Renee Fleming, Tony Danza & More to be Honored at Inside Broadway's Beacon Awards

Inside Broadway's Executive Director Michael Presser has announced that on Monday, June 15, the organization will honor renowned opera singer Renée Fleming (who starred on Broadway this season in Living on Love) and Broadway & TV star Tony Danza (who starred on Broadway this season in Honeymoon In Vegas) at their annual Beacon Awards. Taking place at The JW Marriott Essex House (160 Central Park South), the Broadway Beacon Awards are presented to individuals in the theatre and Times Square community who have been advocates for increasing the audience for live theatre and for understanding the importance of Arts and Education in the lives of New York City's young people. The first Broadway Beacon Award was given to Carol Channing in 1995.

The evening, which begins at 5:30pm with a cocktail reception, with the awards presentation and special live performances at 7pm, will also honor former General Manager of The Metropolitan Opera Joseph Volpe (President of the Volpe Group) and Christopher Cacace, Partner-in-Charge, Theater, Media and Entertainment, Marks Paneth LLP.

Funding raised from the Beacon Awards benefit directly supports Inside Broadway's theatre education programs to support our mission of bringing the joys and advantages of live theatre to NYC's under-served public school students throughout the five boroughs. Since 1982, Inside Broadway (Founder/Executive Director, Michael Presser) has impacted the lives of nearly one million New York City public school students with its one-of-a-kind theatre arts and education programs that enrich educate and foster new generations of theatergoers.

Michael Presser says that "We are delighted to be honoring two individuals who have really supported young people and helped to bring the arts to new audiences. Renée Fleming, America's most popular opera star has always shown a special interest in young people and making opera assessable to new audiences. We are thrilled to welcome her to Broadway as she explores a new area of her remarkable career. Tony Danza, a close friend of Inside Broadway, in addition to his career in theatre, television and movies has also worked as a public school teacher and has great respect for the important role that teachers play in the lives of young people. We thank both of these fine artists for helping to promote our mission of bringing theatre into the lives of young people, and congratulate them on their selection as the 2015 Broadway Beacon Awardees."

Inside Broadway was established in 1982 by Michael Presser. Today, Inside Broadway reaches over 20,000 New York City students each year and develops and produces touring equity musical productions as well as a wide range of educational programs that allow participants to interact with professionals in the field and experience theatre hands-on in the classroom. For more information on Inside Broadway, please visit www.InsideBroadway.org.

Programs of Inside Broadway are funded by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Council, New York City Department of Education, and numerous foundations and individuals.

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