Francine LeFrak backs Off-Broadway musical Music City

Francine LeFrak is supporting the Off-Broadway production Music City as it begins performances at St. Luke’s Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. The co-producer role underscores a wider push to back live theater as a source of community, creativity and emotional well-being.

Why it matters: - Francine LeFrak’s support gives Music City added philanthropic backing as the immersive musical looks to grow its audience in New York. - The production is positioned as more than entertainment, with LeFrak linking live theater to well-being, empathy and community connection. - The show’s open-mic format and immersive setup aim to give emerging talent a platform and bring audiences closer to the performance.

What happened: - The Francine A. LeFrak Foundation said Francine LeFrak is supporting the Off-Broadway production of Music City, produced by Bedlam. - Music City began performances at St. Luke’s Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. - LeFrak is a co-producer of the show alongside producer Gabrielle Palitz and a broader producing team.

The details: - Music City transforms St. Luke’s Theatre into The Wicked Tickle, an East Nashville honky-tonk setting. - The immersive musical centers on aspiring singer-songwriters, heartbreak, humor and hope. - Bedlam Artistic Director Eric Tucker directs the production. - Multi-platinum songwriter J.T. Harding wrote the songs, and playwright Peter Zinn wrote the book. - The production includes a pre-show open mic that highlights emerging performers. - The company recently added Broadway actress and recording artist Lauren “Lolo” Pritchard. - The musical has been developed with the same ensemble for more than a decade. - Tickets are available through OvationTix.

Between the lines: - LeFrak’s comments frame theater as part of a broader mission around physical, mental and financial well-being. - The support also signals confidence in productions that keep their original artistic vision while seeking a wider audience. - The emphasis on authenticity and ensemble work suggests the production is being positioned as both artist-led and community-driven.

What's next: - Music City will continue its run at St. Luke’s Theatre. - The production team is aiming to expand the show’s reach without changing its core concept. - LeFrak encouraged audiences to experience the production and support the company of artists behind it.

The bottom line: - LeFrak is using her co-producer role to back a show built around live music, immersive storytelling and the idea that theater can change how audiences connect to one another.