Drama Desk Recognizes The New Victory Theater for Children's Programming

Today, the Drama Desk organization announced that it will recognize The New Victory Theater, New York's first and only theater devoted to kids and families, with a special 2011-12 honor for "providing enchanting, sophisticated children's theater that appeals to the child in all of us, and for nurturing a love of theater in young people."

"We are delighted and gratified to learn of this wonderful recognition by the Drama Desk," said Cora Cahan, President of The New 42nd Street. "From the moment The New 42nd Street boldly launched the reinvention of the derelict 42nd Street back in 1995 by opening The New Victory as the city's first and only theater devoted to kids and families, it has been our aim to prove that by presenting "good stuff" from around the world, we might help develop an enlightened, spirited and dedicated audience for the city's theater and performing arts institutions. We hope that The New Victory has helped to change the long-held notion that theater for young audiences must be sweet and silly by presenting works that are at times provocative and challenging as well as beautiful and marvelous."

"This is an exciting honor, and The New Victory Theater is grateful to the Drama Desk for being such a loyal champion of the work we present. By programming high-quality, terrific work that does not pander to kids we are creating a lasting impression on them, inspiring young audiences and their families to experience the performing arts," said Mary Rose Lloyd, Director of Programming at The New Victory.

In addition to the special 2011-12 Drama Desk Honor, The New Victory also received a Unique Theatrical Experience nomination for White, a play for children ages two- to five-years. Created by Andy Manley and Catherine Wheels Theatre Company of Musselburgh, Scotland, White performed to critical acclaim and triumphed at this year's Critics' Awards for Theatre in Scotland, picking up three of the 10 awards available: Best Production for Children and Young People, Best Design (Set, Costumes and Lighting) and Best Technical Presentation.

Members of the Drama Desk nominating committee include: Barbara Siegel, Chairperson, TalkinBroadway.com, TheaterMania.com; Suzanna Bowling, Times Square Chronicles; Lawrence Harbison, Smith and Kraus, Inc.; Mark Peikert, New York Press, Chelsea Clinton News; Richard Ridge, Broadway Beat TV, and Frank Verlizzo of Fraver Design.

The New Victory Theater is New York City's first and only full-time performing arts theater for kids, their families and classmates. Since it opened in 1995, The New Victory has quickly become an integral part of the cultural landscape in New York City, presenting a full season of adventurous multidisciplinary works from around the globe and close to home. The New Victory seeks out sophisticated, thought-provoking, professional productions that are as artistically rich as they are entertaining.

The Drama Desk was founded in 1949 by a group of New York theater critics, editors, reporters and publishers to explore key issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the ongoing development of theater in New York. The organization began presenting its awards in 1955, and it is the only critics' organization to honor achievement in the theater with competition among Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories.