Broadway, film and television star Cumming (who appeared in the 1999 TV movie "Annie" with Chenoweth, and is a co-star on "The Good Wife") is accepting the award in her absence. The performance portion of the evening is hosted by Tony- and Grammy-nominated composer Andrew Lippa, Chenoweth's pal and colleague. They are joined by Goodspeed Musicals alums Kirsten Wyatt (Gooch in Goodspeed's Mame) and Khris Lewin (Goodspeed's My One and Only).

Goodspeed Musicals is also honoring the Hoffman Auto Group, which will receive the inaugural Goodspeed Musicals Arts & Business Partnership Award, an honor bestowed upon a prominent member of the Connecticut business community who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the arts and culture.

Previous award recipients include Julie Andrews, Martin Charnin, Ira Gershwin, Jerry Herman, William Ivey Long, Thomas Meehan, Michael P. Price, Gerald Schoenfeld, Stephen Schwartz, Susan Stroman, Charles Strouse, Tommy Tune and Paul Williams. Proceeds from the Gala will support Goodspeed Musicals' Education Programs through The Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre.

The 6:30 PM event at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station in Haddam, CT, includes a cocktail hour and a dinner followed by a live auction and a Special Tribute performed by Lippa and others, celebrating Chenoweth's career. The actress-singer recently toured the country with her concert. Her Broadway appearances include Steel Pier, The Apple Tree, Wicked, Epic Proportions and Promises, Promises.

For more information about two-time Tony Award-winning Goodspeed Musicals, which operates Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT, and the Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, CT, visit goodspeed.org.