A Night with Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley

June 12, 2017
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Sometimes you're happy
And sometimes you're sad
But the world goes ‘round
And sometimes you lose
Every nickel you had
But the world goes ‘round
Sometimes your dreams get broken in pieces
But that doesn't matter at all
Take it from me, there's still going to be
A summer, a winter, a spring, and a fall

These are the opening lyrics to “But the World Goes ‘Round,” a musical theater standard written by legendary songwriting team Kander and Ebb. On May 31st, I had the absolute pleasure of watching Marin Mazzie sing these words during “Broadway & Beyond,” a night of powerhouse musical performances by Mazzie and her husband Jason Danieley.

Mazzie and Danieley – known as “Broadway’s golden couple” – are Broadway veterans who brought their vast experience to bear for a week of shows at Manhattans’ Feinstein’s/54 Below. At these shows, they performed songs they originated in Broadway shows or revivals, as well as songs they performed in TV appearances and other live shows.

Many of these songs – “But the World Goes ‘Round” in particular – took on a new meaning for the couple in May of 2015 when Marin was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since the diagnosis, Marin has been undergoing chemotherapy – which she calls “Healing Therapy,” or “HT” – off and on with Jason by her side. With several playwrights and the surgeon who operated on Marin in the audience, the performance was an emotional celebration of life that transfixed all in attendance.

At the Cancer Support Community (CSC), we’ve been lucky enough to partner with Jason and Marin on several initiatives. Last September, they lent us their singular charisma for a day of lobbying on Capitol Hill during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. For their tireless work on behalf of people affected by cancer, CSC was proud to present Marin and Jason with the Founders Award for Empowerment at our 2016 Spring Celebration Gala.

Marin and Jason were generous enough to make CSC a part of their “Broadway & Beyond” performance as well, mentioning between songs the work we do to ensure no one faces cancer alone. In coordination with Feinstein’s/54 Below, they also sold a special cocktail – called “Healing Tonic” (also abbreviated “HT”) – for which some of the proceeds went to CSC. The delicious tequila-based drink was teal-colored, the color that represents ovarian cancer awareness. After Marin and Jason explained this connection from the stage, it seemed that there was a sea of teal across the audience, reinforcing the evening’s spirit of unity.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley for everything they do not just to support CSC but to inspire everyone impacted by cancer. If you’re interested, check out our interview with Marin and Jason from last year to learn more about their inspiring journey.

Feinstein’s/54 Below’s “Healing Tonic” cocktail