Broadway Battles Bullying Concert, Featuring Laura Benanti, Will Benefit Michael Morones Foundation

Bullied 'My Little Pony' Fan Gets Unique Musical Tribute

Some of Broadway's most beloved voices will harmonize in honor of an 11-year-old North Carolina boy who attempted suicide earlier this year after reportedly being taunted by classmates for his love of "My Little Pony."

Tony Award winner Laura Benanti ("Gypsy," "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown") and Robin De Jesús ("In The Heights") are just two of the many performers set to appear at Broadway Battles Bullying, a one-night-only benefit concert at New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Michael Morones Foundation, which works to educate communities about youth suicide prevention and the effects of bullying at large.

Joining Benanti and De Jesús for the April 14 show will be Joe Iconis and Family (NBC’s "Smash"), Lauren Worsham ("A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder") and talented youngsters Jake and Sydney Lucas ("Newsies" and "Fun Home," respectively). Meanwhile, the concert's honorary host committee includes Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Megan Hilty and Jonathan Groff, among others.

Executive Producer Rich Silverstein told The Huffington Post in an email that he was "thrilled" to have assembled such a "talented and passionate" team for the event, which he said aims to "fight the scourge of bullying through education."

"One thing I've always loved about the NYC theater community is that we rally for important causes," he said. "Bullying has become a much more dangerous, volatile issue since I was in school."

In January, it was reported that Morones may have possible brain damage and needed a tube in his throat as the result of his suicide attempt. Prior to that, he is said to have been teased immensely by his classmates for his love of the "My Little Pony" TV series.

His story also inspired the "Art for Michael" project as well as a nationwide campaign in which tattoo parlors offered patrons discounts on "My Little Pony"-themed tattoos, with proceeds going toward Morones' recovery.

Head here for more information about the Broadway Battles Bullying concert, which hits NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, April 14.

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