Broadway Stars Are Fundraising With A Hand Washing Challenge

Turns out jazz hands are the second most impressive thing broadway performers can do with their digits.

Last week it was announced that all Broadway shows will be closed until at least April 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it certainly is unsettling to see New York City’s symbol of resilience go dark, the broadway community has banned together to raise hope once again. Many of Broadway’s finest have taken part in the viral #BWayHandWashChallenge, a challenge aimed at raising funds for members of the Broadway community who will need financial assistance while not working.

The #BWayHandWashChallenge, initiated by Theater Mania, calls for Broadway stars to choose a theater charity and then sing a show tune for twenty seconds while washing their hands. Twenty seconds is the recommended amount of time to wash your hands according to the CDC. No word yet on how much time they think is appropriate for belting Broadway show tunes but according to my roommates, hearing me sing “Don’t Rain On My Parade” four times during one shower is more than enough. Many of the performers taking part in the challenge are asking fans to support the Actors Fund, which is an organization that provides performers with emergency financial assistance, health care, affordable housing and more. Since its formation in 1882, the organization has proven to be essential for performers who are living through dire situations like they are now.

Take a look at some of the big Broadway stars taking part of this amazing challenge!

Stephanie J. Block

 

Let’s raise some money with @theatermania. Choose a charity (@TheActorsFund, @BCEFA, etc.), wash, sing, nominate, and post to pass along. @LeslieKritzer @WesTayTay #GavinLee, you’re up. 🤲🏼🚰🧼🙌🏻 #BroadwayHandwashingChallenge pic.twitter.com/IhHUta3nvL

— Stephanie J. Block (@StephanieJBlock) March 17, 2020

James M. Iglehart

 

I’m taking the @theatermania #Broadwayhandwashchallenge (yeah I said it wrong in the video) for @BCEFA! Please donate! I nominate @NikkyWalks & @fergsters95! #MusicOfTheNight #IWillBePhantomSomeday! pic.twitter.com/ia0u9b9qLj

— james m. iglehart (@jamesmiglehart) March 17, 2020

Bonnie Milligan

 

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I’m doing @theatermania ‘s #bwayhandwashchallenge for @theactorsfund The challenge was to sing 20 seconds of a fave musical theatre song while washing my hands and raising awareness. I may not be a dancer, but one of my all time fave show tunes has always been “At the Ballet” from A CHORUS LINE 🥰 I nominate: @jeremykushnier @officialdonnamurphy & @mattfdoyle

A post shared by Bonnie Milligan (@beltingbons) on Mar 17, 2020 at 7:27am PDT

Telly Leung

 

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My gal pal @izzymccalla challenged me to the @theatermania #bwayhandwashchallenge to promote awareness for all those in our community affected by #covid_19. Please consider supporting @theactorsfund – and let’s all do our part to be socially-distant, #dreamgirls style. Challenging more @aladdin fam: @rhodesreed @ariellejacobs and OG #Jasmine @msleasalonga – YOUR TURN! #washyourhands

A post shared by Telly Leung (@tellyleung) on Mar 18, 2020 at 8:45am PDT

Lesli Margherita

 

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I’m doing @theatermania ‘s #broadwayhandwashchallenge for @bcefa and I nominate @arianadebose @jmiglehart and @thejamessnyder ! cc: my 💖 @matildabroadway @timminchin

A post shared by Lesli Margherita (@queenlesli) on Mar 17, 2020 at 9:27am PDT

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