Mary Zimmerman & Author John D. Spooner to be Honored at 2014 Spotlight Spectacular, 4/28

Best-selling author, investment manager, and Huntington Theatre Company Trustee John D. Spooner and Mary Zimmerman, the visionary and acclaimed director of the Huntington's recent productions of The Jungle Book and Candide, will be honored with the Wimberly Award at the 2013 Regional Theatre Tony Award recipient's 2014 Spotlight Spectacular on Monday, April 28, 2014.

"As a staunch advocate with a deep commitment to the Huntington, John has provided us with generous support and wise counsel for more than a decade," says Huntington Managing Director Michael Maso. "In honoring John with the Wimberly Award, we also honor his beloved late wife Susan, who also served as a Huntington Trustee and whose lasting mark on our organization continues to be felt today. We also salute the Spooners' support of many other organizations, with an emphasis on John's past service on the Massachusetts Cultural Council and as a longtime board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Boston.

"Mary Zimmerman is one of the Huntington's most imaginative and beloved artists," says Huntington Artistic Director Peter DuBois. "Her productions are utterly transporting; I can't think of a more worthy artistic honoree at this year's Spotlight Spectacular." The MacArthur Fellow and Tony Award-winning director's ravishing musical adaptation of The Jungle Book (September - October 2013) received widespread critical and audience acclaim and holds the record as the highest grossing production in Huntington history. Zimmerman previously directed adaptations of Candide, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Journey to the West for the Huntington.

Guests will be treated to rousing entertainment by a quartet of beloved Zimmerman performers: Tony Award winner Andre De Shields (King Louie in The Jungle Book), Kevin Carolan (Baloo in The Jungle Book), Geoff Packard (the title role in Candide and Lt. George and others in The Jungle Book), and Lauren Molina (Cunegunde in Candide), under the musical direction of frequent Zimmerman collaborator Doug Peck (The Jungle Book and Candide). Additional surprises will be announced at a later date.

The Huntington's festive annual event raises money to support the Huntington's programs, including its award-winning youth, education, and community initiatives that reach more than 30,000 annually. Chaired by Huntington Trustee Susan B. Kaplan and designed by Rafanelli Events, the event begins at 6pm at the Boston Park Plaza Castle and will feature a cocktail reception, live auction offering unique items, seated dinner provided by MAX Ultimate Food, presentation of the Wimberly Awards, and entertainment. Guests will also have the opportunity to "Sponsor a Class" at a student matinee of the Huntington's 2014-2015 Season. Additional funds to support the Huntington will be raised through an online auction that will open for bidding on Friday, April 11.

Table prices start at $7,500 and individual ticket prices start at $500. For more information about the event or to sponsor a table or purchase tickets, contact Alli Engelsma-Mosser at 617 273 1536 or aemosser@huntingtontheater.bu.edu.