Ellen’s Stardust Diner to Celebrate Pride Month with a Special Fundraiser
The iconic Times Square Diner will host a 90-minute evening concert with Musical Director Drew Wutke, directed by Scott Barbarino, to support LGBTQ+ elders
Ellen’s Stardust Diner, the famed Times Square retro-themed Diner, home of the original world-famous singing waitstaff, The Stardusters, announces a powerful Pride-filled evening fundraiser concert.
The event, set for June 3, 2026, at 8 p.m. with doors at 6:30 p.m., will be held at Ellen’s Stardust Theatre below Ellen’s Stardust Diner. 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will go to SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders.
Founded in 1978, SAGE focuses on advocacy, services and innovations for LGBTQ+ elders, ensuring they can age with dignity and pride. The organization has led the way in empowering LGBTQ+ elders to live openly and authentically, protecting rights, building health and longevity and preserving the vibrancy of the community.
“Pride is important here at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, not just in June, but year-round,” said Ellen Hart, Founder of Ellen’s Stardust Diner and Miss Subways 1959. “Being able to showcase the amazing talent of our Stardusters while supporting a great cause is truly something special. We’re looking forward to bringing together the community, music lovers and our fellow New Yorkers for a prideful event to benefit SAGE.”
The 90-minute concert with Musical Director Drew Wutke will feature the Diner’s world-famous singing waitstaff, The Stardusters. Under the direction of the Diner’s Artistic Director, Scott Barbarino, the show will include a six-person cast and songs of empowerment.Details include:
Date: June 3, 2026, Doors open at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. show
Tickets: $30 donation with $25 food and beverage minimum
Location: Ellen’s Stardust Theatre, below Ellen’s Stardust Diner, 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.
“Music, entertaining and pride run through Ellen’s Stardust Diner,” said Barbarino. “Our incredible Stardusters have been working hard, dedicating their time and talents to bring this show to the stage. It’s great to see everyone come together to support such an important organization’s efforts and our LGBTQ+ neighbors through song in a very Ellen’s Stardust Diner way.”
In addition, Ellen’s Stardust Diner will feature its signature rainbow cake ($12.50) and a special limited time “Over the Rainbow” milkshake ($22) purchased at the Diner for the month of June and will donate 20% of rainbow shake and cake sales, up to $500, to SAGE.
Many of the Diner’s Stardusters have started their career at Ellen’s Stardust Diner and have gone onto Broadway, Off-Broadway and TV, with credits including Hair, Wicked, Aladdin, Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, and American Idiot among others. The show will feature:
· Anne Fraser Thomas, a California native, was last seen in the original Broadway cast of Queen of Versailles, as Molly Brown in Off-Broadway’s Titanique, and as Clotho in Hercules (Paper Mill). Other credits include Becky in Waitress (Theatre Raleigh), Fantine in Les Misérables (Moonlight), and Mama Who in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe). She has recently worked on new works including Princess Bride and Crazy Rich Asians. Best role thus far: mom to Violet!
· Cameron Mitchell Bell (he/they) is a multifaceted performer and educator that has graced Off Broadway, regional theaters, the national Broadway circuit, and international Broadway tours. Select credits include the Broadway national tour of Annie, the International Broadway tour of Beauty and the Beast and he is just off his Broadway debut in Drag the Musical. His captivating performances have also taken him to the high seas, delighting audiences on cruise lines and in film and television including Girls 5 Eva. His dedication to the arts extends to education, as he has conducted masterclasses across the country with esteemed organizations like Broadway Connection and his own private voice and acting studio. Building upon this foundation, he pursued a Master’s degree in vocal performance with a specialization in musical theatre at NYU.
· Diana Victoria (they/them) recently produced and directed MUNAgenius and I Want It All: A Night of MT Yearning at The Green Room 42, as well as Divine Femininity at 54 Below. Other past credits include Sandy in Grease, Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Olive Ostrovsky in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Diana majors in communications & media studies with a minor in photography at Pace University. When not performing, they love exploring the city with their dog, Guac.
· Eric Krop is a music producer and singer/songwriter who was in the Broadway production of Godspell, appeared on I Can See Your Voice on Fox, and has been a session singer who’s sung lead vocals for Sony pictures, Warner Brothers, and The Simpsons. Originally from Northern California, Eric moved to New York in 2005 to pursue the arts, took a brief detour in Los Angeles and Montana, and moved back to New York with his husband, Andrew, in 2023. He’s currently collaborating with musical theater and pop writers Derek Gregor and Selda Sahin.
· Leanne Smith (she/her/hers) is an actress and singer with credits including Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime (Barrington Stage) Sherri in ROA (Norwegian Cruise/Eagle theatre) Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (MacHaydn/Arizona Broadway) Suzy in Wonderettes (Alabama Shakes/Rep St Louis) and Amber in Hairspray (Oregon Shakes).
· Paul Trenier (he/him/his) is originally from Mobile, Alabama. He has a Bachelor’s degree in music education from The University of Southern Mississippi and his Master’s degree in music from Oklahoma City University. When he’s not singing at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, he performs with the Tony Award-winning choir Broadway Inspirational Voices, where he serves as the Tenor/Baritone/Bass vocal captain. He can be seen singing with Cynthia Erivo at the 2025 Tony Awards, and he will be performing this summer at Weathervane Theatre in their productions of Rent, Come From Away, and Peter Pan Goes Wrong.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is open 365 days a year from 7 am to midnight every day. For more information on Ellen’s Stardust Diner, visit ellensstardustdiner.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
