The "Mr. Abbott" Award is the only "lifetime achievement" award "bestowed to directors and choreographers by members of their own artistic industry, and the highest honor given to the artists whose distinguished bodies of work have made an outstanding contribution to American theatre."
The award will be presented at a gala ceremony March 7 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City in an evening that will include cocktails, dinner and a star-studded performance.
The Marshalls grew up in Pittsburgh. Both were bit by the theatre bug early on, acting and dancing in local productions. Rob was the first to break into the New York theatre scene, first as a performer (in Cats), then as a dance captain, a choreographer and finally, with Cabaret, a director-choreographer. His first Hollywood film as director, "Chicago," won the Oscar for Best Picture.
Kathleen began learning by her brother's side as assistant choreographer with Kiss of the Spider Woman. She did her first solo choreographer work with Swinging on a Star and graduated to director-choreographer with Wonderful Town. She also served as artistic director of Encores! for several seasons. Both have received Tony nominations, Rob counting six and Kathleen three. Kathleen took home the prize for her choreography of Wonderful Town.
The President's Award will be presented to Miramax's Harvey Weinstein for "his consistant support as producer for Broadway theatre." Barry and Fran Weissler and Roger Berlind are chairs for this year's gala. *
Since 1965, SDCF has been "the only national organization dedicated exclusively to supporting the craft and artistry of theatrical directors and choreographers. Headquartered in New York City with core programs in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, SDCF serves artists and communities throughout the country. Each year, SDCF helps thousands of directors and choreographers by offering critical career-building initiatives, such as workshops, seminars, symposia, mentoring programs, professional observerships, artistic fellowships and craft publications."