We Chose to Go to the Moon returns to Carnegie Hall on April 7 & 8, 2026. Experience the euphoria and the heartbreak of America’s space race in this immersive performance narrated by historian John Monsky and directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer (Chess, Spring Awakening). With his signature mix of soaring music, archival film and photography, historic flags, and personal stories of all those involved—from astronauts and their families, including Neil and then-wife Janet Armstrong, to the unsung heroes of Mission Control—Monsky explores one of America’s greatest accomplishments in singular fashion. Ian Weinberger (Chess, Hamilton) conducts top Broadway vocalists and Orchestra of St. Luke’s in music from the era—popular, patriotic, and protesting, from “Fly Me To The Moon” to “Rocket Man,” “Space Oddity,” and “My Generation”—transporting audiences from quaking launch pads to tension-filled living rooms where families sat glued to their televisions, culminating in the fulfillment of President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to the nation on July 20, 1969.

This event is general admission, and seating will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 7 PM; early arrival is encouraged. Please note: this performance is being captured for future national broadcast. 

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In 2019, this program was presented in Zankel Hall fifty years after Apollo 11 was launched into space.  Kimberly Grigsby (To Kill a Mockingbird) conducted the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and top Broadway vocalists in musical selections inspired by America’s race to space. Rare footage from NASA, including iconic photographs and archival interviews with astronauts and their families are woven together by historian John Monsky in this powerful and immersive event. Mark Armstrong, made a special appearance paying tribute to his father, Neil, with Katie Couric offering a rousing and personal introduction.

Broadway vocalists who have performed as a part of the program in the past include Shonica Gooden (Hamilton), Adam Kantor (The Band's Visit), Elena Shaddow (Fiddler on The Roof) and David St. Louis (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). 

“The story of the space race isn’t just about going to the moon; it’s about what was happening on the ground too, during one of the most tumultuous times in America’s history. Carnegie Hall is an incredible platform to highlight the sacrifices of the astronauts’ wives and their families, the brilliance of the engineers in the mission control, and the female 'computers' and 'hidden figures' at the same time Neil Armstrong was taking his giant steps,” says John Monsky.