Kristin Chenoweth Unable to Attend Goodspeed Musicals Gala Due to Injuries; Alan Cumming to Accept Her Award, 8/11

At this time, Goodspeed Musicals regrets to inform you that, due to her recent injuries on the set of "The Good Wife," Kristin Chenoweth will not be able to attend their gala, as she is at home recuperating. However, the show will go on as planned, with Broadway, film, and television star Alan Cumming accepting the award in her absence and a Special Tribute Performance by Tony- and Grammy-nominated composer Andrew Lippa. They will be joined by Goodspeed alums Kirsten Wyatt (Gooch in Goodspeed's Mame) and Khris Lewin (Goodspeed's My One and Only.)

Goodspeed Musicals will honor the incomparable Kristin Chenoweth for her tremendous contributions to musical theatre. Actor and friend Alan Cumming will accept the The Goodspeed Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre on her behalf in recognition of her extraordinary career. Also that evening, Goodspeed Musicals will honor the Hoffman Auto Group. They will receive the inaugural Goodspeed Musicals Arts & Business Partnership Award - an honor bestowed upon a prominent member of the Connecticut business community who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the arts and culture.

Previous award recipients include Julie Andrews, Martin Charnin, Ira Gershwin, Jerry Herman, William Ivey Long, Thomas Meehan, Michael P. Price, Gerald Schoenfeld, Stephen Schwartz, Susan Stroman, Charles Strouse, Tommy Tune and Paul Williams. Proceeds from the Gala will support Goodspeed Musicals' Education Programs through The Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre.

Master of Ceremonies Andrew Lippawill lead the evening's festivities. The event will include a cocktail hour and an exquisite dinner followed by a live auction and a Special Tribute performed by Mr. Lippa who will be joined by some of Broadway's finest performers in celebrating Ms. Chenoweth's career and The Hoffman Auto Groups' support of non-profits across Connecticut.

Honorary Committee: The Honorary Chair will be Tony Award-winner Alan Cumming, who has been nominated for numerous Emmys for his performance in "The Good Wife." The Honorary Committee includes: Rob Ashford, Kristen Bell, Matthew Broderick, John DeLuca, Danny DeVito, Robert Harling, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney, Peter G. Kelly, Simon Konover, Andrew Lippa, Matthew Morrison, Joe Mantello, Kathleen Marshall, Rob Marshall, Bette Midler, Dolly Parton, Annie Potts, Stephen Schwartz, Stacey Snider, Susan Stroman, Rita Wilson, BD Wong and Chely Wright.

Proceeds from the Gala will support Goodspeed Musicals' Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre.

The gala takes place on Saturday, August 11, at 6:30 p.m. at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station (55 Bridge Street - Route 82) in Haddam, Connecticut. Cocktail reception and silent auction begin at 6:30, followed by dinner and a live auction, PLUS Entertainment and the presentation of the awards beginning at 7:30 p.m.