We Chose to Go to the Moon

Experience the euphoria and the heartbreak of America’s space race in this immersive performance narrated by historian John Monsky and directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer (Chess, Spring Awakening). With his signature mix of soaring music, archival film and photography, historic flags, and personal stories of all those involved—from astronauts and their families, including Neil and then-wife Janet Armstrong, to the unsung heroes of Mission Control—Monsky explores one of America’s greatest accomplishments in singular fashion. Ian Weinberger (Chess, Hamilton) conducts top Broadway vocalists and Orchestra of St. Luke’s in music from the era—popular, patriotic, and protesting, from “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Rocket Man,” to “Space Oddity” and “My Generation”—transporting audiences from quaking launch pads to tension-filled living rooms where families sat glued to their televisions, culminating in the fulfillment of President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to the nation on July 20, 1969.

Part of Carnegie Hall’s United in Sound: America at 250 Festival.

Performers
John Monsky, Historian, Creator, and Narrator
Orchestra of St. Luke’s
Michael Mayer, Director
Ian Weinberger, Music Supervisor and Conductor
Additional artists to be announced