North Woodmere native part of inauguration video

Seth Rudetsky, a musician, actor, writer and radio host, who grew up in North Woodmere and graduated Hewlett High School, was part of the Broadway video put together for the inauguration. He produced the songs and was in the band.

“There are SO many stories about how it happened!!! Will put in my Playbill column! But for those looking for who sang/danced what, here ‘tis!" he posted on Facebook after the video with several people singing “Seasons of Love,” written by Jonathan Larsen for the musical “Rent,”  and “Let the Sunshine In,” written by James Rado, Gerome Ragni and Galt McDermott written for the musical “Hair." The video aired during the presidential inauguration celebration on Jan. 20.

Schele Williams produced and directed the video, along with Rudetsky, 53, and James Wesley. Williams “stayed up all night with Jabari Payne who was editing,” Rudetsky wrote on Facebook. The video was produced in two days. “And Shelbie Rassler who was my right hand person editing the vocals and every SPECIFIC riff placement!!!” Rudetsky wrote. Shelbie Rassler and Matthias Winter edited the sound. In addition to Rudetsky, the band included Perry Cavari, Carl Carter and Jim Hershman.

The performers “Seasons of Love” were: Chris Jackson,  Laura Benanti, José Llana, BD Wong, Betty Buckley,  Ruthie Ann Miles, Jessie Mueller, Beth Malone, Chandra Wilson, Jenna Ushkowitz, Olga Merediz, NaTasha Yvette Williams, Ali Stroker, Miss Peppermint, Vanessa Williams, Fredi Walker-Browne, Wilson Heredia, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Anthony Rapp, Leslie Uggams, Mandy Gonzalez, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Keala Settle, Wayne Brady, Derrick Baskin,  Javier Muñoz, James Monroe Iglehart and Andy Karl/Orfeh.

All of those people sang “Let the Sunshine In” along with, Rosie Perez, Audra McDonald, Wesley, Rudetsky, Juli Rudetsky-Wesley, Chita Rivera and Charlotte d’Amboise in the center square.

To view the video, go to https://bit.ly/2Y2oRYA.