Mayor Bloomberg to Present Handel Medallion to Neil Simon Nov. 10

Mayor Michael Bloomberg will present the Handel Medallion to Neil Simon at a reception at the Apollo Theatre Monday evening, November 10. The Handel Medallion is the highest official honor given by the City of New York and is presented for outstanding achievement in the arts.

In reaction to the announcement, Mr. Simon remarked, "I'm so honored to receive the Handel Medallion. I like writing more than talking. But when the Mayor calls, I'm always glad to answer."

Neil Simon is among the world's most successful playwrights. He has had countless plays and screenplays produced, and has received more Academy and Tony award nominations than any other writer. He is the only playwright to have had four Broadway productions running simultaneously. The Odd Couple (1965), Biloxi Blues (1985) and Lost in Yonkers (1991) garnered him Tony Awards for Best Play. Lost in Yonkers also received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. America's stages continue to be invigorated by his stories and iconic characters, and by his ability to create humor from the lives and troubles of everyday people.

The Medallion presentation will be hosted by Ugly Betty star Vanessa Williams and feature live performances, including special appearances by Broadway stars Christine Baranski, Matthew Broderick, Robert Klein, Tony Roberts, and the cast of Hair.

Mayor Bloomberg will also present the 2008 Mayor's Awards for Arts and Culture to six individuals in celebration of their outstanding contributions to New York City cultural life. The recipients will be The Alliance of Resident Theatres; The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Arthur Aviles, choreographer; Dr. Sharon Dunn, former Director of Arts Education, NYC Department of Education; Galt MacDermot, composer; and Rush Arts Gallery & Corridor Gallery.

The Handel Medallion is named for the German-born composer George Friederic Handel and was established in 1959 on the 200th anniversary of his death.

Over the years, the Medallion has been awarded to renowned artists such as Richard Rodgers, Benny Goodman, George Balanchine, Joseph Papp, Harold Arlen, Charlie Chaplin, Elia Kazan, Duke Ellington, Beverly Sills, George Abbott, Agnes DeMille, Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Lena Horne, John Lennon, Leontyne Pryce, and Kitty Carlisle Hart.

Photo Credit: Neil Simon by Walter McBride