Photo Flash: Inside An Evening with Bebe Neuwirth at Arena Stage

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater hoted An Evening with Bebe Neuwirth on Monday, May 1, 2017. The exclusive benefit features the presentation of the second annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Arena Stage Emeritus Trustee Arlene R. Kogod. The evening, helmed by event chair Susan Haas Bralove and diplomatic chair His Excellency Björn Lyrvall, Ambassador of Sweden, includes a VIP cocktail reception, three-course seated dinner, one-night-only performance and post-show music, wine and dessert reception.

Bebe Neuwirth, a two-time Tony and Emmy Award winner, plays the recurring role of Nadine Tolliver on the hit CBS series Madam Secretary. She was seen on Broadway as Nickie in Sweet Charity and Velma Kelly in Chicago. She later returned to Chicago to play both Roxie Hart and Matron in one of Broadway's longest running musicals to date. She received two Emmy Awards for her role as Dr. Lilith Sternin Crane on television's Cheers, and reprised her role on Frasier. Her cabaret-style performance will weave together stories from her acclaimed career and feature some of her favorite tunes.

Dinner will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Arlene R. Kogod, in recognition of her unparalleled commitment to and support of the arts throughout Washington, D.C. (Arena Stage's 200-seat theater, the Kogod Cradle, is named after Arlene and her husband Robert). The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Newburger Schwartz in 2016 and celebrates female leaders in the community.

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Arlene Kogod for many years, and am delighted to celebrate her special contributions to our community through the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award," says Artistic Director Molly Smith. "Arlene is an inspirational leader among Washington women. She is a staunch supporter of the community and of the arts. I love seeing her name on our building every day I come to work. Arlene sets an example to all of us with her quiet and steady generosity of spirit. She deserves to be feted this way, and how better than with Bebe Neuwirth, a multi-talented and amazing artist. Bebe does it all-singing, dancing, acting-and is a great example of the strength of American women."