Broadway Dreams' annual gala was held December 7 at The Plaza Hotel. The evening honored Tony winner Laura Benanti and featured the presentation of the Founder's Award to Christine Duffy.
The gala was co-directed by Tony Award winner Alex Newell and Emmy Award nominee Spencer Liff. Proceeds go toward Broadway Dreams' work in supporting performing arts education, career development, and mentorship.
See photos from the evening in the gallery below.
Broadway Dreams Board of Directors
Melissa Gooding and Jerry Zaks
Tom Gabbard, Vickie Gabbard, Elizabeth Faulkner, and JC Faulkner
Erik Bottcher and Michael Hormel
Alex Newell
Julie Boardman
Laura Benanti
Laura Benanti
John Battagliese
Gus Shonfeld, Jeremy Shonfeld, and Sarah-Jane Casey
Patrick Brown, Laura Benanti, Linda Benanti, and Sal Benanti
Jerry mitchell and Rickey Shroeder
Laura Benanti, Jerry Mitchell, and Linda Benanti
Laura Benanti and Jerry Zaks
David BS Bradshaw, Aneesa Folds, Kaila Mullady, and Dizzy Sense
J Harrison Ghee
Spencer Liff
Jaymes Vaughn and Jonathan Bennett
Meghan Picerno
Adam Sansiveri and Ryan Stana
Spencer Liff and Alex Newell
Spencer Liff and Annette Tanner
Annette Tanner, Laura Benanti, and Ryan Ratelle
Carnival Cruise Lines Team
Jaymes Vaughn, Christine Duffy, and Jonathan Bennett
Annette Tanner, Elizabeth Faulkner, Christine Duffy, and Chris Nelson
Broadway Dreams Gala at The Plaza Hotel
J Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell
Christopher J. Hanke
Laura Benanti
Samantha Gorjanc, Meghan Picerno, Laura Benanti, and Dee Pace
Cait Martin
Broadway Dreams students
“Through her exceptional talent, versatility, and commitment to supporting arts education and other charitable causes, Laura Benanti serves as a powerful inspiration for our Dreamers and young artists worldwide," Annette Tanner, founder and president of Broadway Dreams, said in an earlier statement. "Under the leadership of Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line provides a valuable platform for countless young artists to showcase their talents and gain professional experience through their world-class entertainment offerings," Tanner continued.
Past honorees include Robert Greenblatt, Billy Porter, Tom Kitt, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Heather Headley, and Tituss Burgess.
Founded in 2006, Broadway Dreams offers mentorship-driven performing arts training programs throughout the year. The organization has awarded more than $1.8 million in scholarships to date.
Visit BroadwayDreams.org for more information.
