Photo Flash: Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker and More at Irish Rep's YEATS: THE CELEBRATION Gala

Irish Repertory Theatre proudly presented YEATS: The Celebration, this season's Gala Benefit production, on Monday, June 8th at The Town Hall (123 West 43rdStreet, NYC). BroadwayWorld has photos of the festivities below!

The evening commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the birth of the Nobel Prize winning poet William Butler Yeats, often referred to as "Ireland's national poet," and is one of the first in a week-long series of cultural events around the world celebrating the artist.

This glittering night of poetry, music, song and dance, directed by Charlotte Moore, was hosted by Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, and featured readings and performances by Neil Bradley, Terry Donnelly, Gabriel Donohue, Olympia Dukakis, Melissa Errico, Peter Gallagher, Danny Gardner, Swoosie Kurtz, Colum McCann, Brian Murray, Ciarán Sheehan, John Slattery, J. Smith Cameron, the students of The American Ballet Theatre JKO School, and Caitriona Yeats. Musical direction was by John Bell.

1,100 attended the show, and 400 enjoyed a post-performance dinner at Bryant Park Grill. Over half a million dollars was raised that evening to support the work of The Irish Repertory Theatre, currently in the final phase of its Capital Campaign.

The Irish Rep's home space, located in the Stanwick Building (132 West 22nd Street), is currently undergoing a renovation (designed by Garrison Architects of New York). The renovation project is slated for completion in 2016. During this renovation, The Irish Rep is temporarily presenting its productions at the nearby 99-seat DR2 Theatre (101 East 15th Street), reserved for the company's exclusive use during the full length of the renovation.

Irish Repertory Theatre, now in its 27th season, opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars. The Irish Rep is currently the only year-round theatre company in New York City devoted to bringing Irishand Irish American works to the stage. Recognized with the Jujamcyn Theatres Award, a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama," an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Achievement, and the Lucille Lortel Award for "Outstanding Body of Work," the Irish Rep has celebrated the very best in Irish theatre for over twenty-five years, from the masters to the new generation of Irish and Irish American writers who are transforming the stage. Nearly 38,000 audience members annually attend productions at our theatre located in the heart of New York's Off Broadway community. Once here, they witness the Irish Rep's engaging perspective on the Irish and their unique contributions to the world of drama. Visit Irish Rep online at www.irishrep.org.

Photo Credit: James Higgins

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