Mardi Gras is at the centre of celebration for LGBTQ+ people everywhere and New Orleans is the perfect city for enjoying the parade. Comley and Stewart F. Lane, founders of BroadwayHD, which is a popular broadway musical streaming platform had travelled on a large float during the parade. As the event was held during President’s Day Weekend, the two were on their way to visit the Mayor LaToya Cantrell from New Orleans for the first time. New Orleans has its reputation for being one of the finest cities to watch live music and entertainment, it’s no wonder why their mayor would be involved. Holding the key to not only the city but to the hearts of the LGBTQ+ community, the mayor had commemorated the BroadwayHD founders with a Key to the City.
The mayor had congratulated Comley and F. Lane with the key at Gallier Hall which was historically known as New Orleans City Hall. The two founders made stakes in the field of the Broadway and entertainment industries given their experience as actors and producers prior to them founding the streaming service. Husband and wife duo has achieved eons of successes, winning nine Tony Awards for their work on War Horse, Will Rogers Follies and much more.
Known to the public as “Mr. Broadway”, Lane is known as the beneficiary for many awards most notably achieving four Drama Desk Awards and counting. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, he is an author of books and plans. Seen as a jack of all trades, he also is a co-owner of The Palace Theatre and works with Robert DeNiro in managing the Tribeca Grill Restaurant. It is for this endless list of experiences why Stewart Lane has made a major difference to the industry.
Bonnie Comley on the other hand has also paved her way into the Broadway and entertainment industry. Winning an array of Tony Awards for her production work, she has even made a name for herself winning two Drama Desk Awards and an Olivier Award. The two together have developed an online streaming service that was built with the intention of showcasing more than 300 live recordings of Broadway and musical productions for theatre audiences everywhere.
Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell had given the couple a Key To The City during the Mardi Gras parade in honour of their work in encouraging the continuation and growth of live entertainment and the theatre. Giving a toast, the Mayor had passed the key to BroadwayHD’s float, congratulating all their efforts. A classic tradition in New Orleans culture, they threw their champagne after taking one sip of the drink.
Mardi Gras according to the citizens of New Orleans has seen the event to be “The Greatest Free Show on Earth”. As it is a continual 47-day long event, it is jam packed with music, live entertainment, food, and a parade including floats and marching bands. This year is celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Krewe of King Arthur. Krewes is known as an organisation designed to organise a range of balls and parades in New Orleans. This group has garnered more than 1,750 women and men, who are riding more than 50 floats during the 2022 Mardi Gras parade. Philip Fricano, captain of the The Krew of King Arthur, is a highly commemorated leader of the New Orleans community had taken the couple and their two sons out on one of the finest evenings in their history.
