Broadway heads upstate: ‘The Festival’ promises show tunes under the stars

This summer, the Great White Way is going green — literally. Hutton Brickyards, the historic waterfront retreat in Kingston, N.Y., will transform into a three-day open-air stage from August 14–16 for “The Festival,” a first-of-its-kind outdoor Broadway music celebration.

Fresh concept art dropped this week, along with a casting announcement that made theater fans collectively gasp. Joining the already glittering lineup are Taye Diggs, Aiko Nakasone, Gianmarco Soresi, and Mitch Wood — names that guarantee equal parts nostalgia and star power. Diggs and Nakasone will anchor a “Rent” 30th anniversary tribute with original castmates, including Anthony Rapp, Jesse L. Martin, and Wilson Jermaine Heredia. This full-circle moment bridges Broadway’s past and future.

Behind the scenes, movement legends Jerry Mitchell (“Kinky Boots,” “Hairspray”) and Jon Rua (“Hamilton,” “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark”) will shape choreography, with Mitchell sharing directorial duties with D.B. Bonds. The vibe? Think Broadway meets Bonnaroo: concert-style performances interwoven with immersive fan experiences like campfire singalongs, piano bar popups (yes, Club Cumming comes to the Hudson), and costume contests that promise to turn the lawn into a glittering chorus line.

Beyond the stages, attendees can roam a curated Vendor Village, spotlighting Hudson Valley artisans, and sip cocktails from local chefs and mixologists. There’ll be lectures, masterclasses, and benefit events supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS — the philanthropic heartbeat of the theater community.

It’s produced by A Weekend in the Country, the new live-event venture from entertainment executive Josh Saltman and Broadway producer David B. Schwartz — two devotees determined to make Broadway under the stars an annual ritual.

Pack your picnic blanket and your playbill tote. This August, Kingston is Broadway’s newest stage — and the Hudson River is its orchestra pit.

Tickets, from general admission to VIP lounges complete with meet-and-greets, are now on sale at BroadwayFest.com.Tickets, from general admission to VIP lounges complete with meet-and-greets, are now on sale at BroadwayFest.com.