The annual benefit, which begins at 7 PM at City Center, will be followed by a supper with the stars in The Hilton's Grand Ballroom. Written by Deborah Grace Winer and produced and directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo, On Broadway! is described as a "glorious historical journey inside the Broadway musical seen through the eyes of legendary choreographers."
The evening will also feature the presentation of awards to veteran Broadway actor-director-choreographer Tommy Tune and Brian Heidtke. Tune will receive the Rolex Dance Award, while Heidtke will be presented with the Career Transition for Dancers' Award for Outstanding Contributions to the World of Dance.
In a statement Allen Brill, President and CEO of Rolex Watch USA, said, "We are pleased to present the Rolex Dance Award to Tommy Tune, the most illustrious choreographer, dancer, singer and director of our time. This winner of nine Tony Awards and The National Medal of Arts is not only dedicated to the art of dance, but also to supporting the mission of Career Transition for Dancers. We are pleased to celebrate his legendary career and many contributions to the world of dance."
Heidtke has been an active member of the dance community for years, serving both as board trustee and as a financial supporter. He is the Vice President and Treasurer of ABT and chairs its education committee.
Musicians, dancers and theatre stars are expected to be part of the upcoming benefit performance; casting will be announced at a later date. The Honorary Chairs are Cynthia Gregory, Donna McKechnie, Kevin McKenzie, Jane Powell, Ann Reinking and Chita Rivera. Career Transition for Dancers, which was founded in 1985, has helped over "3,700 professional dancers identify their unique talents in preparation for establishing new careers when dance is no longer an option." For more information visit www.careertransition.org.
Presented by Rolex, gala tickets for On Broadway! — including performance, supper, auction and dancing — are priced $600-$1,200 and are available by calling (212) 228-7446, ext. 33. Show-only tickets, priced $45-$130, will be available shortly.
City Center is located in Manhattan at 131 West 55th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues.
