Laura Benanti, Elaine Paige, Cheyenne Jackson, et al. Set for Drama League 2012 Gala, 2/6

The Drama League (Executive Director Gabriel Shanks; Gala Chairpersons Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane) has announced the roster of special guest for their 28th Annual Musical Celebration of Broadway honoring Tony® and EmmyAward®-winner Kristin Chenoweth, to be held on February 6, 2012 at the famed Pierre Hotel (2 East 61st Street). Designed by celebrity event planner Preston Bailey, the Gala supports the educational initiatives of The Drama League Directors Project.

This year The Drama League’s Gala will bring together 400 of New York City’s most influential arts supporters, celebrities, and luminaries for a black-tie evening of cocktails, dinner and the acclaimed, unforgettable one-night-only musical revue featuring dozens of stars from theater, film and television. Special guests include Academy® and Tony Award®-winner Joel Grey, Tony Award®-winner Laura Benanti, Elaine Paige, Tony Award®-winner Donna Murphy, Cheyenne Jackson, Tony Award®-winner Debra Monk, Andrew Lippa, Marlo Thomas, Brent Barrett, Tony Award®-winner Carole Shelley, Josh Young, David Elder, Marni Nixon, Jason Graae, Eden Espinosa, Kevin Clash from “Sesame Street,” plus original and current cast members from the Broadway musical Wicked. (Please note roster is subject to change and additional performers will be announced soon.)

The evening’s special all-star tribute, directed by Evan Pappas, produced by Drama League Artistic Director Roger T. Danforth, with book by Stephen Cole and musical direction by Steve Freeman, will include selections from Wicked, “Glee,” You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Candide, Promises, Promises, Annie, The Music Man, Steel Pier, A New Brain, The Apple Tree, and many more.

The Benefit Gala raises much-needed funds for the vital education programs of The Drama League Directors Project. Since 1984, the Benefit Gala has honored exceptional artists whose talent and passion have served as a benchmark for others. Each year, an enthusiastic audience of 400 theatre lovers – comprised of recognizable names from the professional theatre community and society pages, as well as Drama League members and supporters – come out to support the Drama League Directors Project.

Since 1916, The Drama League of New York has been at the forefront of the American Theatre community, providing talent, audiences, and prosperous support. It is one of the nation’s oldest continuously-operating, not-for-profit arts advocacy and education organizations.

Through its programs, initiatives and events, The Drama League indelibly transforms the lives of artists and audiences by harnessing the unique social and creative dynamism of theatre. Its nationally-renowned, award-winning efforts have two vital goals: To train and nurture the artists of tomorrow and to deepen and strengthen the audience experience.

Ticket prices start at $750. For more information, please contact The Drama League at 212.244.9494 ext 27 or click on http://dramaleague.org/events/2012-benefit-gala.

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