A Broadway performer who grew up in Millstone is lending her voice to help others impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ashley Loren had been appearing in “Moulin Rouge the Musical” before the pandemic forced Broadway to shut down. Loren herself then contracted the virus.

After a monthlong recovery, Loren returned to a deserted Times Square to shoot a music video for a cover version of the Sam Smith song “Pray.” She says that she thought the song was perfect for these difficult times. Loren’s castmate Morgan Marcell directed the video.

“That’s where our daily commute to work was and to find it so quieted by the weight of what is going on in the world right now, it’s insane,” she says.

Loren had previously recorded the song, but did not release it. She says that the song’s lyrics on despair and the fragility of life seemed appropriate for this moment.

Loren is encouraging viewers of the video to donate to the Actors Fund or Covenant House. Any proceeds from song streams, views or purchases will be donated to the Actors Fund.