Freddie Gershon, a Tony Honoree for creating the Broadway Junior Series, is the CEO of theatrical licensing agency Music Theatre International. The Gershons have dedicated themselves to numerous philanthropic ventures that empower teachers, children and communities through the performing arts.

The Gershons will be honored alongside Ronnie Shuster, principal of New York City public school P94M - also known as the Spectrum School - which is dedicated to special-needs students. In 2012, Music Theatre International awarded P94M with the Courage In Theatre Award. The students and faculty there created an original musical that documented their experiences with autism.

The 6 PM benefit will feature the songs of Lorenz Hart, and Rodgers and Hammerstein.

"Musical theatre is a powerful educational motivator and a wonderful vehicle for learning in many areas, especially American History," said Sharon Dunn, vice president for education at the New-York Historical Society. "We are thrilled to honor principal Ronnie Shuster for her vision and leadership in providing all the arts for all her students, and delighted to recognize the great generosity of spirit underlying Myrna and Freddie Gershon's support of musical theatre education in Ronnie's school and so many others. These three individuals recognize the importance of this artistic form and understand how it can benefit children of all backgrounds and abilities."

The American Musicals Project, according to the NY Historical Society, "is a dynamic education program that combines the emotional energy of American musical theatre masterworks with thought-provoking primary sources from the New-York Historical Society's collections to foster the creative teaching of American history." Tickets are available for $125 by calling (212) 485-9236 or e-mailing [email protected]. The event will take place at the New-York Historical Society, which is located at 170 Central Park West.