29th Annual Benefit Gala
A Musical Celebration of Broadway
Honoring
Audra McDonald
Monday, February 11, 2013
The Pierre | 2 East 61st Street | New York City
© American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
Hosted by
Taye Diggs and Phylicia Rashad
With performances by
Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell,
Victor Garber, David Alan Grier,
Steve Kazee, Mary Testa,
Norm Lewis, Anthony Crivello,
Nikki M. James, Seth Rudetsky,
Michael Arden, Tony Sheldon,
Valisia LeKae, Senator Tom Duane
and more to be announced throughout January
and a special appearance by
Zoe Caldwell
Directed and Choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge
Music Direction by David Evans
Written by Stephen Cole
Ticket Information: ORDER ONLINE or call (212) 244-9494 x 25 for more information
CLICK HERE to view a pdf of the 2013 Benefit Gala Invitation
The Drama League will honor five-timeTony Award®-winner Audra McDonald at The Drama League’s 29th annual Benefit Gala, A Musical Celebration of Broadway, on February 11, 2013 at the famed Pierre Hotel. The evening supports The Drama League’s educational initiatives for promising young artists.
Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Photo by Michael J. Lutch
The black-tie gala will feature dozens of stars from Hollywood and Broadway in a one-night-only evening of musical selections drawn from Ms. McDonald’s career.
A stellar cast will be joining us to honor Ms. McDonald. The event will be hosted by Broadway, TV and Film stars Taye Diggs (Rent, ABC’s Private Practice) and Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show, A Raisin in the Sun). Performers include Tony Award® winners Brian Stokes Mitchell, Patti LuPone, Zoe Caldwell, Steve Kazee, Nikki M. James, Anthony Crivello, Broadway veterans Victor Garber, Norm Lewis, Mary Testa, Tony Sheldon, David Alan Grier, Michael Arden, Seth Rudetsky, Valisia Lekae, and New York State Senator Tom Duane (all subject to change and availability). The production is directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime) , musically directed by David Evans (Marie Christine), written by Stephen Cole (The Road to Qatar!), and produced by the Drama League’s Artistic Director, Roger Danforth.
Check back to this page for regular cast updates and exciting interactive features.
The Musical Celebration of Broadway Honoring Audra McDonald brings together 500 of New York City’s most influential arts supporters, celebrities, and luminaries for a black-tie evening of cocktails, dinner, and the acclaimed, unforgettable musical revue featuring dozens of stars from film, television and theatre. The Musical Celebration of Broadway will feature songs from Audra’s many Broadway triumphs, including The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Carousel, Ragtime, Master Class, Marie Christine, 110 In The Shade; her operatic and concert work, including her celebrated turns in Passion and Mahagonny; and her award-winning albums “Way Back To Paradise,” “How Glory Goes,” “Happy Songs” and “Build A Bridge.”
Gala Celebration Committee
Amy Eller and Ellen Fox, Co-Chairs
Christine Bernick, CeCe & Lee Black, Marc & Chrissy Boriosi, Cathy Chernoff, Bonnie Comley & Stewart F. Lane, Paula Kaminsky Davis, Jamie deRoy, Andrew & Judith Economos, Peggy Geiger Ellis, Leslie Feldman, Rebecca Gillan, Joey Guastella, Irene Halligan, Jill Handelsman Foundation, Jano Herbosch, Robert Jezowski, Macy’s, Julie & Rich Meister, Paula J. Mueller, Charles & Anne Niemeth, Michael & Gabrielle Palitz, Annette Pfister, Barbara & David Steel, Elizabeth F. Stribling & Guy Robinson, Barbara Tober, Betsy Turner, JoAnn & John Weisel, Elaine & Weldon Wilson
Honorary Committee
Barbara Cook, Neil Patrick Harris, Ethan Hawke, Angela Lansbury, Lea Michele, Mary-Louise Parker, Stephen Sondheim, Will Swenson, Emma Thompson, and Kate Walsh.
Serge Lutens is the Signature Sponsor of The Drama League Musical Celebration of Broadway Honoring Audra McDonald, and will provide the evening’s VIP Gifts for all attendees.
“Audra McDonald is the once-in-a-generation performer of our time,” stated Drama League Executive Director Gabriel Shanks. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to honor her numerous achievements in film, television, recording, and theater.”
The Musical Celebration of Broadway Honoring Audra McDonald raises much-needed funds for the vital education programs of The Drama League Directors Project. Since 1984, The Drama League has honored exceptional artists whose talent and passion have served as a benchmark for others, including Kristin Chenoweth, Liza Minnelli, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Chita Rivera, Rosie O’Donnell and Terrence McNally.
Since 1916, The Drama League of New York has been at the forefront of the American Theatre community, providing talent, audiences, and prosperous support. It is one of the nation’s oldest continuously-operating, not-for-profit arts advocacy and education organization.
Through its programs, initiatives and events, The Drama League indelibly transforms the lives of artists and audiences by harnessing the unique social and creative dynamism of theatre. Its nationally-renowned, award-winning efforts have two vital goals: To train and nurture the artists of tomorrow and to deepen and strengthen the audience experience.
Ticket prices start at $750, which includes the cocktail reception, dinner, and all performances. For more information, please contact The Drama League at 212.244.9494 ext 25 or purchase tickets ONLINE here.
Floral arrangements and centerpieces will be provided by Starbright Floral Design.
