The theme of this year's Dame was "Their Favorite Things," based on the new Playbill.com feature series. "Through engaging stories and songs, favorite performers from stage and screen took the audience on a tour of their favorite shows and performances, highlighting those unforgettable nights in the theatre that have influenced their careers," according to The Actors Fund.
The evening boasted the talents of Tony and Emmy winner Elaine Stritch, Emmy winner Polly Bergen, Marilyn Maye, Andréa Burns, Mario Cantone, Lauren Flanigan, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Jackie Hoffman, Countess Luann De Lesseps ("Real Housewives of NY"), David Lutkin, Alexandra Silber, Talise Trevigne and Bruce Vilanch. Richard Roland directed the evening with musical direction by Glen Roven.
Here is a look at the after party, held at John's Pizzeria.
“I love the idea of putting 'Their Favorite Things' onstage," said Phyllis Newman, who is the engine behind the annual event, in a previous statement. “I recently compiled my list for Playbill and immediately thought, 'Wouldn't this make a great show!'" To read Newman's list of Favorite Things on Playbill.com, click here. "Their Favorite Things" feature series launched with Tony winner Bernadette Peters and has also featured Tony winner Victoria Clark, Tony nominee Judy Kuhn and Tony nominee Joan Rivers, among others.
The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative (PNWHI) was created to "address the myriad of concerns women face when dealing with a serious medical condition. When women come to The Fund after a serious medical diagnosis they are often overwhelmed with concerns about their ability to work, family issues, managing basic bills as well as medical bills, and coping both physically and mentally with a challenging medical situation. The PNWHI Social Workers help women negotiate the steps that follow a serious medical diagnosis. Through intensive case management, access to individual counseling, support groups, educational seminars, linkage to community supports and short-term financial assistance, the social workers help women receive the nurturing support that they need."
