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West Hollywood, CA — The Chapel at The Abbey came alive on Monday, November 24, 2025, as the annual Broadway Benefit Bash returned for its third year, transforming Musical Mondays into a vibrant celebration of performance, community, and generosity.
What unfolded was not only a night of Broadway brilliance but also one of the event’s strongest donation turnouts yet, with guests filling bins with canned goods and gently used clothing for the LA LGBT Center and Senior Pride Pantry.
From the moment guests began arriving after 8 PM — greeted with show-tune video screenings, a spirited singalong, and signature West Hollywood energy from The Fans of MuMo — the atmosphere felt like the start of something special.
The 10 PM live spotlight unfolded with an Oz-inspired theme, setting the stage for a spellbinding lineup. Fog drifted across the room as the night took flight with the unmistakable energy of Musical Mondays.
Hosted by actor-director Walid Chaya, whose humor and warmth kept the crowd engaged from start to finish, the Bash delivered a lineup of performances that dazzled, surprised, and celebrated everything Broadway fans love most.
Courtney Ullery opened the spotlight set with a glowing take on “The Wizard & I,” a performance that immediately raised the bar for the night with its clarity and emotional lift. Camilo Castro followed with an irresistibly charming “If I Only Had a Brain,” earning laughs, cheers, and one of the most joyful reactions of the evening. Chaya’s own rendition of “No Good Deed” erupted with intensity — a gripping, powerhouse moment that filled the room with voltage.
The chemistry between Bruce Merkle and Tiana Okoye during “As Long As You’re Mine” shimmered effortlessly, delivering a romantic, vocally rich duet that drew thunderous applause. Sophia Konat’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” added a moment of softness and sincerity — a stunning, almost cinematic interlude that quieted the room in the best way.
One of the night’s most electric highlights came when Chaya led the entire cast and audience into a venue-wide “Defying Gravity” sing-along, sending performers into the crowd and lifting the energy to a euphoric peak. And Emerson Lopez-Haller and Bita Aghaee closed the set with a tender, beautifully blended “For Good,” a finale that felt both heartfelt and perfectly fitting for an event rooted in community.
At 11 PM, Broadway karaoke opened the floor to the audience — and the celebration carried late into the night as fans swapped photos, toasted with friends, and reveled in the spirit of Musical Mondays.
But the real magic of the evening was the purpose behind it. The overflowing donation bins stood as a testament to the event’s mission: supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and seniors across Los Angeles during the holiday season. The Bash, presented in collaboration with Studio for Performing Arts Los Angeles and the Studio for Performing Arts Foundation, underscored the foundation’s commitment to increasing arts access, uplifting underserved communities, and using performance as a platform for service.
Now three years strong, the Broadway Benefit Bash has solidified its place as one of West Hollywood’s most anticipated annual traditions. Organizers have already confirmed its return next year for a fourth edition, promising even more community impact and Broadway joy.
For more on Musical Mondays LA — held every Monday with a rotating live spotlight and home to this year’s Broadway Benefit Bash — visit gomumola.com. To learn about the classes, performances, community outreach, and artist development programs offered by Studio for Performing Arts Los Angeles and the Studio for Performing Arts Foundation, visit studioforperformingarts.com.
