY’s immersive experience inside.
🤝 Presented by: RiseNY x Playbill
🌈 In partnership with: Ali Forney Center
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
- Enjoy Broadway-level talent performing live outdoors in Times Square.
- Support a meaningful cause benefiting NYC’s LGBTQ+ community.
- Capture the perfect NYC moment on 45th Street with RiseNY’s torch balcony as your backdrop.
- Pair the performance with a visit to RiseNY’s immersive museum and flying theater, one of Midtown’s top-rated attractions.
About I Put a Spell on You
I Put a Spell on You pays homage to the cult favorite Disney film Hocus Pocus , with a high-octane concert-meets-dance party as the entertainment community comes together to benefit the Ali Forney Center, the nation's largest agency serving LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.
Executive producer/creator Jay Armstrong Johnson hosts the evening as Winifred Sanderson with Allison Godleski and Amanda Williams Ware joining him as sisters Sarah and Mary, respectively. Created in 2016 as Jay’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the event has grown from beginnings at 54 Below to viral virtual iterations attended and streamed by tens of thousands worldwide.
Experience the Best of NYC This Fall
From live performances and cultural celebrations to one-of-a-kind attractions like RiseNY, there’s no better time to explore New York than this October.
Join RiseNY, Playbill, and the Ali Forney Center for a celebration of art, pride, and the city we all love.
