FRIEND OF THE ARTS AWARD
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019
A Letter From The Presidents Dear Friends, On behalf of everyone at Town Hall, it is our pleasure to welcome you to our 2019 gala. Thank you for being part of the Town Hall family. It is your continued support that inspires us, reinforces our belief in the work, and keeps us doing our best. We hope you will take the time to read our Annual Report on our activities. We know you will share the pride we have in the range of programs, the work we are doing in the New York City public schools, and the myriad ways we are reaching out to the community. We are excited to welcome two outstanding citizens, Evan R. Chesler and Mona Golabek, as recipients of our Friend of the Arts Awards for 2019. Each has used their talents and their time to push our culture forward, truly making this world a better place. With a long history of volunteerism and extraordinary public service, they reflect the nature of what it means to be true visionaries and true givers. We are delighted that they will join our past awardees and their portraits will forever grace the halls of our cherished institution. Congratulations to Mona and Evan, and to all of our previous awardees who are joining us tonight to welcome them as Friends of the Arts. We speak for everyone at Town Hall—our trustees, advisory council members, staff, and performers—when we say, “Thank you for joining us tonight, and thank you for your support throughout the years.”
Tom Wirtshafter President
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Marvin Leffler President Emeritus
The Trustees and The Friends of Town Hall extend this invitation for you to join us at the
PRINCETON CLUB SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019, 4:00 PM Join us as tonight’s honoree, acclaimed concert pianist, author, and actress Mona Golabek, performs excerpts from her celebrated theatrical production “The Children of Willesden Lane” Followed by a Cocktail Reception, Dinner and Award Presentation honoring this year’s recipients of The Town Hall Friend of the Arts Award
EVAN R. CHESLER Chairman of Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New York Public Library
and
MONA GOLABEK Concert pianist, recording artist, actress and humanitarian
Princeton Club of New York 15 West 43rd Street, New York City
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Evan R. Chesler Evan R. Chesler is the Chairman of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious law firms. The first person to hold the title of Chairman in the history of the firm, he is considered one of the country’s top trial lawyers and has tried cases in federal and state courts across the country. Mr. Chesler is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Bar Foundation, and the New York Bar Foundation. He also serves as President of the Institute of Judicial Administration, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New York Public Library, and Chairman of the Lawyers for the Library Committee. He is a member of the Leaders Council of the Legal Services Corporation and Council of The American Law Institute and a Trustee of the Federal Bar Council and Supreme Court Historical Society. An alumnus of New York University School of Law, Mr. Chesler serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of NYU and of the Board’s Executive Committee; a member of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee of NYU School of Law; a member of the Advisory Board of the Center on Civil Justice at NYU School of Law; Chairman of NYU’s Board of Overseers of the Faculty of Arts and Science; and founder and Chairman of the Lawyer Alumni Mentoring Program (LAMP). Mr. Chesler is also an adjunct professor at NYU School of Law and has been an adjunct faculty member at NYU’s College of Arts and Science. Throughout his career, Mr. Chesler has been recognized for exceptional achievement by many professional publications, including The American Lawyer, Benchmark Litigation, Chambers, The Legal 500, and New York Law Journal. He is also a recipient of the Judge Learned Hand Award from the American Jewish Committee (2014); the Judge Joseph M. Proskauer Award from the UJA-Federation of New York (2013); the Judge Simon H. Rifkind Award from the Jewish Theological Seminary (2012); the Law & Society Award from the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (2011); the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers and Partners (2009); the Anti-Defamation League’s Human Relations Award (2007); and the Office of the Appellate Defender’s Gould Award for Outstanding Oral Advocacy (2006).
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Mona Golabek Mona Golabek is the daughter of Lisa Jura, a child piano prodigy, who came to England as a refugee in the Kindertransport rescue operation. Her father, Michel Golabek, was a French resistance fighter who received the Croix de Guerre. Mona’s grandparents died at Auschwitz. A renowned concert pianist, she has performed with major conductors and orchestras worldwide. Ms. Golabek is a prolific recording artist, Grammy-nominated, and the subject of several documentaries including Concerto for Mona with conductor Zubin Mehta. Together with her sister, Renee, she recorded numerous best-selling albums including Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of The Animals with the voices of Audrey Hepburn, Charlton Heston, and Ravel’s two-piano masterpiece of The Mother Goose Suite with Meryl Streep. Inspired by her mother’s story and the last words her grandmother said to the then-teenaged Lisa, “Hold on to your music… it will be your best friend,” Mona has travelled the world to share the meaning of what happened. First, as an acclaimed book, The Children of Willesden Lane, co-authored by Lee Cohen, has been translated and published in French, Italian, German, Hebrew, Spanish, and Polish. Next, as the celebrated theatrical production, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, directed by Hershey Felder has had sold-out runs in New York and London. Ms. Golabek has received Best Actress Nominations from the New York Drama Desk and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. Ms. Golabek formed the Hold On To Your Music Foundation and created educational resources for the book that have been adopted into school curricula across America, impacting more than 500,000 students and families. Now in a unique and ambitious partnership with the USC Shoah Foundation, she will bring the educational mission and her mother’s story to students and communities across the globe. In 2017, Mona brought the Willesden Read to New York City. With concerts throughout the city, including four at Town Hall, Mona performed in front of close to 12,000 students and their families. The same number of lucky children who, like her mother, were rescued from the Holocaust by gracious and accepting people in England and other countries. In partnership with Town Hall, she will return to New York in 2021 for an ambitious encore of the Willesden Read leading up to the release of the feature film.
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Established in 1981, The Town Hall Friend of the Arts Award is presented annually to individuals in recognition and appreciation of their abiding interest in the development, enrichment and support of the arts. 2018
2007
1995
Laurie Anderson Charles Hull Robert Hurwitz
Lilian Vernon Sir George Shearing
Betty Comden & Adolph Green Senator Roy M. Goodman
2017
2006
1994
Barbara Cook Judy & Michael Steinhardt
Anne Jackson & Eli Wallach Vincent Sardi, Jr.
2005
1993
Laurie M. Tisch Peter Yarrow
Tony Bennett Bill Green
2004
1992
Sheldon Harnick Morris W. Offit
James R. Cherry Dizzy Gillespie
2003
1991
Paul LeClerc Wendy Wasserstein
Victor Borge
2002
Marilyn Horne
Roberta Flack Daryl Roth
2016 A Prairie Home Companion Jennifer J. Raab
2015 Paul Libin K.T. Sullivan
2014 George Wein Bank of America
2013 Judy Collins Robert E. Wankel
2012 Dr. Charlotte K. Frank Marvin Leffler
2011 Dr. Joyce Brown Judith Jamison
2010 Barbara & Scott Siegel Elaine Stritch Meryl H. Tisch
2001 Theodore Bikel Michael Sovern
Joseph Papp
1988 Beverly Sills
1987
Jacques d’Amboise Muriel Siebert
Martin E. Segal
1986
1999
Helen Hayes
L. Jay Oliva George Weissman
1985
1998
1984
2009 Tovah Feldshuh T Phillip J. Smith
1997
Sharon Dunn Fyvush Finkel Lawrence C. Zucker
1989
2000
Vartan Gregorian Andrea Marcovicci
2008
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Bobby Short Mortimer B. Zuckerman
1990
Jane Alexander John W. Kluge
1996 Agnes Gund Lewis Rudin Julie Wilson
Celeste Holm Dina Merrill
1983 Kitty Carlisle Hart
1982 Gerald Schoenfeld
1981 John Brademas
Congratulations We are pleased to support The Town Hall and congratulate tonight’s honorees, our Firm Chairman Evan R. Chesler and Mona Golabek.
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Taylor Mac
THE TOWN HALL 2018/19 REPORT We are thrilled to report that Town Hall’s 98th Presenting Season showcased the talents of artists from around the world. From films with live musical scores to renowned writers and musicians, we filled the Hall with world-class entertainment and a variety of new and established performers. As always, we were pleased to present a roster of artists who reflect the diversity of New York City and to provide arts education programming to thousands of New York City residents, including schoolchildren, seniors, and incarcerated youth. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our loyal trustees, members, and friends as well as corporate, foundation, and government supporters whose confidence in our work reinforces our belief that we are making an impact on the cultural landscape of New York City.
Familia Habichuela: Legendary Dynasties
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IN THE FALL We opened with author Hank Green and his new novel An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, which grapples with themes like social media and how today’s culture deals with fear and uncertainty. We also premiered Broadway @ Town Hall, a new series of conversations and performances with some of the greatest Broadway stars. For each show, Musical Director and host Seth Rudetsky sat down with each star, for behind-the-scenes stories and musical performances from their stellar careers. This year, we heard about the personal journeys of Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, and Jeremy Jordan. During the holiday season, we presented Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History: Holiday Sauce, which celebrated the dysfunction of the holiday season with reframed songs everyone loves.
collaborators (including his young son!). Other legendary performances included Bela Fleck with Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer, and sitar player Anoushka Shankar. The Town Hall Ensemble features some of New York’s most renowned musicians, who bring a broad spectrum of styles and voices. In May, they performed with Senegalese singer/songwriter/guitarist Baaba Maal who returned to New York City for the first time in eight years to perform with the Ensemble. A collaboration between Baaba Maal and the Ensemble brought a mix of instruments, styles, and flavor to the music, bringing the audience to their feet.
IN THE SPRING Broadway by the Year® entered its 19th season! Creator Scott Siegel assembled an all-star cast of Broadway and cabaret stars including Nicole Henry, William Michals, Ethan Slater, and Betsy Wolfe. They entertained audiences with songs of Broadway’s storied past, from musicals like Porgy and Bess (1935), Oklahoma! (1943), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1978), Into the Woods (1987), and Hamilton (2015). The Global Icons Series presented artists that span the globe in origin and style and presented performances of pioneering and legendary musical talent as diverse as New York City. Philip Glass returned to perform his masterpiece Music in Twelve Parts, which originally premiered at Town Hall in 1974. In February, Town Hall was thrilled to present renowned flamenco dancer Farruquito, who danced flamenco in its purest form, accompanied by original music, lyrics, choreography, and a talented group of
Baaba Maal performs with The Town Hall Ensemble
TO CLOSE OUR SEASON We presented John Cameron Mitchell + Stephen Trask in The Origin of Love. The co-creators of Hedwig & The Angry Inch reunited to tell stories and sing songs from the groundbreaking rock musical. We ended our season with another sensational Broadway Rising Stars showcase. This year, our showcase featured a guest appearance by Rising Star alum and 2019 Tony Award winner Ali Stroker! Select members and subscribers attended a behind-the-scenes dress rehearsal and reception that raised a glass of champagne with the 2019 Broadway Rising Stars and Musical Director Scott Siegel.
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EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAMS School Programs During the 2018-2019 school year, Town Hall continued our robust school programs, which placed 27 teaching artists in residencies at 16 schools throughout New York City, logging more than 2,000 hours. Skilled in the disciplines of dance, theatre, music, and visual arts, teaching artists led students at each school in classroom workshops that culminated in performances that were attended by their teachers, peers, and families.
Senior Centers
This past year, Town Hall brought My Voices: Storytelling Through the Arts for Seniors to seniors at Woodstock Senior Center, led by teaching artist Zoë Watkins. At the beginning of the residency, Watkins facilitated a discussion about what participants’ first memory of Times Square was and their first Broadway experience. Through workshops that incorporated drama exercises, storytelling, group sharing, and individual reflection, the group wrote an original piece about residents’ reactions to select moments in history set in Times Square. The piece was filmed at a Midtown studio and shared with other members and staff at Woodstock. Each participating senior left 10
the program with a better understanding of theatre and its role in creative expression and conversation. Thanks to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and with two SU-CASA grants from Councilman Kalman Yeger, we were able to expand My Voices to two additional senior centers in Brooklyn—Boro Park Y and Council Center for Senior Citizens. Each of these Centers received Visual Arts and Theatre residencies. They learned about and took inspiration from famous artists, visited the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens to sketch flora, and wrote original pieces about their memories of certain times in their lives that are intertwined with the highlighted years from this season’s Broadway by the Year®. The groups shared their work in front of their peers during a culminating event at the end of the residency.
The Ebony Hillbillies put on an engaging show that entertains students while educating them
Black History Month Celebration Concerts Continuing a 22-year tradition, Town Hall celebrated Black History Month by presenting the Ebony Hillbillies to New York City public school children in grades 2 - 9. The Ebony Hillbillies are selfdescribed as one of the last black string bands in America. On February 6-7, 2019, over 4,500 students and teachers from 44 public schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens learned about instruments and styles that captured black American culture at a moment in time through music. For many of these students, it was the first time they experienced a live performance. Following the concert, students were invited to enter a poster/ Carly Gastelu essay contest, which encouraged the students to think critically about the performance and express their personal understanding of the group’s blend of jazz and blues music using pictures or words. On May 23, 2019, an awards ceremony was held in the Town Hall Friends of the Arts Gallery for the six selected winners to celebrate their achievements with their peers, families, and teachers.
Poster and Essay Contest Winners Musrical Anwar MS664 BEES, 8TH GRADE Teacher: Ms. Lauren Barth
Fortune Akinsiku PS 114X, 5TH GRADE Teacher: Ms. Laurie Griffel
Keily Alvarez PS 114X, 4TH GRADE Teacher: Ms. Laurie Griffel
Leslie Campusano JHS 227K, 8TH GRADE Teacher: Ms. Vaughan Danvers
Shu Qi Lin JHS 227K, 8TH GRADE Teacher: Ms. Vaughan Danvers
Carly Gastelu PS 197M, 5TH GRADE Teacher: Ms. Arleen Degraffenried
Winning entries are available to view at TheTownHall.org/black-history-month 11
TOWN HALL YOUNG PATRONS CIRCLE
WELCOME NEW STAFF
On July 18, 2019, 100 attendees ages 21 - 45, joined us for our annual Young Patrons Circle’s Summer Soiree at Freehold in Brooklyn. In addition to light fare, refreshments, and music by the talented Alfonso Velez, our Director of Development Jacqueline Maddox and YPC Committee Chair Ben Wirtshafter gave touching speeches that acknowledged the support of all of the YPC members. They also highlighted what YPC members’ support looks like in the work that Town Hall does such as the annual Black History Month Celebration Concert. Through this initiative, we aim to bring new faces, fresh ideas, inspiration, and the next generation of supporters to Town Hall.
We are pleased to welcome four new staff members to the Town Hall family.
Melay Araya Associate Artistic Director, Archivist
Kylee Brinkman Education Administrative Assistant
Lauren Extrom Education Assistant
Barbara Matovu Institutional Giving Associate
EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Continued
Summer Internship Program The Town Hall Summer Internship Program, in partnership with the Department of Education and The Pinkerton Foundation, provided 28 paid internships to high school students interested in learning about a career in the arts. The host sites, which included The Town Hall, Salvadori Center, AileyCamp, Turtle Bay Music School, and DanceWave, were selected based upon their interest and capability in providing educational opportunities for the interns. The Town Hall sought to provide experiences that were 12
mutually beneficial to both the participating students and the arts organizations. In collaboration with Town Hall, the Department of Education matched each intern with an organization that aligned with the students’ interests and specific skill-sets. During the six weeks, students were also required to attend weekly seminars led by arts professionals. Seminar topics included: authenticity in the workplace, crossdepartmental collaboration, and résumé/ interview prep. These seminars served as an opportunity for the interns to reflect with their peers on what they were learning, build their resumes for future opportunities, and hear from members of the New York City arts community about potential career paths.
We congratulate Evan Chesler, NYU alumnus and trustee, on receiving this year’s Town Hall Friend of the Arts Award.
Best Wishes to Town Hall on its 98th Anniversary
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THE TOWN HALL FACE IT DEBBIE HARRY Debbie Harry appeared at The Town Hall September 30 to introduce her long-anticipated memoir, Face It.
Friday, February 21, 2020 • 8pm
Fatoumata Diawara
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 • 8pm
The Lantern Tour II An intimate evening of acoustic music featuring Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, The Mastersons, Patty Griffin, Thao Nguyen & Special Guests to benefit the Women’s Refugee Commission and their advocacy on behalf of migrant and refugee families seeking safety at the U.S. border. 14
Hailed as one of the most vital standardbearers of modern African music, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara is taking her artistry to fresh and thrilling heights. Boldly experimental yet respectful of her Malian roots, Fatoumata’s music defines her as the voice of young African womanhood, proud of her heritage but with a vision that looks confidently to the future. Fatoumata’s most recent release, the Grammy Award nominated Fenfo, is a set of vivid and original new compositions that draw on the rich experiences and musical adventures she’s enjoyed in recent years. A modern day storyteller, Fatoumata covers such timeless subjects as respect, humility, love, migration, family and how to build a better world for our children in her music. “Don’t sing just to sing,’ she emphasizes, ‘sing to change things, to make things better.”
PRESENTS Tuesday, March 17, 2020 • 8pm
The Chieftans The Chieftains are highly recognized for reinventing traditional Irish music on a contemporary and International scale. Formed in Ireland in 1962 by Paddy Moloney, their ability to transcend musical boundaries and blend tradition with modern music has notably hailed them as one of the most renowned and revered musical groups to this day. After more than fifty seven years of making some of the most beautiful music in the world, The Chieftains’ music remains as fresh and relevant as when they first began. And now they will bring their music once again on a tour to the US in 2020 called “The Irish Goodbye.” What is an Irish Goodbye, you may ask? Some say an Irish Goodbye is sneaking out of a party without telling anyone.
Friday, March 20, 2020 • 8pm
Miguel Poveda Miguel Poveda is among the most popular and innovative flamenco singers in the world. This special concert is part of the city-wide Flamenco Festival.
But others disagree. They say that an Irish person can’t be the last one to leave the party without hours of long conversations, a few singalongs, and elaborate, keening farewells. So you may have to guess which definition fits this tour. Are they leaving us, or are the staying around for a few more songs? Paddy Maloney says, “Our US fans continue to give us the warmest of welcomes, so it’s going to be a huge pleasure to play once again for all our friends.”
He will be accompanied on stage by four great artists: Jesús Guerrero at the guitar, ‘El Londro’ at voice and palmas, Paquito Gonzalez at percussion, as well as Gypsy dancer Antonio Molina “El Choro.”
Considered a genius in his native Spain, superstar Miguel Poveda’s nuanced and soulful voice has no equal in the world of flamenco. He possesses a strong technique and a charming presence on stage that he exploits to make each of his concerts a unique musical event, singing like no-one you will have heard before (Graham Watts).
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THE TOWN HALL PRESENTS Friday, May 8, 2020 • 8pm The Lord is Listenin’ to Ya, Hallelujah!
Celebrating Carla Bley Arturo O'Farrill will lead a tribute to the groundbreaking composer Carla Bley, featuring his Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and special guests, including Bley and longtime collaborator Steve Swallow. The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra will also debut a new Carla Bley composition. A former bandmate of Bley, renowned Latin jazz composer and bandleader Arturo O'Farrill relishes the opportunity to celebrate one of his heroes.
Saturday, May 9, 2020 • 8pm
Django A Gogo 2020 French guitarist Stephane Wrembel and guests celebrate the music of Django Reinhardt Now in its 13th edition, the festival started by Stephane Wrembel has grown into a major event that takes the music of Django Reinhardt as a starting point and celebrates the constant evolution of Gypsy Jazz. The concert’s repertoire follows the Django canon and veers into re-interpretation, improvisation, and interplay between musicians from various backgrounds.
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THE TOWN HALL IS A PROUD SUPPORTING PARTNER OF THE FOLLOWING SHOWS
Starting in September, Live From Here with Chris Thile makes Town Hall its new home! Join us Saturdays in the Fall for this exciting national weekly broadcast! Chris’ musicianship, commentary, humor and connection with the vital musicians of today have proven to be a winning combination. The show features a unique blend of musical performances, comedy. and audience interaction. Chris welcomes a wide range of well-known and up-and-coming talent to share the stage and create a beautiful listening experience.
October 28, 2019 • 7:30pm
My Body, My Business Broadway Stands Up for Freedom With Kelli O’Hara, Montego Glover, Phillipa Soo and more! Presented by the ACLU & NYCLU. Spend an unforgettable evening with fellow art and music lovers celebrating the power of resistance through expression. Featuring Broadway stars and up-and-coming artists performing songs that celebrate the ACLU and NYCLU, civil rights, and civil liberties. This year’s theme, My Body, My Business, highlights women’s and trans rights. Level Forward will be honored for their contributions to making Broadway and media more inclusive; and Celia Keenan Bolger, recent Tony Award winner and long-time NYCLU champion, will receive the Michael Friedman Freedom Award.
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THE TOWN HALL IS A PROUD SUPPORTING PARTNER OF THE FOLLOWING SHOWS
CONTINUED
On December 12th, Town Hall will host The Ally Coalition’s 6th Annual Talent Show, a night that channels the power of music and comedy for equality. The evening will benefit community organizations serving queer and trans youth. The Talent Show will feature performances from GRAMMY Award Winning musicians, very funny comedians, and returning host Rachel Antonoff. Curated by The Ally Coalition co-founder Jack Antonoff, past performers have included Taylor Swiift, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Charlie XCX, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sara Bareilles, Kasey Musgraves, Spoon, Shamir, and The National.
Congratulations to our dear friend Evan Chesler Beatrice & Tony Welters
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THE STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT
THE TOWN HALL
AND CONGRATULATES THIS YEAR’S HONOREES,
EVAN R. CHESLER & MONA GOLABEK WWW.SNF.ORG
SNF-Town Hall.indd 1
9/19/19 3:36 PM
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20Th anniversary season
Broadway by the Year
® and the edythe kenner Foundation
Town hall’s signature series, Broadway by the Year®, begins its record breaking 20th season in February, 2020.
Dates:
This altogether original series created, written, directed, and hosted by Scott Siegel has been that rare concert creation: beloved by both critics and audiences throughout its remarkable history as a vehicle for today’s great stars to honor the brilliant songs of Broadway’s storied past.
Monday, March 30 • 8pm
Critically acclaimed by the likes of Playblll.com, The Village Voice, and The New York Times, Broadway by the Year has earned accolades while also giving its audiences the chance to see such stars as Sutton Foster, Marc Kudisch, Jessie Mueller, Stephanie J. Block, Brian d’Arcy James, Emily Skinner, Robert Goulet, Cheyenne Jackson, Sierra Boggess, and so many other Broadway luminaries at a fraction of the price of a Broadway musical. The combination of talent, entertainment, and Scott Siegel’s penchant for extraordinary surprises, has made Broadway by the Year a beloved New York institution.
These are just some of the shows that will be honored during the 20th anniversary Season of broadway by the year. Famous songs from these hit musicals will be performed by our starry casts over the four shows of our much-anticipated celebratory season!
The Producers Thoroughly Modern Millie Wicked Avenue Q Jersey Boys The Color Purple Title of Show Curtains The Drowsy Chaperone Grey Gardens
Monday, February 24 • 8pm Monday, May 18 • 8pm Monday, June 22 • 8pm and... Monday, July 20
Broadway Rising Stars
In The Heights Xanadu Young Frankenstein Shrek Next to Normal Baby it’s You Million Dollar Quartet The Book of Mormon Once Kinky Boots
series subscriptions available |
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Beautiful Come From Away An American in Paris Dear Evan Hansen Hamilton Waitress Holiday Inn Moulin Rouge and More!
thetownhall.org/bbty
The Town hall + Mark CorTale PresenT
Seth Rudetsky’s Broadway Music Director and host Seth Rudetsky welcomes the greatest Broadway performers for an up-close and personal conversation and concert. Join us as Megan Hilty + Jessie Mueller, Patina Miller, and Brian Stokes Mitchell chat with Seth and sing a dozen songs from their storied careers and personal journeys. The format of each concert will be a seamless mix of intimate behind-the-scenes stories prompted by Rudetsky’s funny, insightful, and revealing questions – and the music from the stars’ stellar Broadway career. This new series promises three different evenings of show-stopping songs and hilarity not to be missed.
Starring: Monday, deceMber 2 • 8pM
Monday, February 3 • 8pM
Megan Hilty & Jessie Mueller
Patina Miller
Megan hilty starred in NBC TV’s Smash, and Sean Saves The World opposite Sean Hayes. She made her Broadway debut as Glinda in Wicked and was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, and Drama League awards for her performance as Brooke in Roundabout’s revival of Noises Off, and Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations as Doralee in Broadway’s 9 to 5: The Musical. Megan stars as Patsy Cline in the new Lifetime movie Patsy & Loretta opposite Jessie Mueller as Loretta Lynn, premiering October 19, 2019. Jessie Mueller was nominated for a Tony Award in the role of Julie Jordan in the recent revival of Carousel, and prior to that was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Grammy Awards for originating the role of Jenna in the hit musical Waitress. She earned all three awards for her starring role as Carole King in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. Jessie stars as Loretta Lynn in the new Lifetime TV movie Patsy & Loretta opposite Megan Hilty as Patsy Cline, premiering October 19, 2019.
Patina Miller currently stars on the CBS hit series Madam Secretary. She is most famously known for her Tony Award winning role as Leading Player in the Broadway revival of Pippin, which also brought her an Outer Critics Circle Award and nominations for Drama League and Astaire Awards. She made her Broadway debut as the gutsy nightclub-singer-turnednun, Deloris Van Cartier, Sister Act. Patina made her feature film debut as Commander Paylor in Lionsgate’s famous trilogy The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, and Part 2.
Monday, april 13 • 8pM
Brian Stokes Mitchell Brian stokes Mitchell, dubbed “the last leading man” by The New York Times, is a two-time Tony Award-winner who continues to enjoy a 40-year career that spans Broadway, television, film, and concert appearances. He received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for his star turn in Kiss Me, Kate and Tony-nominations for his performances in Man of La Mancha, August Wilson’s King Hedley II, and Ragtime. Other notable Broadway shows include Kiss of the Spider Woman, Jelly’s Last Jam, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.
This series is raising funds for Sandy Hook Promise. sandyhookpromise.org
series subscriptions start at $150 |
thetownhall.org/SethRudetsky 21
Upcoming | november + DeCember 2019 Thu, DeC 5
mon, nov 4
ToGeTher Glennon DoYle abbY WambaCh maYsoon ZaYiD resisTanCe revival Chorus
roberT earl Keen: coUntdown to christmas presented by Live nation
presented by right angle presents
WeD, DeC 11 Tue, nov 5
JennY slaTe Thu, nov 7
KaThleen maDiGan
benDelaCreme & JinKx monsoon all i WanT For ChrisTmas is aTTenTion presented by BendeLacreme, Kevin heard and on the moon arts
Fri, nov 8
vir Das presented by new York comedy festival
Fri, nov 8
u up? live saT, nov 9
naTe barGaTZe Thu, nov 21
Trisha YearWooD presented by Bowery presents
Fri, DeC 13
Girls GoTTa eaT presented by Live nation second show added!
WeD, DeC 18
Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home christmas show
Fri, nov 29
hoT Tuna eleCTriC presented by Live nation
WeD, DeC 4
béla FleCK and the FleCKTones presented by Live nation
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Fri, DeC 20
The Tenors: wonder of christmas toUr presented by Live nation
see more upCominG evenTs aT
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NEW YORK CITY STAGEHANDS Affiliated 1893 -Organized 1886 23
2019 SUSTAINING MEMBERS Peggy Van Raalte & Barry Abbott Shari Acebedo** Patricia Adell & Jeffrey Sussman* Pam Africk** Mr. & Mrs. Louis Aidala* Emerson Allen* Laurie & Steve Arnold Wanyong & Chris Austin* Phyllis Barasch** Justine Barrett William Beck Kathleen Begala & Yves-Andre Istel Howard F. Berman** Nancy & Evan Berman Jane Eisner Bram* Pat Brown* Katrina Browning* Colin A. Burns* Ralph Buultjens** Claudio Cafengiu Karen & Alexander Callender* Marcy & Leona Chanin Foundation** Dr. Stuart Chassen* James P. Coffey* Gloria & Irwin Cohen* Mindy A Cohen* John & Colleen Cook** Leah Cooper Curtains Up! Florence A. Davis* Kathleen Davis-Groener** Michael & Allison Dietz* Gordon Murray & Katherine DeFoyd Jamie Delio** Susan & Rick Derrickson Mary Dettling-Wright** Greg Diamond Sharon Dunn Robert Dwyer, Jr.* Anne & Joel Ehrenkranz** Hon. Betty W. Ellerin* Mike Embler & Maria Cilenti** Charles Engros Robert Evanson** Diane Fairbank** Anna May & Tim Feige Hazel & Russel Fershleiser** Caryl Field Alfred Finger* Nancy Fisher Esmond Fitzgerald Peter Flaherty Joe Flanagan* Valerie Fontaine Kempner* Anonymous 24
Dr. Charlotte Frank & Marvin Leffler** Dori Fromer & Harley Frank* Matthew Frank** Donna Frankel Michael & Anne Frank-Shapiro* Bobby & Vicki Freeman Adrienne Frosch* David Fuchs* Susan & Michael Furman Carmen Gaito Pete Ganbarg* Mary Ganzenmuller Simone Garcon Yvette Geary* Kathleen Germann Lynn & Paul George* Michele Gerstel Goldfarb & Fleece Roanne Goldfein Marianne Goodman MD Barbara Gottlieb* Patricia Green** Agnes Gund** Fran & Richard Habib* Kathleen Hagen* Cleo Han* Jill & Martin Handelsman* Alan Harwick Lisa & Tom Hazen Priscilla H. Hoffman* Ryan Holmes Sandy & Alfred Horowitz* Bruce Horten** Fern Hurst & Peter Rubin** Dr. Elizabeth Iannizzi** Adam Idleberg Lera Jewels* Todd Jick* Henry Johansson* Lucas Katler Robert M. Kaufman* Kathleen & Richard Kearns Michael & Jacqueline Kempner Tom King Donna & Jeff Knight* Arthur Koenig** Eric Krasnoff* Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kronish* John Kuehn & Elaine Crowley Susan Lampard* Susan Lyman & Larry Lane John Leahan Jacqueline & Bruce Leffler** Karin & Marc Leffler*
John Lewin Adam & Melony Lewis** Ivy Lewis** Robin & Jay Lewis** Tanner Lindsey Local One I.A.T.S.E. Michael Loeber Genevieve Lynch James & Susan Maddox Jean & Ken Malecki** Jack & Carol Margossian Tanya Marks Jeff Marowits Karl Marquardt* Ingrid Matheson David & Julie McCarthy** Robert & Merrideth McCarthy Gavin Mcfarland Lori McGoran T Meadow David Medlar* Keith Meritz & David Hurst Richard & Merle Milder Paul Z. Miles** Isaac Mizrahi* Sean Mooney Richard J Moylan Nobuko Narita* Edy Nathan* James Naughton & Laura Richards* Chad Newman & Jared Stanisci Carol & Davis Noble* Patrick O’Donnell* Dorinda J. Oliver** Glenn & Linda Ostrander* Robert Ouimette Shelly Packer** Judith Parker Doris & Martin Payson* Tim Peierls** Patrick Pollari* Jennifer Poling Daniel & Cristina Stefani-Rackow Leslie Raicer* Catherine Randolph* Michael Reidy Robert Rene Dasha Rettew** Rita Robbins** A. Jeffrey Rosen Kathleen Rosenberg** Zita Rosenthal** Rhoda Rothkopf** Michael Rotter** William Berndt & Shima Roy*
Fiona Howe Rudin* Robert & Lynda Safron** Barbara Salmanson* MikeLynn Salthouse** Sherry & Alan H. Salzman** Roberta Schechter* Joan Schiavone Roberta Schleicher* David Schmid Robert and Heidi Schwartz Robert Score* Alan Shabot* Michael & Anne Frank-Shapiro* Patricia & Brian Shea** Susan & Victor Shedlin** Anthony Shepherd Constance Silver** Melanie Sloan* Elena Skolnick Kimberly A. Smith** Hansel Smyth & Caitlin Freeman Erik Sonsteby Madhu R Goel Southworth** Rich Stanton Nevin Steinberg & Paige Price* Judy & Michael Steinhardt* Charlotte Stewart Raymon F. & Carolyn A. Strecker Kartik Subramanian & Sireesha Baljepalli** Lara Taubman Abbe Tiger Tom Toce & Liz Portland Tim Tompkins* Steven Trigoboff Lawrence Unger** Kara Unterberg* Bruce Van Dusen Jeffry VonWald* Daniel R. Wacks* Patricia Wallace Susan Jordan Wayne* Mildred Weissman** Richard Winn Karen Winslow & Michael McGovern Carol Marks & Tom Wirtshafter** Matt Howard & Melissa Wohlgemuth* Helaine Worrell Merryl & Charles Zegar** Susan Zohn** Anita Jaffe & Lawrence C. Zucker** Sloan Zuckerman Gary Zych*
*=$500-$999 **= $1,000+
MAJOR GIFTS, CORPORATE, FOUNDATION AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT Acción Cultural Española The Achelis & Bodman Foundation Affiliated Advisors Apple Inc. Bank of America Bruce Weber & Nan Bush Foundation Consolidated Edison Company of New York Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Daryl & Steven Roth Foundation Robert Evanson Ford Foundation Dr. Charlotte K. Frank Garber Atlas Fries & Associates John Gore/Key Brand Entertainment William T. Grant Foundation The Hearst Foundations, Inc. Jewish Communal Fund JP Morgan Chase Jujamcyn Theaters Patti Kenner Edythe Kenner Foundation The Kinder Morgan Foundation The Jacob & Valeria Langeloth Foundation Local One Morgan Stanley Nesenoff & Miltenberg, LLP New York City Council Member Rafael L. Espinal New York City Council Member Ben Kallos New York City Council Member Keith Powers New York City Council Member Kalman Yeger New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature Henry Nias Foundation Office of the President, Borough of Manhattan, Gale A. Brewer The Pinkerton Foundation Pamela & Richard Rubinstein Foundation Pricewaterhouse Cooper The Reed Foundation S&P Global Ellen Schall The Shubert Foundation The Shubert Organization, Inc. Speyer Family Foundation Inc. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Theatre Refreshments Ticketmaster Wenner Foundation Zegar Family Foundation 25
2018 BRONZE PLAQUE GIVERS
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Town Hall and Urban D.C.
Celebrating the 98th Gala
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ThankYou!
Yasmin Abdul-Mikin Fodi Ali Mike A. Antoine Ismael Aponte Anthony Baez Angelo Barreto Ronald Boyd Kylee Brinkman Jennifer Bush Luis Cabezas Justin Carrasquillo Joseph Conway Ernesto Cruz Steven Cruz William Dehling Danny DeJesus Tara A. Donohue Bobbie Espinoza Lauren Extrom Richard Feliciano Illiass Fellahi Younes Fellahi Kai Fletcher Ashanti Ford Stanley Forestal Amanda Franqui Ariana Franqui Joseph Franqui Peter Franqui Steven Franqui Stefanie Garcia
Sean Gonzalez Jahi Grant Nia Grant Deja Green Johnny Lee Green Jan Gonzalez Martinez Bryant Hargrove Alvina Chanel Henderson Gissel Hernandez Abe Hirsch Marquell Huntley Ramar Jackson Abdul Jihad Jorge Jusino Donna Kong Alexander Koveos Tavares Lawson Richard Looney Edwin Lopez Julian Lugo Jacqueline Maddox Cinderella Major Jeff Mann Yordano Marte Jan Gonzalez Martinez Barbara Matovu Ruben Mella, Jr. Cole Mileaf Britni Montalbano Helen Morris Lauren Noble
Tashya Ortiz M. A. Papper Sabrina Paratore Justin Parker Anderson Arauso Perejra Kyron Phillips Ingrid Pollard Tayra Pope Ida Pryor Christopher Randolph Abel Reyes Andrew Reyes Bernard Ricco Nelson Richardson Angel Rodriguez Edgar Rodriquez Ramon Sanabria Leigh Schanfein Marlon Smith Tim Spencer Melay Tadesse Araya Alexander Then Rantea Thompson Giovanni Urias Jackelin Urias Tav’on Williams Nathan Yampolsky Joshua Young Lawrence C. Zucker
For your never-ending support and dedication to bringing world-class entertainment and education to New York! With sincere gratitude and appreciation, Tom Wirtshafter, President, Marvin Leffler, President Emeritus, Lawrence C. Zucker, Executive Director, and The Board of Trustees
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SUPPORTING NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANTS
TONY’S DI NAPOLI
SAJU BISTRO
OSTERIA AL DOGE
147 W 43rd St. Tel: 212/221-0100 tonysnyc.com
120 W 44th St. Tel: 212/997.7258 sajubistronyc.com
142 W 44th St. Tel: 212/944-3643 osteriaaldogenyc.com
Captures the essence of Authentic Old NY Italian cuisine with its ambiance, decor, great value and delicious homestyle recipes in platters that comfortably satisfy 2-3 hungry diners. Individual plates are also available.
Saju breaks the midtown monotony. Retreat into a modern, elegant oasis for a culinary alternative. The well designed menu will make your pre-theatre, post-theatre experience feel like a trip to St. Tropez en Provence.
A little Milanese, a little Venetian and a lot of fish and pasta. Try the swordfish carpaccio, antipasto spread or luscious pastas. Part of the reason for the pre-theatre crowd is a reasonable pre-theatre prix-fixe.
CAFÉ UN DEUX TROIS
HEARTLAND BREWERY & CHOPHOUSE
BXL CAFÉ
123 W 44th St. Tel: 212/354-4148 cafeundeuxtrois.com
Cavernous, cacophonous space: soaring ceiling, colossal columns, faux-antiqued walls, distressed mirrors and trompe l’oeil murals - one of the hottest aftertheater hangouts on Broadway. While waiting for a menu, grab a crayon—supplied with the butcher paper tablecloths—and draw.
127 W 43rd St. Tel: 646.366.0235 heartlandbrewery.com
Voted best brew pub by New York Magazine, and a NY Daily Press People’s Choice Award Winner. Widely known for brewing unique handcrafted beer, Heartland also wins accolades for freshly prepared food and specialties like handmade soda. Cozy décor, friendly staff, and seasonal menu items and beers make each visit to Heartland a mouthwatering and memorable experience.
125 W 43rd St. Tel: 212/768-0200 bxlrestaurants.com
Authentic Belgian bistro serving great Belgian fare and carrying an extensive list of imported beers. Menu features awesome burgers as well as classic delights like mussels accompanied by authentic Belgian frites! Monday is unlimited mussels night.
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TRUSTEES Tom M. Wirtshafter President
Marvin Leffler
THE TOWN HALL STAFF Lawrence C. Zucker Executive Director
M.A. Papper
President Emeritus
Artistic Director
Susan Zohn
Helen Morris
Executive Vice President
Alfred H. Horowitz Vice President
Bruce S. Leffler Vice President
Andrew T. Miltenberg Treasurer
Phyllis Putter Barasch Secretary
Jacobo Almuiña Robert E. Evanson Anne Frank-Shapiro Henry Johansson Ted Lambert David F. McCarthy Rita Robbins Madhu Southworth Nevin Steinberg
Director of Administration, Subscriptions & Membership
Jacqueline Maddox Director of Development
Jeff Mann Director of Marketing
Lauren Noble Director of Education
Barbara Matovu Institutional Giving Associate
Melay Araya Associate Artistic Director / Archivist
Lauren Extrom Education Assistant
Kylee Brinkman Education Administrative Assistant
Britni Montalbano Administrative Assistant
Alex Koveos
LIFE TRUSTEES Leona Chanin Mary Dettling-Wright Eugene J.T. Flanagan
ADVISORY COUNCIL Kathleen Rosenberg, Chair Nancy Berman Shauna Denkensohn Sandy Horowitz Elizabeth Iannizzi Zita Rosenthal Rhoda Rothkopf
ARTS IN EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Dr. Charlotte K. Frank, Chair Dr. Sharon Dunn Michael Fram Gary Hecht Ernest Logan Dr. Lisa Mars Dr. Eloise Messineo Dr. Pola Rosen Leona Shapiro George Young
Digital Media Manager
Leia-lee Doran Principle Designer
Angel Rodriguez Box Office Manager
Richard Looney House Manager
William Dehling Technical Director
Steven M. Franqui Chief Engineer
ADDRESS 123 West 43rd Street (between 6th Ave and Broadway) New York, NY 10036
BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday — Saturday 12pm — 6pm Closed Sundays except for performance dates
WWW.THETOWNHALL.ORG