| Broadway Legends Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald and André De Shields to be honored by The Theatre World Awards on July 11th | |
| Posted by: Official_Press_Release 12:44 pm EDT 06/23/21 | |
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| PATTI LUPONE AND ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS TO RECEIVE 8TH ANNUAL JOHN WILLIS AWARDS FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE THEATRE AUDRA McDONALD TO RECEIVE A DOROTHY LOUDON “SPECIAL AWARD” FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE THEATER New York, NY -- (June 23, 2021) A night of legends! The Theatre World Awards , Board of Directors, Dale Badway , President, in association with Tom D’Angora , Michael D’Angora and Tim Guinee , announced today, as a departure from the annual awards ceremony, will present a only virtual event to honor Broadways best with a Special Gala Award Benefit to help raise funds for the prestigious _Theatre World Awards_. The 2021 Special Honorees include Patti LuPone , Audra McDonald , and André De Shields. The ONE-NIGHT ONLY Special Gala Benefit will be a celebration of 75 years of the Theatre World Awards and a passionate heartfelt fundraising drive to keep the Theatre World Award legacy alive and thriving for generations to come. Directed by Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora , the evenings entertainment will call upon an array of Theatre World Alum who will share their thoughts about their breakout debut performance, or about what it felt like to be honored with a Theatre World Award. All proceeds from the event will go toward presenting and celebrating the theatre community with the much anticipated in person, in theater annual ceremony, the 76th Theatre World Awards , in June 2022. The producing trio Tom D'Angora, Michael D'Angora, and Tim Guinee recently stepped up to help raise much needed funds for The York Theatre Company, West Bank Cafe and Birdland Jazz Club. The trio, who are donating their time, have taken on The Theatre World Awards as their next project. The Theatre World Awards relies on the support and contributions of its alumni and donors. Donations may be made by visiting the Go Fund Me link at https://sable.godaddy.com/c/217087?id=372393.8768.1.6d3618551a91ea1ae2e3262115b69700 ( https://sable.godaddy.com/c/217087?id=372393.8779.1.d095a599905f838577559caa39db9b0a ). This year The Theatre World Awards will honor Patti LuPone __ and André De Shields _(Hadestown)_ with the __8th Annual John Willis Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre_ for their ongoing excellence and contribution to the theater. Patti LuPone has a versatile career that spans across film, television, and theatre. On television, LuPone has made memorable turns on Netflix’s “Hollywood,” Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful,” the HBO series “Girls,” and the FX drama hits “American Horror Story” and “Pose.” Additional television credits include “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “30 Rock,” “Army Wives,” “Ugly Betty,” “Will & Grace,” and “Oz,” among others. She has voiced characters on the animated series Steven Universe, “Vampirina” and “Bojack Horseman.” Patti has appeared in numerous feature films, most notably the Academy Award-winning _Driving Miss Daisy_ alongside Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy, _Witness_ with Harrison Ford, Brian De Palma’s _Wise Guys_ opposite Danny DeVito and Harvey Keitel, Taylor Hackford’s _The Comedian_ alongside Robert De Niro, Spike Lee’s _Summer of Sam_ and most recently, Paul Feig’s _Last Christmas_. Most recently, Patti starred in the hit Broadway rendition of _Company_, for which she won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical in the West End Production. Previously, LuPone starred as ‘Helena Rubenstein’ in the Broadway musical _War Paint_ (after creating the role at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago). For her performance, she received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critic’s Circle Award nominations. She led the company of Douglas Carter Beane’s new play _Shows For Days_ under the direction of Jerry Zaks. Patti’s most recent Broadway credits include David Mamet’s _The Anarchist_ and _Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown_, for which she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards. She won the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical twice, once for _Evita_ in 1980 and again in 2008 for her performance in _Gypsy_. She also won two Grammy Awards for Best Classical Album and Best Opera Recording for _The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny_. Patti is also author of the New York Times bestseller _Patti LuPone: A Memoir_. André De Shields is the triple-crown winner of the 2019 awards season, having won the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Tony Awards for best featured actor in a musical for his critically acclaimed performance as Hermes in _Hadestown_. The Actors' Equity Foundation followed suit with the Richard Seff Award, honoring veteran stage actors' best supporting performances of the year. In 2020, Mr. De Shields received the 2020 Grammy Award for Musical Theater Album for _Hadestown_, the 2020 AUDELCO for Lifetime Achievement, and an honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Boston Conservatory at Berklee. In 2019, he received the 2019 Project1Voice Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2019 SAGE Joyce Warshow Lifetime Achievement Award, The York Theatre Company's 2019 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre, and was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. He received the Key to the City of Baltimore from Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young in August, 2019. Prior to his Tony Award win, Mr. De Shields was best known for his show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway productions: _The Wiz, Ain't Misbehavin'_ (Emmy Award), _Play On!_ (Tony Nomination), and _The Full Monty_ (Tony Nomination). In a career spanning fifty-one years, he has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor, director, and educator, receiving in 2018 the 8th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Legend Award, and the 33rd Annual Bob Harrington Life Achievement Bistro Award. Among his other accolades are the 2009 National Black Theatre Festival's Living Legend Award and the 2007 Village Voice Obie Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance. His film and TV projects include Anton Ego in _Ratatouille: The TikTok Tok Musical_, the Algebra Tutor in "John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch" on Netflix, Chubby in "Katy Keene" on the CW, and as Wyndham on "Almost Family." He can next be seen as Gavin Plimsoll in Charles Busch's new film, _The Sixth Reel_. De Shields is a proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and SDC. andredeshields.com ( https://sable.godaddy.com/c/217087?id=372393.8769.1.678ca69c044c435d0e1791fa71e8cbc2 ) The _ John Willis Award _ is given for lifetime achievement in the theatre to honor the man who created and maintained the Theatre World tradition for 66 years, encouraging new talent in an often challenging business. The John Willis Award is presented annually by the _Theatre World Awards, Inc._ Board of Directors to an individual whose lifetime achievements and personal generosity to the Theatre Community merit special recognition and acknowledgement. Previous recipients of the _John Willis Award_ include Nathan Lane (2019), Victor Garber (2018), Glenn Close (2017), Bernadette Peters (2016), Chita Rivera (2015), Christopher Plummer (2014), and Alan Alda (2013). It was also announced, Theatre World Alum Audra McDonald _(Carousel)_ will receive the _ Dorothy Loudon SPECIAL Award for Excellence in the Theater _ to honor her overall excellence and contribution to the theater world. Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actor. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy, in 2015 she received a National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. She won Tonys for her performances in _Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess_ and _Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill_, which also served as the vehicle for her Olivier-nominated 2017 West End debut. On television, McDonald won an Emmy as the official host of PBS’s "Live From Lincoln Center;" she can currently be seen as Liz Lawrence in "The Good Fight" on Paramount+; and she stars in Spectrum’s pandemic-themed drama, "The Bite." Her film credits include Disney’s live-action _Beauty and the Beast_ and MGM’s 2021 Aretha Franklin biopic, _Respect_. A Juilliard-trained soprano, McDonald maintains a major career as a Grammy-winning recording and concert artist. Her latest solo album, _Sing Happy_, was recorded live with the New York Philharmonic for Decca Gold. A founding member of Black Theatre United, board member of Covenant House International, and prominent advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights, her favorite roles are those performed offstage, as an activist, wife to actor Will Swenson, and mother. The _ Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater _ honors an Outstanding Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway production. Dorothy Loudon, who had the unique talent of being able to make audiences laugh and cry, made her Broadway debut in _Nowhere to Go But Up_ for which she received a _Theatre World Award_ for her performance. She received a Tony® Award for her incomparable performance as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in _Annie_, and went on to triumphs originating roles in _Noises Off, West Side Waltz_, and Michael Bennett’s _Ballroom_. Previous recipients of the Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater include Hampton Fluker (2019), Ben Edelman (2018), Katrina Lenk (2017), Nicholas Barasch (2016), Leanne Cope (2015), Celia Keenan-Bolger (2014), Jonny Orsini (2013), Susan Pourfar (2012), Seth Numrich (2011), Bobby Steggert (2010), and Susan Louise O’Connor (2009). The Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater is chosen by the Trustees of The Dorothy Loudon Foundation, Lionel Larner , Executive Director, together with recommendations from the _Theatre World Awards Committee_. Lionel Larner , Executive Director of The Dorothy Loudon Foundation, has been an agent for over fifty years representing a cavalcade of stars that have included Eve Arden, Anne Baxter, Larry Blyden, Barry Bostwick, Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Jose Ferrer, Tony Goldwyn, Judd Hirsch, Glenda Jackson, Lynn Redgrave, Dame Diana Rigg, and the great Dorothy Loudon, among others. In 1968, Dorothy Loudon met Mr. Larner that began, for want of a better word, a love affair between agent and client. They developed a close friendship that lasted until her death in 2003. In her will she named him as Trustee and Executive Director of a Charitable Foundation to be formed. As “keeper of the flame” Mr. Larner works diligently to fulfill the mission of the Dorothy Loudon Foundation and at the same time to keep the memory of her talent fresh in people’s minds and to familiarize younger Broadway talent and audiences with her legacy. In addition to funding the arts, the Foundation has supported the disadvantaged both locally and internationally, AIDS research related charities, and disaster-relief programs. It was announced earlier this year, the _ 76th Theatre World Awards Ceremony _, postponed due to the pandemic in 2020, will take place in June 2022. Hosted annually by well-known theater journalist, Peter Filichia, the historic _76th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony_ will be produced by _Theatre World Awards, Inc. Board of Directors_. "When the universe allows, we will bestow _Theatre World Awards_ to twelve New York stage newcomers who made their significant debuts On or Off-Broadway in the 2021-2022 season, with special honors to those who made their debuts in 2019- 2020,” stated Mr. Badway. “The _8th John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre_ and the _Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater_, triumphantly celebrate the ongoing excellence in theatre during these challenging times.". Badway closed by stating, “We look forward to celebrating the world of theatre at our _76th Theatre World Awards Ceremony _ in June 2022.” In what has become a highly entertaining and often touching tradition, 12 previous winners serve as the presenters, and often relive moments from past ceremonies and share wonderful stories rarely heard at other theatrical awards. Many people feel that this is the most fun and enjoyable awards show of the Broadway season! The historic _76th Theatre World Awards Ceremony_ will celebrate past and present honorees showcasing the historic heritage of our organization. Hosted annually by well-known theater journalist, Peter Filichia , the historic _76th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony_ will be produced by _Theatre World Awards, Inc. Board of Directors_. The Theatre World Award honorees are chosen by the _Theatre World Awards Committee_ which is comprised of Linda Armstrong _(Amsterdam News)_, David Cote _(The Observer)_, Joe Dziemianowicz _(New York Daily News, Emeritus)_, Peter Filichia _(The Newark Star-Ledger, Emeritus)_, David Finkle _(New York Stage Review)_, Elysa Gardner _(USA Today, Emeritus)_, Harry Haun _(Theatermania)_, Frank Scheck _(The Hollywood Reporter)_, and Janice Simpson _(Broadway & Me)_. The _ Theatre World Awards, Inc. Board of Directors _ is headed by Dale Badway _(President)_ with Tom Lynch _(Vice-President)_, Michael Kostel _(Vice-President)_, Stephen Wilde _(Secretary)_, The Honorable Ilene Zatkin-Butler _(Treasurer)_, James Sheridan , and Karen Johnston. First presented in 1945, the prestigious _ Theatre World Awards _, founded by John Willis, the Editor-in-Chief of both _Theatre World_ and its companion volume, _Screen World_, are the oldest awards given for Outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway Debut Performances. The _Theatre World Awards_ are presented annually at the end of the theatre season to six actors and six actresses for their significant, reviewable, debut performances in a Broadway or Off-Broadway production. The ceremony is a private, invitation-only event followed by a party to celebrate the new honorees and welcome them to the Theatre World “family.” In what has become a highly entertaining and often touching tradition, 12 previous winners serve as the presenters, and often relive moments from past ceremonies and share wonderful stories rarely heard at other theatrical awards. Previous winners who have won the prestigious _ Theatre World Award _ at the beginning of their careers include Meryl Streep, Rosemary Harris, Marlon Brando, Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Anne Bancroft, James Earl Jones, Liza Minnelli, Alan Alda, Zoe Caldwell, Christopher Walken, Alec Baldwin, Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald, Al Pacino, Grace Kelly, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Cynthia Erivo, Danielle Brooks, Lupita Nyong'o, John Krasinski , and so many more. The Theatre World Awards Board encourages theater lovers to “LIKE” the _Theatre World Awards_ fan page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheatreWorldAwards/ ( https://sable.godaddy.com/c/217087?id=372393.8770.1.dcd9c884fdbf91517b33bd7baef6071c )and follow on Twitter at @TWAwards. For additional information about the Theatre World Awards, visit www.theatreworldawards.org ( https://sable.godaddy.com/c/217087?id=372393.8771.1.f87d59dcf6703320898a471fccf1fa9f ). For sponsorship or advertising opportunities contact Nathan Daugherty ndaughertytwa@gmail.com ( mailto:ndaughertytwa@gmail.com ) www.theatreworldawards.org ( https://sable.godaddy.com/c/217087?id=372393.8772.1.946849feb536e6b7b655751763ecbd39 ) |
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| Link | http://www.theatreworldawards.org |
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