WASHINGTON (AP) — Michelle Obama is taking another trip to Broadway— without hitting the bustling streets of New York City's Times Square.
The first lady welcomed stars from Broadway to the White House Monday as she celebrated the history of live theater, what she calls a "cornerstone" of the nation's cultural heritage.
The East Room performance featured music from "Fun Home," ''An American in Paris," ''School of Rock," and "Something Rotten."
Performers included Gloria Estefan singing from "On Your Feet!," a story of her life, and former "Glee" star Matthew Morrison with an ensemble from "Finding Neverland."
"Since America is such a big, bold, beautiful nation, that's how our stories are told on Broadway — with show-stopping dance routines, and soaring musical numbers, and heart-wrenching, side-splitting performances that we never forget," Mrs. Obama said. "These shows don't just entertain us, they educate and inspire us."
Earlier in the day, Mrs. Obama hosted more than 40 high school students from performing arts schools and after-school arts programs for workshops on acting, directing, singing, costume design, makeup and musical composition.
Among the entertainment figures training with the students were actress Whoopi Goldberg, producer Harvey Weinstein and actress Cicely Tyson.
Some of the students also had the opportunity to perform in "Broadway at the White House," which will air on the TLC network Thanksgiving Day.
The Obamas are long-time supporters of Broadway. Most recently, President Barack Obama took daughters Sasha and Malia to see hip-hop musical "Hamilton" in July, and the first couple attended a revival of "A Raisin in the Sun" last year.
Since the theater workshop and performance were Mrs. Obama's first public appearances since the Paris attack, she offered condolences to the victims and families, urging the nation to keep France in their thoughts and in their hearts.
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