Evan Pappas directs the tribute that was penned by Stephen Cole with musical direction by Steve Freeman. The evening promises selections from Wicked, “Glee,” You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown; Candide; Promises, Promises; Annie; The Music Man; Steel Pier; A New Brain; The Apple Tree and more.
Among those scheduled to take part in the evening are Joel Grey, Laura Benanti, Elaine Paige, Donna Murphy, Cheyenne Jackson, Debra Monk, Andrew Lippa, Nick Jonas, Marlo Thomas, Brent Barrett, Carole Shelley, Brad Oscar, David Elder, Marni Nixon, Jason Graae, Eden Espinosa, Josh Young, Kevin Clash from “Sesame Street,” plus original and current cast members from the Broadway musical Wicked.
Other special guests include Colin Bradbury, Grasan Kingsberry (On A Clear Day) and announcer Bruce Barton with a special performance by seven actors chosen from NYC’s youth acting programs and productions: Martine Bowman (Tada! YouthTheater), Sofie Fusco (Tada! Youth Theater), Analia Heredia (Rosie’s Theater Kids), Petra Jevremov (Rosie’s Theater Kids), Andie Mechanic (The People in the Picture), Rachel Resheff (Mary Poppins) and Carly Rose Sonenclar (Wonderland).
The Gala, which features a cocktail reception, a silent auction and a three-course meal, supports the educational initiatives of The Drama League Directors Project.
Since 1984, the Benefit Gala has honored "exceptional artists whose talent and passion have served as a benchmark for others," according to the Drama League. Chenoweth won the Tony Award in 1999 for her performance in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. She was nominated in 2004 for her performance in Wicked and has also been seen on Broadway in Steel Pier, Epic Proportions, The Apple Tree and Promises, Promises. The actress is also known for her film and television work and will soon be seen in the new ABC series "GCB." Her new CD, "Some Lessons Learned," arrived Sept. 13 on the Sony Masterworks label.
For tickets, which begin at $750, call (212) 244-9494, ext. 27.
For more information visit dramaleague.org.
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The Drama League was founded in 1916 as an association of theatre professionals and patrons dedicated to encouraging the finest in professional theatre and has since then developed into the theatre's premiere service organization.