Besides being known for her astonishing acting chops and melodious singing voice, Celia Keenan-Bolger is one of Broadway’s strongest forces when it comes to social activism, which is why it was so perfect that I got to speak to her about her work with the New York Civil Liberties Union, as I stood near the beverage stand where I was volunteering on Pride Sunday. Ms. Keenan-Bolger is one of many stars who will get together on July 18th, 2016, for the 14th Annual Broadway Stands Up for Freedom concert; a benefit for the NYCLU, which will also showcase the teenage winners of the Freedom of Expression Contest. Tickets and sponsorships for the event are now available on their website and those who can’t attend, can always make a donation. With social causes in mind, Ms. Keenan-Bolger and I spoke about the state of Broadway in terms of diversity, how she first became involved in activism, and why she’s drawn to shows that deal with the pleas of young people.

This is your eight year working together with the New York Civil Liberties Union, how did you first learn about them and why did you want to work with them?

I grew up with very active parents, who were interested in social justice. I was brought to lots of marches and protests as a kid, and when I moved to New York I was always looking for ways to feel more involved with the social justice aspect of the city. Donna Lieberman came and saw a show I did on Broadway and we talked about the concert, and it was the most perfect combination of the two things I care the most about. Being a part of the concert has allowed me to see how much they help underrepresented citizens in the city.

What issues are most important to work on in 2016?

For a long time I felt that “stop and frisk” was a huge theme in what they were working towards, also LGBTQ rights which is something I care a great deal about, and women’s reproductive rights. They’re an amazing organization because they are nonpartisan, and there aren’t a lot of organizations that do that.

What can people expect to see at Broadway Stands Up for Freedom?

I think it’s a really fun night with amazing Broadway talent, where you get a little introduction to the kind of work the NYCLU does. It’s funny, there are great singers and performances but also you learn about the organization, and when you go to benefits you don’t want to feel like it’s just a concert, there should also be an element of greater understanding about the organization.

What’s the process of selecting the songs you get to perform?

The director Danny Goldstein does a good job of asking us to pick songs that represent personal freedom, love or understanding. He throws that out there and it’s great to see how each artist interprets that, so you get a great range of different material.

Not only in terms of musicals, but in plays like The Oldest Boy, for instance, would you say you’re more drawn to starring in shows addressed to younger audiences and their issues?

I do feel that way. I want theatre to be for everyone, Broadway shouldn’t only represent a small number of people, we should represent the culture we live in, and this concert is a great example of that, there is diversity in the performers and the material they choose to represent the NYCLU.

Last time I saw you, you were at a BroadwayCon panel in which you talked about diversity. How would you say we’re doing now in terms of bringing minorities to the theatre?

It becomes a tricky thing because it’s so cost prohibitive. To see a Broadway show you need to be in a certain income bracket, and for a lot of people that’s not the kind of money they have, particularly if you’re a younger person. I think if there was a way we could make the cost of Broadway less, we would understand that the audience can grow and we would make shows that addressed larger groups.

I feel that the theatre community is great at getting together to help others. I was so moved by how fast Broadway for Orlando happened for instance.

What’s amazing about the Broadway community is that it’s always been like this. A lot of the people felt like outsiders growing up; therefore, when something happens we feel like we have a responsibility to be the voice for those outsiders. You don’t get rich being a Broadway performer, you do it because you love it, and that spirit is why people come together and are so selfless in the face of national tragedy.

I recently encountered a production of Peter and the Starcatcher and remembered seeing you do it on Broadway. What’s it like to originate parts that are now being played all over by different actors?

It’s the greatest thing ever, especially with that show. The idea that people who didn’t get to see it on Broadway can experience it in their regional theatre is the greatest gift, it means that the show lives on. I’ve seen many productions of Spelling Bee but I’ve never seen one of Peter and I’d be so interested in seeing what that’s like.

I remember people kept saying Tuck Everlasting was based on you and your brother because you never seem to age, so with that in mind, are there any parts you’ve played before that you’d like to revisit?

Honestly, I would go back and do Peter and the Starcatcher in a heartbeat. That show was no doubt the most fun I’ve ever had working on Broadway.

Your brother Andrew will also be at the NYCLU concert, are you doing anything together?

Spoiler alert, we are making a video for the concert with lots of Broadway stuff.

How can people help the NYCLU if they can’t come see the show?

The can visit the website, sign up for the newsletter and learn more. The great thing about the website is that if they’re looking for any kind of personal freedom they will be able to find a whole section on how the NYCLU is helping protect that freedom.

Let’s finish things on Sondheim. You’ve done Merrily We Roll Along and Sweeney Todd, what else is in your Sondheim dream role list, and what are your favorite songs?

Certainly Mrs. Lovett is a dream role for me, but I would also say John Wilkes Booth in Assassins, and I have to go for Dot in Sunday in the Park with George. With songs, let’s say “Finishing the Hat”.

For tickets and more information on Broadway Stands Up for Freedom click here.