An Evening of Broadway, Generosity, and Joy
Music for Autism Celebrates at the Fox–Freund Penthouse · April 13, 2026
On the evening of April 13, 2026, Music for Autism was welcomed into the beautiful home of Barbara Fox and Jim Freund for a reception that will be remembered for long to come. Our deepest thanks Barbara and Jim, whose extraordinary penthouse — and even more extraordinary hospitality — set the stage for a night that felt equal parts concert, celebration, and family reunion. With their generosity, Music for Autism was able to raise over $20,000, a sum that will go far in supporting our programming.
From the moment guests stepped off the elevator, Barbara and Jim’s warmth was unmistakable. Every detail — from the thoughtfully curated menu to the easy flow of the evening — reflected hosts who care deeply about this mission and about the people who make it possible. The food was exceptional, the conversation was lively, and the views only added to the celebratory environment.
Hosts Barbara Fox and Jim Freund
A Board, Together
One of the most meaningful aspects of the evening was seeing nearly our entire board of directors in attendance, including all six of our newly elected directors. Returning directors welcomed new colleagues, longtime supporters connected with fresh voices, and the collective energy in the room was a vivid reminder of how much momentum this organization carries into its 20th anniversary year.
Guests laughing and applauding during the evening.
A Musical Program to Remember
The evening’s performances were nothing short of stunning, anchored by three artists whose generosity of spirit matches their talent.
The crowd gathered around the piano as the concert begins.
John Arthur Greene
A Broadway veteran whose credits include West Side Story, Matilda, Tootsie, School of Rock, and Company — and Music for Autism’s 2013 Spotlight Artist. John is a foundational friend of this organization who showed up for us in April 2020 during the earliest days of the pandemic shutdown. More than a decade later, he is still here, and still extraordinary.
John Arthur Greene performing with Jesse Kissel at the piano.
Jesse Kissel
One of Broadway’s most sought-after conductors and musical directors (Chicago, The Cher Show, Bright Star), Jesse is also the Emmy- and Grammy-nominated musical director for Randy Rainbow. He made his M4A debut just last November and brought that same rare sophistication back to the keys for this evening.
Thayne Jasperson
A top-12 finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, Thayne is a founding member of Hamilton on Broadway, originating Samuel Seabury, and remains the longest-running original cast member still performing in the show. As Music for Autism’s 2023 Spotlight Artist, he has performed with us virtually twice — and at the Fox–Freund penthouse, he demonstrated in full why he is such a beloved member of our community.
Thayne Jasperson performing for guests.
John Arthur, Thayne, and Jesse sharing the stage together with M4A founder, Robert Accordino
M4A staff, board members, and performers
Looking Ahead
Evenings like this do not happen without extraordinary partners, and Barbara Fox and Jim Freund are precisely that. Their generosity in opening their home — and their commitment to the children, families, and artists at the heart of Music for Autism — fuels the work ahead of us.
Guests enjoying the stunning views
To Barbara and Jim, to our performers, to our board, and to every guest who showed up with an open heart and an open checkbook: thank you. This is what Music for Autism looks like at its best.
— With gratitude from the Music for Autism Board and Staff
