The black-tie gala, featuring musical selections drawn from McDonald's career, will be hosted by Taye Diggs and Tony winner Phylicia Rashad.
Performers will include Tony winners Brian Stokes Mitchell, Patti LuPone, Zoe Caldwell, Steve Kazee, Nikki M. James and Anthony Crivello; Broadway veterans David Alan Grier, Victor Garber, Norm Lewis, Mary Testa, Tony Sheldon, Michael Arden, Seth Rudetsky, Nikki Renee Daniels and Valisia Lekae; and New York State Senator Tom Duane (all subject to change and availability).
The production will be directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge with musical direction by David Evans; it is being produced by Drama League artistic director Roger T. Danforth.
The evening supports The Drama League's educational initiatives for promising young artists.
The Musical Celebration of Broadway will feature songs from McDonald'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." The Drama League's 2013 Gala Online Auction, now live online and taking bids at biddingforgood.com/thedramaleague, now features more than 60 once-in-a-lifetime prize packages, including exclusive celebrity experiences with Tom Hanks, Liza Minnelli, Whoopi Goldberg, Kim Cattrall, chef Rocco DiSpirito, violinist Joshua Bell, Broadway opening night parties for Jekyll and Hyde, The Big Knife and The Trip To Bountiful; luxury vacations to Marrakech, London, Las Vegas, and Chicago; and just-added items added including a one-of-a-kind James Martin Jewels' handmade 18K white gold cocktail ring with 48K cushion-cut rock crystal and 45 diamonds; VIP Experience Passes at tapings of ABC's "The View” and Comedy Central's "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart"; a limited-edition print by acclaimed artists Yasmina Alaoui and Marco Guerra; Opening Night Tickets and Party to The Assembled Parties; and tickets to the 2013 Yankees Spring Training in Tampa, FL. The auction will conclude at The Drama League's 29th Annual Musical Celebration of Broadway on Feb.11.
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.
Ticket prices start at $750, which includes the cocktail reception, dinner and all performances. For more information, contact The Drama League at (212) 244-9494, ext. 27 or visit dramaleague.org.
