Woman of the Year in Concert at Eli and Edythe Broad Stage

Based on the classic MGM, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy film, Woman of the Year follows Tess Harding, a sharp and ambitious television news anchor, and Sam Craig, a celebrated cartoonist whose worlds—and egos—collide. What begins as a public feud evolves into romance, marriage, and the timeless struggle to balance career, love, and identity. First produced in 1981, the musical’s exploration of gender roles, media influence, and the challenges of partnership remains as relevant today as ever.

All proceeds from the event will benefit FNAM’s ShowSearch program, a nationally recognized musical theatre competition and mentorship initiative for high school and college writers in Southern California. ShowSearch pairs emerging creators with established industry professionals, providing young artists the guidance and platform to develop their own original works. For more information on the juried regional-wide search visit FNAM.us.

“This concert not only celebrates the brilliance of Kander and Ebb, but also directly invests in the future of American musical theatre,” said Michael Donovan, President of the Board of The Foundation for New American Musicals. “Every ticket purchased helps give young writers the resources, mentorship, and platform they need to develop their voices and share their stories.”

Norm Lewis, who will play the role of Sam Craig, was recently seen onstage starring in the off-Broadway production of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.  He recently completed the national tour of the Tony Award-winning production of A Soldier's Play and starred in the Andrew Lloyd Webber's Award-Winning West End Concert of "Love Never Dies."  Mr. Lewis last appeared on Broadway in the Fall of 2021, starring in Chicken and Biscuits at the Circle in the Square Theatre. He received several award nominations for his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production of The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess and in 2014 made history as the first Black "Phantom" in The Phantom of the Opera. He is an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and SAG Award nominee for his work onstage, screen, and in music. Mr. Lewis is a proud, founding member of Black Theatre United. 

As previously announced, Woman of the Year will star Sandy Bainum, bringing her signature warmth, wit, and vocal prowess to the role made famous by Lauren Bacall in her triumphant Broadway return. The concert also stars Jason Graae as Gerald, and Vicki Lewis as Jan, both celebrated performers whose careers span Broadway, television, and beyond.

In addition to Mr. Lewis, FNAM also announced today that Joe Abraham (Broadway’s Hairspray) as Abbott, Sarah Chaney (ABC’s 911) as Helga, Jared Gertner (Broadway’s The Book of Mormon) as Pinky, Gordon Goodman (Off-Broadway’s Lady Patriot) as Larry Donovan, Linda Igarashi (La Mirada Theatre’s The King and I) as Ensemble, Michael James (Center Theatre Group’s A Christmas Story) as Alexi, Whitney Kathleen Vigil (Colony Theatre’s The Wedding Singer) as Ensemble, Kailyn Leilani (Pasadena Playhouse’s Eureka Day) as Ensemble, Arthur Joseph (A.J.) Mendoza (Music Circus’ Hair) as Ensemble, Mark Arthur Miller (SOUL SEARCHING: The Motown Story you never heard) as Phil, Keith Parks (National Tour of Aida) as Ensemble, Brittany Rose Hammond (National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar) as Ensemble, Kevin Symons (NBC’s Parks & Recreation) as Chip, Harrison White (Broadway’s The Lion King) as Ellis, will also join the cast.