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We Chose to Go to the Moon

Returning to Carnegie Hall on April 7 & 8, 2026

We Chose to Go to the Moon returns to Carnegie Hall on April 7 & 8, 2026. 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” to “Rocket Man,” “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.

We Chose to Go to the Moon is presented with the generous support of Kenneth C. Griffin and Griffin Catalyst. 

The program features vignettes and vocal performances by stage and film star Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect, Spring Awakening), who will portray Neil Armstrong, Grammy Award-nominee Brent Comer (The Outsiders), Claybourne Elder (Company, “The Gilded Age”), TV star Elizabeth Gillies (Netflix’s “Dynasty”), Tony Award nominee Taylor Louderman (Mean Girls), and Grammy and Tony Award-nominee Joy Woods (Gypsy, Six).

Please note: this performance is being captured for future national broadcast.

Broadway vocalists who have performed as a part of the program in the past include Shonica Gooden (Hamilton), Adam Kantor (The Band's Visit), Elena Shaddow (Fiddler on The Roof) and David St. Louis (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). 

Tickets are SOLD OUT

At this time, tickets for We Chose to Go to the Moon at Carnegie Hall on April 7 and 8 are sold out. If you’d like to be added to a waiting list should more tickets become available, please email [email protected] with your name, and how many tickets you’re looking for.