Sarah Jessica Parker Hosts La MaMa's 2015 Gala Tonight; Bridget Everett, Rufus Wainwright to Perform

La MaMa will honor film producer Joy Tomchin for her activism on behalf of the LGBTQ communities; Donn Russell for his commitment to and support of nontraditional theatre; and Roberta Uno for her leadership in philanthropy and cultural diversity at the annual La MaMa Gala tonight, November 2nd at La MaMa's Ellen Stewart Theatre (66 E. 4 St.), it has been announced by Mia Yoo, the theater company's Artistic Director.

Hosted by Honorary Chair Sarah Jessica Parker, the event will include appearances and performances by Pua Ali'i 'Ilima o Nuioka (Hula Halau), Joey Arias, Justin Vivian Bond, Bridget Everett, and Rufus Wainwright. Tony Award-winner Scott Wittman (HAIRSPRAY) will direct the evening's entertainment.

La MaMa is now celebrating its 54th season of diverse and innovative work by artists from around the globe; proceeds from the Gala will benefit the theater's various programs and productions.

The evening begins with cocktails at 6:00pm, followed by dinner, and an after party at 9:30. The evening will include special performances and honoree tributes. Single tickets start at $325. To purchase tickets or for more information call 212/254-6468; or email: gala@lamama.org.

Honorary Chairs are Sarah Jessica Parker and Scott Wittman; Gala Chairs are Jeff Haley, Jennifer Ortega and Curtis McGraw Webster; the Gala Committee includes: Stephen & Kimberly Bollenbach, Donald Capoccia, William M. Carey, Frank Carucci, Dian & H.T. Chen, Olympia Dukakis, Jane Friedman, Tim Fulham & Lise Olney, Matthew Hall/ Goldstein Hall, Buck Henry & Irene Ramp, John Jesurun, Dan Kurtz & Elizabeth Olofson, Seth & Sarah Lederman, Warren Leight & Karen Hauser, Patti LuPone, Steven B. Malkenson, Mary Parker & Damon Smith, Estelle Parsons, James Reynolds and Mary Fulham, Peggy Shaw, Marc Shaiman, Sonya H. Soutus, Peter & Brenda Swords, Lois Weaver and Paul Zimet & Ellen Maddow.

Founded by Ellen Stewart in 1961, La MaMa is recognized as the seedbed of new work by artists of all nations and cultures. It is the place where emerging artists learn from established artists and where artists from around the globe share work and ideas. To date, La MaMa has presented artists from over 70 nations. Each season, La MaMa offers more than 100 presentations and reach an audience of more than 32,000 people of all ages and all backgrounds.

Sam Shepard, Blue Man Group, Lanford Wilson, Philip Glass, David and Amy Sedaris, Whoopi Goldberg, Meredith Monk, Harvey Fierstein, Diane Lane, and Joel Zwick are just a few of the artists who began their careers at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in the heart of Manhattan's East Village. La MaMa has been honored with more than 30 Obie Awards and dozens of Drama Desk Awards, Bessie Awards and Villager Awards. La MaMa has become a world-renowned cultural institution that is home to three theaters, an art gallery, rehearsal studios, a visiting artist dormitory, office space, and an extensive archive documenting the history of Off-Off Broadway.

For more information visit www.lamama.org.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride