AMERICAN THEATRE WING, AN ORAL HISTORY Book Now Available

Celebrating the 100 years of the American Theatre Wing, their centennial book released today, American Theatre Wing, an Oral History: 100 Years, 100 Voices, 100 Million Miracles (Graphic Arts Books; edited by Patrick Pacheco), is a fascinating cornucopia of untold lore and never-before-seen photos as prismatic and unexpected as the theater itself.

In 1943, a wounded soldier aided by a cane limped into the Stage Door Canteen, the American Theatre Wing's fabled New York club created to entertain the allied forces. Two hours later, he was said to have left with a spring in his step--and without the cane. This "miracle" is just one of many recounted in the lavish book.

The other miracles are more commonplace, if no less remarkable, told by the impassioned artists and theater advocates who created and sustained this preeminent theatrical organization, includingAngela Lansbury, Rosie O'Donnell, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Harold Prince, Kenny Leon, Neil Patrick Harris, David Henry Hwang, Harvey Fierstein, and James Corden. These oral histories trace the American Theatre Wing's dedication to supporting and fostering American theater and the burgeoning and veteran artists in their stories--from Broadway, Off Broadway, and regional theater.

Patrick Pacheco is a journalist and Emmy-winning commentator whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Esquire.com. Pacheco contributed to the 2005 Broadway musical Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, and co-wrote with Maria Cassi the play My Life with Men...and Other Animals. He also wrote the 2010 Disney documentaryWaking Sleeping Beauty. He appears on NY1's "On Stage" and Public Television's "Theater Talk."

One hundred years ago, on the eve of America's entry into World War I, seven suffragettes-all women of the theatre-came together to form The Stage Women's War Relief. A century later, the spirit and vision behind the founding of American Theatre Wing remains a touchstone for all we do. The Wing continues to champion bravery, with a focus on developing the next generation of brave artists. We envision an American Theatre that is as vital, multi-faceted, and diverse as the American people.

Visitors to AmericanTheatreWing.org can gain inspiration and insight into the artistic process through the Wing's extensive media collection, and learn more about its programming for students, aspiring and working professionals, and audiences. Follow the Wing on Twitter and Instagram @TheWing, and on Facebook.com/TheAmericanTheatreWing.