The Primary Stages 39th Anniversary Gala, which honors actor and playwright Kate Hamill (Pride and Prejudice, Dracula, Little Women) with the 2023 Einhorn Mentorship Award, is presented November 14 at 6 PM.
The gala is being staged at Sony Hall, with cocktails, dinner, musical performances, and a comedy set included in the evening's festivities.
The Einhorn Mentorship Award celebrates a member of the Primary Stages community who has inspired and supported their collaborators in a true mentor's fashion. Past recipients include Carl Andress, Charles Busch, Jeanine Tesori, Kimberly Senior, Judy Gold, Adam Gwon, and Sharon Washington.
The gala is directed by Michelle Bossy (The Oxy Complex) and features a comedy set with Judy Gold and performances by Andy Karl (Groundhog Day, Pretty Woman the Musical), Orfeh (Pretty Woman the Musical, Legally Blonde the Musical), Jennifer Mudge (The Stendhal Syndrome, Fiasco’s Into the Woods), Javier Muñoz (Hamilton, In the Heights), and more.
“We are so lucky to count Kate not only as an artistic collaborator, but as a board member and longtime friend of Primary Stages,” said Interim Artistic Director Erin Daley in a previous statement. “Her singular voice has delighted and inspired thousands across the country, making her one of the most produced living American playwrights. Beyond her prolific artistic contributions, she is able to create a supportive sense of community in every production she is involved in that allows her fellow artists to grow and thrive.”
Also honored is theatre agent Beth Blickers, who will receive the inaugural Andrew Leynse Commitment to New Plays Award. Created in memory of late Primary Stages Artistic Director Leynse, the award celebrates a dedicated champion of new plays and new playwrights within the community. Throughout her career, Blickers has represented Hamill, Dan O’Brien, Judy Gold, Leah Nanako Winkler, and Daisy Foote.
This year's gala benefit committee includes Sue Breger, Jamie deRoy, Eleanor Holtzman, Carol Roaman, and Mary Susnjara.
Visit PrimaryStages.org.