Photo Flash: Marvin Hamlisch Honored by Arts Horizons

The lights were bright on Broadway on Monday night and the curtains raised at the Hudson Theater with Marvin Hamlisch headlining the Broadway Salutes Arts Horizons 30th Anniversary Gala.

In the 30 year history of bringing arts education programs to over 7 million public school children in the tri-state area, October 27th marked Arts Horizons first-ever benefit gala.  The organization's founder, John Devol, once played trumpet in the pit orchestra of A Chorus Line.  And it couldn't have been more fitting that the "singularly sensational" Mr. Hamlisch was honored with the "Paul Newman Artist of the Year Award" for his lifetime contribution to music and the Broadway Theatre.

The evening was jam-packed with spectacular performances ranging from African drums and Brazilian Dance to Classical opera.  But it was Marvin's performance that stole the show!  Broadway greats Karen Ziemba and J. Mark McVey sang along to Mr. Hamlisch's piano accompaniment, bringing the crowd to its feet in applause. When the stage wasn't alive with music or dance, master of ceremonies, Charles Grodin, had the attendees doubled over in laughter throughout the entire evening. Another highlight was when Larry King called in to deliver a live message of Congratulations to Arts Horizons and the evening's honorees.

The gala's other honorees included media guru and CEO of Primetime Omnimedia, L. Marilyn Crawford and Commerce Bank executive Peter Meyer.  Entertainment executive, Suzanne de Passe made a heartfelt speech and presented the "Celeste Holm Woman of the Year Award" to her dear friend L. Marilyn Crawford.  Renowned journalist Rita Cosby presented Peter Meyer with his well-earned "LeRoy Neiman Humanitarian of the Year Award" for his philanthropic work.  From the glittering top-hats adorning the centerpieces and the beautiful theatrical venue to the incredible performances, the Broadway Salutes. Arts Horizons 30th Anniversary Gala was a one-night only engagement to remember.

Marvin Hamlisch and J. Mark McVey

Marvin Hamlisch and Karen Ziemba

Marvin Hamlisch

Celeste Holm

Photos by Rob Rich