The evening, celebrating President Abraham Lincoln, will begin with a performance titled "Lincoln’s Legacy and a New Era of Hope" including performances and appearances by Michael Arden (Big River), Scott Bakula (Romance/Romance), Avery Brooks (Paul Robeson), Christopher B. Corrigan, Richard Dreyfuss (Sly Fox), Jeremy Gumbs (The Scottsboro Boys), Joshua Henry (The Scottsboro Boys), Kellee Knighten Hough, Kevin McAllister, Michael McElroy (Big River), Anika Noni Rose (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), David Selby (I Won't Dance) and Michael Urie, with cast members from the Ford’s Theatre world premiere musical Liberty Smith.

The Lincoln Medal goes to individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to education, understanding and equality exemplify the character and lasting legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.

Following the performance will be a seated dinner at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum.

First Lady Michelle Obama serves as the honorary chair of the gala celebration. The Ford’s Theatre annual gala benefits the Ford’s Theatre Society, its programming and the new Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership, set to open in February 2012.

The Ford's Theatre is located at 511 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C. The National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum is located at 750 Ninth Street NW, Washington, D.C. For more information and tickets, email [email protected].