The York Theater Company (endorsed by the Noël Coward Foundation) administers the award that recognizes the work of a "triple threat" theatre writer akin to Coward: one who pens book, lyrics and music for a new musical. Cohen is honored for his musical The Gig, which is based on a screenplay by Frank D. Gilroy.

As part of the prize, Cohen will receive an honorarium and a one-night-only staged concert presentation of The Gig. The Coward Prize will be presented to Cohen Dec. 16 at 7:30 PM. The evening, which celebrates the birthday of Noël Coward, will feature songs by the late songwriter.

The adjudicating panel for the Noël Coward Prize included Nancy Ford, John Kander, Richard Maltby, Mel Marvin, Brian Murray, Susan H. Schulman and Tony Walton.