VIRTUAL PROGRAM

CLICK FOR CONCERT SONG LYRICS

PRELUDE

Music/Lyrics: Allen René Louis

Narrator: Billy Porter

Soloists: Casey Erin Clark, Bradley Dean, Laura Dean, 

Kimberly JaJuan, Dr. Darryl Jordan, Nio Norwood

YES LORD

Music/Lyrics: James Hall 

Arrangement by Allen René Louis

JOY TO THE WORLD

Traditional

Arrangement/Orchestration by 

Michael McElroy & Joseph Joubert

HAPPY DAYS/GET HAPPY

Music/Lyrics: Milton Ager/Jack Yellen

Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler

Arrangement by Allen René Louis

Soloist: Kayla Davion

M’PAKA PALE

Music/Lyrics: Allen René Louis

We Three Kings

Original version by John Henry Hopkins Jr.

Additional music and lyrics by Michael McElroy and Joseph Joubert

Orchestrated by Joseph Joubert

Soloists: Ta’Rea Campbell, Shayna Steele, Crystal Monee Hall

BALM IN GILEAD/HEALING

Music/Lyrics: Spiritual/Richard Smallwood

Arrangement/Accompaniment by Dr. Brandon Waddles

Soloist: Anastasia Talley

MY SONG

Music/Lyrics: Allen René Louis

FOR EVERY MOUNTAIN

Music/Lyrics: Kurt Carr

Soloists: Adriane Lenox & Melody A. Betts

GO TELL IT

Traditional

Add’l Music/Lyrics by Michael McElroy

Arrangement/Orchestration by 

Michael McElroy & Joseph Joubert 

Soloist: Dr. Patrice E. Turner

15 Minute Intermission

ANTHEM OF PRAISE

Music/Lyrics: Richard Smallwood

Soloists: Alexa Green, Dr. Darryl Jordan, Zonya Love, Montria Walker

HE ALWAYS ANSWERS PRAYER

Music/Lyrics: Shelton Becton

Soloist: Virginia Woodruff

YOU ARE AN HEIR

Music/Lyrics: Donald Lawrence

ANGELS EVERYWHERE

Music/Lyrics: Michael McElroy

Arrangement/Orchestrations by 

Michael McElroy & Joseph Joubert

Feat: Latrisa Harper and Dance Company:

LaTrisa Harper, Jamal Story, Isio-Maya Nuwere, Brienna Russ, Juila Estell, Brett James, Sadé Vaughn

WHEN THE BATTLE IS OVER

Music/Lyrics: Walter Hawkins

Arrangement by Donald Lawrence

Feat: LaGuardia High School Gospel Choir

Soloists: Hannah Juliano, Treston J. Henderson, Asa Sultan (LGHSGC)

BEAUTIFUL CITY

Music/Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz

Arrangement by Allen René Louis

Soloist: Allen René Louis

HIS BLOOD STILL WORKS

Music/Lyrics: Vashawn Mitchell

Soloist: Avis Graves

MORE ABUNDANTLY

Music/Lyrics: Ricky Dillard

TOTAL PRAISE

Music/Lyrics: Richard Smallwood

Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) is a diverse community of Broadway artists united to change lives through the power of music and service.

In 1994 more than 32,000 people died from AIDS or AIDS-related complications in the U.S. Many of those deaths came from within the Broadway community. As Broadway grappled with the loss of an entire generation of artists, Tony and Grammy-nominated Michael McElroy (founder of the Broadway Inspirational Voices) saw in the community a profound need for hope, unity, and inspiration. He envisioned an organization where professional artists would come together and volunteer their gift to provide comfort, joy, and the promise of a better day–and as a result, The Broadway Gospel Choir was born. This magical synergy of authentic Gospel soul and Broadway bravura was re-imagined as the Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) in 1999 and they have been the theatre community’s center of support and celebration ever since.  In 2019, The Tony Awards Administration Committee presented the Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre to four outstanding contributors to the Broadway industry, and Broadway Inspirational Voices was a recipient. The Tony Honor was a resounding endorsement of BIV’s enduring work and impact and in celebration of 25 years of service. In 2020, McElroy hand picked composer/singer Allen René Louis to become the new Artistic Director for BIV. BIV’s diverse membership has represented over 140 Broadway shows since its inception. For more information – and for ways to DONATE – go to www.BIVoices.org​. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at handle @BIVoices.

OUR MISSION

BIV is committed to supporting and strengthening communities in need. We accomplish our mission through uplifting choir performances and our signature arts, education, and outreach programs.

Through creative engagement we build a sense of community in safe and empowering spaces for individuals to be vulnerable, to heal, and rebuild. Our nationwide innovative and collaborative music and performing arts programs serve marginalized and overlooked communities in need. TONY® honored Broadway Inspirational Voices is uniquely positioned to access a diverse pool of creative professionals from Broadway and beyond who seek meaningful outlets to use their hearts and talents to provide mentorship and inspiration.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Allen René Louis is a Haitian-American Grammy nominated producer, composer, arranger, and creative director. His artistry is deeply rooted in his cultural background and church upbringing. Louis attended Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, where he studied vocal performance. While in attendance, he continued to hone his musical skills by directing the male Acapella group, as well as leading the collegiate Gospel Choir. 

Louis was the vocal arranger, as well as a vocalist in “Ben Platt Live At The Palace” the limited run on Broadway, as well as Platt’s “Honeymind” Tour. Louis also appeared in Ben’s Netflix special Sing to Me Instead at Radio City Music Hall, and throughout the International Tour of the same title. Allen’s solo performances include a sold-out engagement of Allen Louis in Concert at the historical Palace Theatre in Stamford, CT (2018), his composer/debut concert at The Greenroom 42 in 2019, and a virtual concert entitled The Music of Allen René Louis aired worldwide in 2020.

Louis served as Music Director for the 2020 Musical Theatre Songwriting Challenge presented by The American Theatre Wing in partnership with The National Endowment for the Arts. In 2021, His vocal arrangements were featured on The Tony Awards’ “Broadway’s Back” Live telecast on CBS, the Australian Premiere production of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “Choir Boy” at Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta in Spring of 2023, after serving in the same capacities for Yale Repertory Theatre’s Spring 2022 production of this lauded play. Louis is the Vocal Arranger and co-Music Arranger of the Broadway revival of The Wiz. 

In 2018, Louis was invited to be a member of the Broadway Inspirational Voices. Soon after, he was appointed to BIV’s music team, where he worked closely with BIV’s founder and director, Michael McElroy. In January of 2021, he was chosen by McElroy to become BIV’s Associate Artistic Director, and officially stepped in as Artistic Director in July of 2021. 

Louis has numerous projects in development, and hopes that his work will continue to inspire, uplift, and bring about positive change.

THE BIV CHOIR 

BIV CONCERT STAFF 

Artistic Director: Allen René Louis

Concert Directors/Writers: Allen René Louis, Angela Robinson

Movement Director: Dennis Stowe

Choir Directors: Allen René Louis, Dr. Darryl Jordan, Chris Dilley, Nikisha Williams

Executive Director: Angela Grovey

Director of Operations: Anna R. Kaltenbach

Associate Music Director: Ben Roseberry

Music Team:

Transcriber/Alto Vocal Captain: Adee David 

Soprano Vocal Captain: Casey Erin Clark 

Director of Sound & Audio Production/Tenor Vocal Captain: Will Stone 

Baritone/Bass Vocal Captain: Paul Trenier

Stage Managers: Brandon Allmon-Jackson, Leanne Long-Hulin

Front of House Management: Michelle Liu Coughlin

Lighting Designer: Joe Doran

Video & Projection Designer: Daniel Brodie

Sound Designer: Stephen Morris

Sound Associate: Kumar Rege-colt

Sound Team: Gibson Entertainment Services 

Wardrobe Supervisor: Ta’Rea Campbell

Accountant: My Fiscal Office

Director of External Communications: Marcus Paul James

Media Director: Robert H Fowler

Social Media & Branding: Shaunice Maudlyn Alexander

Copyist: Kate Chapman 

Arts and Education Programs Director: Tasha Michelle Smith 

Arts and Education Operations: Tiffany Cole

Fundraising and Events Manager: Danielle Wolfrum

Membership Director: Robin S. Walker

Section Leaders: Laura Dean, Danielle Chambers, Paul Ianniello

Volunteer Coordinators: Mae Schuberth, Keirsten “Kai” Stanton

Graphic Designer: Nick Bringhurst

Concert Videographer: Matthew Echelman, Victor Pickens

Photographer: Bjorn Bolinder

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert B. Acton, Chair

Leslie Barrett, Vice Chair

Dina Sarno Slawson, Secretary

Dan’l Mackie Almy, Director

Sylvie Armand, Director

Bruce Cohen, Director

Allyson Tucker Mitchell, Director

John Eric Parker, Director

Kevin Ryan, Director

Danielle D. Taylor, M.D., Director

Schele Williams, Advisory Council Chair

Michael McElroy, Founder

Phylicia Rashad, Chair Emeritus

Di Ana Pisarri *In Memoriam

HOLIDAY CONCERT SPONSORS

Cause Strategy Partners

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

Kevin Ryan

Halcyon Design

Dan'l Mackey Almy

SPECIAL THANKs

Michael Strassheim

Daniel Brodie, Brodie Graphics

Chris Zelno 

Telly Leung and James Babcock

Steve French

James Adlesic

Caroline Grace Steudle, Alberto Ruiz, Craig Melzer, and the rest of the NYU Skirball Team

VOLUNTEERS

Jay Copeland, Sherry Curreri, Naiomi Israel, Alec Lynch, Jacob Marre, Karina Martinez, Christopher McCrewell, Peter McIntosh, Debbie McIntyre, ConRAD Neblett, Evan Ozer, Kwame Michael Remy, Philip Romano, Julia Schemmer, Hannah Snow, Sanah Tahiliani, Vivienne Thomas, Katherine Winter

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The land on which this performance takes place is part of the ancient homeland and traditional territory of the Lenape people. The Lenape (also referred to as the Delaware) were among the first Native Americans to come in contact with Europeans. Forced off their ancestral land, they now have communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. We remember and reflect on the losses suffered by Indigenous people at the hands of European colonizers and we acknowledge the enslaved peoples and many others whose names we do not know who helped to build this city.