More than sweet confection floated along the Hudson this past weekend. There was also a great deal of substance and female empowerment to be found at Pier 94. For the second consecutive year, it played host to POPSUGAR Play/Ground. On Saturday and Sunday June 22nd and 23rd, women from all walks of life gathered to hear from movers and shakers in various industries.
Lisa Sugar, POPSUGAR’s Founder and President opened the day on Saturday morning. She told the crowd that this year’s festival aimed “to inspire creativity and motivation.”
Sugar, along with several guests, made good on that inspiration as actors, gymnasts, writers, fitness experts, and self-help gurus led talks located on one main stage and two smaller stages. There were also booths available with healthy food, beauty products, and cell phone accesories.
A conversation about pride was a particular highlight on Saturday. Nico Tortorella (Actor, Younger), Alicia Garza (Principal and Founder, Black Futures Lab), Carmen Carrera (RuPaul’s Drag Race) Brad Goreski (fashion stylist and TV personality), David Burtka (actor and chef) joined GLAAD Director of Talent Engagement, Anthony Ramosn who led a conversation in honor of the 50th anniversary of gay liberation.
Showtune fans flooded the main stage on Sunday afternoon for a sneak peek at the new Broadway musical, Jagged Little Pill, based on the album by singer-songwriter superstar Alanis Morissette. The cast, led by Celia Rose Gooding, Derek Klana, Sean Allen Krill, Lauren Patten, and Elizabeth Stanley performed “All I Really Want” and “You Live You Learn.”
Woman power proved to a slam dunk at this year’s Tonys as Rachel Chavkin and Anais Mitchell of Hadestown both walked home with awards of their own. Judging from the crowd’s enthusiastic response , there’s a possibilty that Pill’s female-centric creative team (Music and Lyrics by Morisette, book by Diablo Cody, and Director Diana Paulus) might have one hand on a nominee next year. Jagged Little Pill opens at the Broadhurst Theatre and performances begin November 3.
Sunday also brought a “Power Your Truth” conversation featuring headliner Chrissy Teigen, It was moderated by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. Teigen’s daughter Luna also made an appearance.
Those who missed this year’s event can keep their eyes on the POPSUGAR website for future happenings.