Laura Benanti, Joel Grey, and More to Honor Sheldon Harnick at NYGASP Gala

The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players will honor Tony Award- Winning lyricist and NYGASP Honorary Board member, Sheldon Harnick as part of their Spring Gala Wednesday, May 2nd (6PM) at The Players Club (16 Gramercy Park South.)

Just some of the Broadway favorites who have lined up to join the evening's gala program either with live performances and appearances or to be represented by testimonials and letters of congratulations include Broadway and TV stars Laura Benanti, Joel Grey, Elaine May, and legendary designer David Rockwell.

Mr. Harnick is a longtime fan of Gilbert & Sullivan and of NYGASP, having served on the Company's Honorary Board of Directors for many years. He has long acknowledged his admiration for W.S. Gilbert and the influence the famous lyricist had on his career. This quote, with his own words, from an alumni magazine of his alma mater, Northwestern University, says it best:

"While still in high school, he played violin for amateur Gilbert and Sullivan productions. 'Even though I was playing the violin, I could still hear the lyrics,' Harnick remembers. 'At that time I was turned on by the patter songs, so I began to familiarize myself with Gilbert and Sullivan. I was more fascinated by the virtuosity than anything else. Little by little, I also realized what a fine poet Gilbert was and how imaginative he was, even in the slower songs. So he became an enormous influence.'

Albert Bergeret has dedicated his professional career to the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. He founded NYGASP in 1974 and has been its guiding light ever since as both Artistic Director and General Manager. He is thrilled to be presenting an award to Sheldon Harnick in his name which honors the Tony and Pulitzer award winning lyricist, the famous British author, and NYGASP's dedication to sustaining "the living legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan" of which Sheldon Harnick is the embodiment.

This tribute will also include a celebration of Mr. Harnick's 94th birthday which takes place just two days before the event!

Mr. Harnick, best known for his incomparable Broadway productions of Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, Fiorello!, and the Apple Tree, will be present to accept the award. Highlights of the evening include dinner, a concert in honor of Harnick and his commitment to the living legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan, and a live auction to raise funds to benefit The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players and their Arts Educational programs.

Gala tickets are $250 ($100 is tax deductible). For tickets and more information call the NYGASP office at 212-769-1000 or online at www.nygasp.org.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos