Nikka Graff Lanzarone is part of a long lineage of noted theatrical luminaries, but those are not the only people that affected her and molded her into the person that she is today. Nikka tells Playbill the special bond that she shared with her preschool teacher Mr. Bearman had lasting impact. She explains that it is worth its weight in gold to have that one special teacher that sees you and understands you for who you are. She may have lost Mr. Bearman in life, but his legacy lives on in her heart and through her compassion for raising awareness for AIDS and HIV.

“I was about 10 years old when he got sick. And though much of the early confusion and the catastrophic devastation of the beginning of the HIV pandemic had led to some incredible medical breakthroughs, there was still a lot of stigma that was complicated to explain to a child.

“My time with him was much too short. He has stayed with me throughout my life and inspired every bit of fundraising I’ve ever done for Broadway Cares.”

Storytellers is available on Playbill and Playbill's YouTube channel, both including a donation button inviting viewers to contribute to Broadway Cares, which works to provide meals, medication, healthcare, and hope for those in need across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. The video series and the live kick-off event are made possible by premier sponsor Gilead Sciences and in part by the Michelangelo Hotel.

For more, visit Playbill.com/Storytellers. To show your support with Broadway Cares, we invite you to help give back to this worthy cause by going to BroadwayCares.org/Storytellers.