Joshua Saltman, a former lawyer and self-described Broadway obsessive, is attempting to recreate the magic of Woodstock with a theatrical twist. He is launching "The Festival," also known as Broadway Fest, a three-day event set to take place at the historic Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, New York. The venue, once a major supplier of bricks for New York City landmarks, has been redeveloped into a luxury event space.
The festival, scheduled for three days, will feature over 40 Broadway personalities performing across three stages. The lineup includes Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Christopher Jackson, and Brian Stokes Mitchell. A central attraction will be a reunion of the original cast of the musical "Rent," marking the show's 30th anniversary.
Saltman, inspired by his experiences at music festivals like Coachella and his deep connection to Broadway, envisioned a destination event that combines the immersive nature of festivals with the artistry of musical theater. He initially pitched the idea as "Mous-chella" within Disney but it did not gain traction. After a decade of development, he partnered with festival and Broadway veterans to bring his vision to life.
The event is designed to be an immersive experience, with performers singing a range of songs, including selections from "Guys and Dolls," which Saltman cites as a formative influence. Kelli O'Hara is scheduled to perform a duet with her daughter, and she will also sing a duet from "Carousel" with Renée Goldsberry. Adam Pascal, Lauren Patten, Jenn Colella, and Norbert Leo Butz are slated to perform a Crosby, Stills & Nash song, while Christopher Jackson will perform James Taylor songs.
The Hutton Brickyards, located near the site of the original Woodstock festival, offers a unique industrial backdrop with its derelict kiln sheds and a historic gantry crane that still extends over the Hudson River. The main stage is situated within the roof of an original factory building. The festival plans include dining areas, campfire grounds, and a "stage door" for autographs.
Mounting the event requires extensive logistical planning. Hundreds of staff, including dancers, musicians, stage managers, and technical crews, will be housed on-site and in local accommodations. Shuttle buses will transport attendees from area hotels and parking lots to the venue. Saltman has invested seven figures into the production, which includes bringing in three stages, lighting, sound equipment, and seating for 3,500 people. Despite selling nearly 2,000 weekend passes, with prices ranging from $400 to $1,500, Saltman acknowledges that the festival is unlikely to turn a profit in its first year. His goal is to build goodwill with the hope of making it a recurring event and eventually profitable.
The festival is set to run from August 14-16.