Lawrence Benenson News

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation has appointed three new members of the board. Learn more about these board members and about the Foundation!

Uncovering the lives and works of four groundbreaking visual artists, American Masters presents an "Artists Flight" of new documentaries, premiering Fridays, August 31-September 14 on PBS (check local listings). Four films tell the stories of four artists: Eva Hesse, the 1960s art world icon who changed art history and women's place in the picture; New York contemporary art maverick Elizabeth Murray; painter Andrew Wyeth, one of America's most popular, but least understood, artists; and Jean-Michel Basquiat, the New York graffiti artist turned '80s art world rock star who died 30 years ago (August 12, 1988). Each film will be available to stream the following day via pbs.org/americanmasters and PBS apps.

A Tony Award and Grammy-winning singer and actress, a renowned classical dancer and educator, a ground-breaking conceptual artist, and an influential patron of the arts have been selected to receive the 2015 Nelson A. Rockefeller Awards for Creativity. Presented by Purchase College, State University of New York, the awards recognize lifetime achievements and longstanding commitments to the cultivation of arts awareness and education - values that are closely aligned to the Purchase College mission.

On Monday, October 5th, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater (David van Asselt, Artistic Director) held its 15th Anniversary Gala Benefit at Caroline's Comedy Club. The celebratory evening was hosted by Rattlestick Benefit co-chairs Sandra Coudert, Lawrence Benenson and Colleen Jones. Guests included many of Rattlestick's distinguished alumni including playwrights Craig Wright, Lucy Thurber, Mando Alvarado and Adam Rapp, directors Lucie Tiberghien, Michael Ray Escamilla and Sam Gold, actors Thomas Sadoski, Deirdre O'Connell, Guy Boyd, Marylouise Burke, Matthew Stadelmann, Jessica Dickey and Bill Bowers, as well as many of the company's friends and longtime supporters.

Rolex presented 'ON BROADWAY! A Glittering Salute To The American Musical'- Career Transition For Dancers', 23rd Anniversary Jubilee on Monday, October 27 at 7pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (bet. 7 & 6 Aves). Multi award-winning actress Angela Lansbury hosted the Gala, which was followed by an Anniversary Supper with the Stars at Hilton New York's Grand Ballroom.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater's 14th Anniversary Gala, It's All About the Art, took place on October 6, 2008 at Caroline's on Broadway in New York City. Rattlestick celebrated the many artistic talents involved in their productions with this year's Gala, It's All About the Art, which featured a cocktail reception, dinner and a luxury auction of unique items and experiences in the company of Rattlestick alumni and friends. There was also be special entertainment, and proceeds went directly to support Rattlestick's pioneering theatrical work.

Ann and Bill Van Ness hosted a cocktail party to toast the honorees, co-chairmen and committees of Career Transition for Dancers upcoming Jubilee Gala 'Dance Rocks' at City Center on October 29.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater celebrated its 13th Anniversary Gala Benefit on October 1 at Caroline's on Broadway.