John Monsky's 'The Eyes of the World' Takes the Stage to Benefit Wolfson Children's Hospital

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital is proud to announce that The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day will open the 2025–2026 Florida Forum Season.

Following sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Boston's Symphony Hall, The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day comes to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts for a one-night-only performance on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Tickets are available now at www.womensboardwch.com/eyes-of-the-world

This multimedia event traces the final months of WWII in Europe through a powerful blend of historic film, photography, live orchestral music, and narration. The evening features Broadway stars from Hamilton, Mean Girls, My Fair Lady, and Company. Ian Weinberger, music director of Hamilton on Broadway, will conduct the performance by the Jacksonville Symphony.

A Jacksonville native, historian John Monsky is the creator, writer, and narrator of the acclaimed American History Unbound series, The Eyes of the World. Monsky's deep historical knowledge and passion for storytelling bring to life the experiences of journalists, soldiers, and cultural figures—including Ernest Hemingway, Robert Capa, and Lee Miller. The performance highlights the stories of the 761st Tank Battalion, the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, and other heroes who shaped the war's final days.

Monsky brings the story home with a deep connection to Jacksonville's military history. "Jacksonville is a naval town," he reflects. "When I speak about the U.S. Navy's role at D-Day, I think about the men and women from Jacksonville who served...That's my town out there on D-Day — we were part of it." 

Since 1973, The Women's Board has raised more than $37 million for Wolfson Children's Hospital through its signature fundraisers, including the Florida Forum. Proceeds from this year's Florida Forum Season will support Wolfson Children's Hospital's Behavioral Health & Wellness Unit's new outdoor play environment and staff.

The 2025–2026 Florida Forum Season includes:

• The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day — September 30, 2025
  
  
• Caitlin Clark, Professional Basketball Player — October 29, 2025
  
  
• Vladimir Kara-Murza, Former Russian Political Prisoner — February 3, 2026
  
  
• José Andrés, Chef, Restaurateur, Humanitarian — March 31, 2026

Every ticket purchased helps The Women's Board raise funds and awareness for the Wolfson Children's Hospital —for generations to come.

SOURCE The Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital