Some of those lights will be shining in UNM’s Popejoy Hall.  Veterans can get free tickets thanks to a collaboration between the University of New Mexico and Raymond G. Murphy V.A. Hospital called Broadway For Veterans. 

This program is an extension of UNM’s Broadway For Students program, and is now in its third season of giving free tickets to veterans.

The purpose of the program is to get veterans out into the community as part of their therapy, and to help relieve their social isolation.  It is based out of Recreation Therapy.

Priority is given to in-patient veterans, spinal cord injuries, rehabilitation, etc., as part of their treatment.

So far, the program has given out more than 140 tickets of prime seating, to shows such as Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical; Les Misérables; Tina, The Tina Turner Musical; Mrs. Doubtfire; Women of Americana: A Celebration of American Music; and MJ, the Musical, an estimated value of more than a $28,000.

The next season starts on February 27, 2027.  The list of shows will be released then, and we will update this article.

Contact Lemuel von Hentschel at lemuel.vonhentschel@va.gov for ticket availability.