The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 23rd Monte Cristo Award to Chair Emeritus Tom Viertel November 18 at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan.

Viertel was honored for his three decades of service to the organization, including his 25 years as Chair of the Board.

Jack Viertel presented his brother Tom with the 2024 Monte Cristo Award, saying, “It’s an amazing thing to have an older brother who is a fearless leader and a wonderful older brother, and a hall of fame virtuoso…you could hardly ask for anything more."

In his acceptance speech Tom Viertel praised the O’Neill Theater Center, saying his experiences there were “the greatest joys of my life in theatre…It’s been joyous, it’s been challenging, and I’m so glad I could help.”

The evening also included remarks from Tiffani Gavin, the O’Neill’s executive director; and Carolyn Greenspan, Viertel’s successor as Chair of the Board; plus performances by Casey Likes, Brenda Braxton, Julia Murney, Brad Oscar, Marilyn Maye, Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur.

Additional guests included Angel Desai, Chalia La Tour, Claire Warden, Dennis Stowe, Erin Davie, Johanna Day, Laila Robins, Pat Daily, Preton Whiteway, and Tom Kitt.

Check out photos from the evening in the gallery below:

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Photos: O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Tom Viertel with Monte Cristo Award

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The Monte Cristo Award is bestowed annually to a prominent artist whose work has had an extraordinary impact on American theatre, in memory of its namesake. The annual gala event supports the O’Neill’s mission to develop new work and new artists for the stage.

Past recipients of the award include Lynn Nottage, George C. White, John Logan, Judith Light, Meryl Streep, Michael Douglas, Nathan Lane, Christopher Plummer, James Earl Jones, Jason Robards, Jr., Zoe Caldwell, Brian Dennehy, Karl Malden, August Wilson, Wendy Wasserstein, Edward Albee, Neil Simon, Harold Prince, George C. Wolfe, Arthur and Barbara Gelb, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Visit TheONeill.org.