Held May 16 at the Marriott Marquis, the afternoon includes a nominees cocktail reception, luncheon and awards presentation. 

The Drama League will honor Kennedy Center Honoree, Tony winner and Grammy Award nominee Cook (The Music Man, She Loves Me) with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award in recognition of her contribution to the musical theatre; Key Brand Entertainment/Broadway Across America with the Unique Contribution to the Theatre Award for their work bringing New York productions to theatres across America; and Tony, Drama Desk and OBIE Award winner Tiffany (Once, The Glass Menagerie) with The Founders Award for Excellence in Directing.

"It feels like we are receiving the honor with these special recipients, not the other way around," executive director Gabriel Shanks said in a statement. "Barbara Cook is a theatrical legend whose impact on our art form is indelible. From the company-created Black Watch to the musical Once to this season’s revival of The Glass Menagerie, John Tiffany has proven himself to be a global talent who can tackle any style or project successfully. And of course, there is no more important task today than to export the best productions we have out to the rest of the world, so that others can experience their magic. Broadway Across America takes on that challenge every day, and excels year after year."

These Special Recognition Honors will be presented in addition to the five competitive categories: Distinguished Play, Distinguished Revival of a Play, Distinguished Musical, Distinguished Revival of a Musical and Distinguished Performance Award. Nominees will be announced April 23 at 11 AM at Sardi's.

The Drama League Awards were first awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935. They are the only major theatregoer awards chosen by audience members — specifically, by the thousands of Drama League members nationwide who attend Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Tickets go on sale March 1. Call (212) 244-9494 or visit dramaleague.org for more information.