Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I was in Paw Paw, Michigan, this morning with my entire family celebrating my nephew Derrick's high school graduation. I know they are all watching, so I want to thank mom and dad, Ricky and Derrick and Gary for all your love and support.

I wouldn't be standing here without the four-time Tony Award-winning mensch Jerry Zaks, my champion. The entire producing team--the Nederlanders, Jimmy Jr., Jimmy Sr., Susan Bristow, Nick Scandalios, Clear Channel, Marty Richards, Terry Allen Kramer, Ken Greenblatt.

The entire cast and crew at the Marquis Theatre, especially Gary Beach and the amazing Cagelles. Robert Tatad, my associate choreographer, and the designers.

Listen, I came to New York and I had three amazing teachers--Michael Bennett, Jerome Robbins, and Bob Avian. And now I have Jack O'Brien...he is my heart and soul. I want to thank Mark Sendroff, Julie McDonald, and Tony Selznick, who have guided me. And my partner, Erik Sherr, who gives me unconditional love. Harvey and Jerry, you have written a story about unconditional love and our country needs to hear it today more than ever. Thanks for that. Thank you for this. Thank you, I love Broadway!

ADDITIONAL THANKS

I would like to also thank Wendy and Jeff and everyone at 101 Productions, and my assistant, Ginger Tidwell. Along with Patrick Vaccariello and David Krane, as well as Orit Jacoby Carroll and Marc Bruni for their great collaboration. Doing La Cage was a dream come true. I have always been a fan of the show!