The Ally Coalition’s Talent Show is an event that graces the NYU campus around Christmas time every year and is headlined by its founders Jack and Rachel Antonoff. It is a variety show full of comedians, musicians, and generally talented people who take the stage to raise money for LGBTQ youth and equality across the nation. Over previous installments, it has become famous for its surprise guest appearances from big names such as Taylor Swift, Clairo, and Boygenius. This year, The Ally Coalition put on its 10th Talent Show and arguably one of its most iconic. The night started with a very unexpected performance. Jack Antonoff took the stage joined not by his current band Bleachers, but rather one of his original bands Steel Train. Forming in 2002, this group was in many ways the world’s introduction to the genius of Antonoff. This reunion was the first time the band had played together in over 10 years and they played their most popular song “Bullet”. This monumental performance was a great indicator of what was to come.
As the night progressed, different acts such as Andrew Dost, Claud, Richard Kind, Rick Antonoff, and more took the stage and kept the sold out crowd engaged. Around the show’s halfway point, Bleachers took the stage for the first time as a whole and performed some of their greatest hits. Fan favorite “Good Morning” provided a lot of singalong opportunities before transitioning into a stripped down version of one of my favorite tracks, “Call Me After Midnight”. Two sadder songs were soon balanced by one of Bleachers highest tempo jams “Modern Girl”. This marked a turning point for the show where Jack started introducing an almost overwhelming amount of guests. Remi Wolf and Trey Anastasio of Phish took the stage together in a combo I do not think anyone expected. Even less expected was a soulful cover of “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus. Remi’s impassioned delivery made this song one of the night’s major highlights. Trey proceeded to perform a soul-crushing rendition of “My Love Mine All Mine” by Mitski. At this point there was no telling what the rules were anytime someone new came on the stage. After a few more Bleachers songs and a little bit of stalling due to the next performer’s schedule, Rachel Zegler of Broadway’s current rendition of Romeo + Juliet walked out. Her and Jack performed the song Jack wrote for the play entitled “Man of the House” transporting the entire audience into the critically acclaimed adaptation of the Shakespeare classic. Given the play’s very limited engagement, this was a very special performance.
With little time left, Jack had one more surprise for the audience. After a short introduction, he announced the night’s biggest performer: Sabrina Carpenter. As she entered, both Sabrina and the audience realized how special it was to have one of the world’s biggest pop stars in a tiny theater with no more than a thousand people. I am still trying to regain my hearing from the thunderous applause. After a short hello, Sabrina, backed by Bleachers, performed “Slim Pickins” and a Christmas-y rendition of “Please Please Please”; two tracks that Jack had a hand in making. Much like her album, this performance was short and sweet, but acted as a unique and intimate look into two of Sabrina’s best songs. She left the stage to yet another round of screams and clapping. After thanking the crowd for their support and going on an impassioned rant about comedy and self-driving cars, Jack and Bleachers performed their most recent release “Merry Christmas Please Don’t Call”. This seemingly anti-Christmas song is a tribute to those who are sick and tired of waiting for next year to be better according to Antonoff.
After the song built and built into a symphony of expert musicianship, it came to an end and marked another successful year for The Ally Coalition. Overall, the work this charity does cannot be understated. They advocate for some of the country’s most vulnerable people and spread both love and positivity through music. I implore anyone reading to look into the great work and community involvement present in the organization and maybe even attend a talent show if you find yourself so lucky. After a night like this, it is obvious why The Ally Coalition sees so much success and makes such a difference all over the country. Full list of Talent Show Performers (There was too many to cover!): Bleachers, Sabrina Carpenter, Rachel Zegler, Trey Anastasio, Remi Wolf, Richard Kind, Steel Train, Brendan Yates, Liam Benzvi, Mike Birbiglia, Veronika Slowikowska, Laundry Day, Claud, Andrew Dost, Rick Antonoff, Chris Laker, and Rachel Antonoff.
- Thomas W. Hagan
