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Ukulele U celebrates Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Apr 12, 2022 |

Ukulele UThis month is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM), April 1-30, 2022. The annual celebration was created to raise awareness about what it’s like to live with limb loss and limb difference, and this year’s theme is “Your Ordinary is Extraordinary.”

CBC’s sing-along musical variety kids’ show, Ukulele U, brims with fun and inclusivity; is rooted in the idea of belonging and celebrates what makes kids unique. The show was developed by a world-class team of award-winning creators including legendary Music Producer, Bob Ezrin (U2, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z), Emmy and Gemini Award-winning Executive Producer, Michael Hirsh (Inspector Gadget, Babar, Care Bears), Juno Award-winner, Melanie Doane and double below-knee amputee, David Connolly who serves as the show’s Creative Producer, Co-Writer, Director and Choreographer.

David Connolly“I am proud to be involved with a show that is so fiercely dedicated to the idea of changing on-screen representation. People on screen should reflect the audience watching and that’s what this show does through its casting and musical messages of kindness and inclusion. If my being vocal about belonging to the limb loss community provides hope to other amputee kids and sheds light on this fantastic new show, then great,” said Connolly.

As the only amputee to have ever performed on Broadway, Connolly is a proud advocate who’s deeply committed to matters concerning disabled inclusion. He has built a multi-faceted career spanning over 25 years including directing several series for CBC Kids including The Doodlebops, Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show and The Moblees. Also for CBC, he has choreographed Andrew Lloyd Webber’s series, “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?”, The Canadian Country Music Awards and A Season of Song: The Canadian Tenors and Friends. For the screen, David has choreographed the Deepa Mehta Feature Films, Bollywood/ Hollywood and The Republic of Love.

For the stage, David who is also the Associate Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, has directed over 30 musicals, including the Canadian regional premieres of Kinky Boots, Disney’s Newsies, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Mamma Mia! He has collaborated with artists including Katy Perry, Elton John, Sarah Jessica Parker, kd lang, Patti LaBelle, Sarah Brightman and many others. He is a recipient of the Premier of Ontario’s Award of Excellence and a proud Ambassador for the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, and the War Amps Child Amputee Program.