Tony nominee David Alan Grier, who currently stars in Broadway's Porgy and Bess, emceed the black-tie event, which began at 6:30 PM and included a silent auction, cocktails, entertainment and dinner.
The evening, which also honored Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Play House and CEO & chairman of Ernst & Young James S. Turley, celebrates individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions to the national theatre community. The gala also raises funds for NCTF member theatres in the U.S.
"NCTF supports national theatre utilizing innovative partnerships with companies, individuals and artists to enhance the cultural lives of our communities," said NCTF executive director Bruce E. Whitacre in a statement. "Our honorees reflect that innovation and vision by combining theatre with other endeavors: economic development, medicine, cultivating a people-oriented professional culture, and bringing the heart and soul of jazz to Broadway."
Emmy award winner Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: SVU") presents Connick, Jr. with NCTF's Theatre Artist Award; Kate Mulgrew (Equus) presented the Cleveland Play House with the Achievement in Theatre Award; and Joe Dowling, artistic director of the Guthrie Theater, presented Turley with the NCTF Leadership Award. Cleveland Clinic was the evening's institutional honoree; playwright David Henry Hwang presented Cleveland Clinic president and chief executive officer Toby M. Cosgrove, M.D. with the award. National Corporate Theatre Fund (NCTF) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to "sustaining America's finest not-for-profit theatres, on the stage and in the community, through innovative partnerships with companies, individuals and artists."
