Westchester Broadway Theatre To Host Cab Calloway Awards

On Monday, May 19, 2008, The Westchester Broadway Theatre will again, be hosting the annual Cab Calloway Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2008.

Cab Calloway was a resident of Elmsford, N.Y. for approximately 34 years. His career spanned over six decades and was highlighted by his work on stage, film, television and in the recording industry. The Cab Calloway Lifetime Achievement Awards are meant to honor his commitment to excellence in the performing arts as well as his dedication and support for young, rising talent. It is an honor that the award bears his name.

The recipients are recognized for their body of work, dedication and contribution to some aspect of the performing arts in Westchester County. The criteria for consideration include some specific guidelines. Since the award is for "Lifetime achievement", the individual should be of sufficient age to warrant such an honor. The individual must have made some significant contribution to the performing arts. This criterion can cover performers, educators, entrepreneurs, technicians, designers, producers, directors, choreographers, composers, librettists, conductors, actors, dancers, mentors or even individuals who, through their continuous support, have had a positive effect on some aspect of the performing arts in Westchester.  Recipients are chosen by an advisory panel from names submitted by any of the following: The Cab Calloway Foundation, previous recipients of the award, or individuals who know a person worthy of the honor. The awards were established by George Puello in 2001.

The special guest presenter will be John Treacy Egan, who will be performing selections from his new solo CD "Count The Stars". He created the role of Chef Louis in the The Little Mermaid, currently on Broadway.  Mr.Egan's credits include;  The Producers on Broadway, where John has played the roles of Roger DeBris, Franz Liebkind and Max Bialystock, the only actor to play all three principal roles. He was an original cast member of the Broadway production of Jekyll & Hyde. He can be heard on additional theatrical recordings such as Violet and Parusia and on many volumes of "Broadway's Greatest Gifts".

 Additional appearances will feature some surprise Broadway performers as well as The Westchester Dreamcoats,  Danceworks,  The cast of Theatreworks' Forever Plaid,  Alyssa Haas and more to be announced!

 The 2008 Honorees are:

  ALAN BRAMSON

He is the founder of the famous Bramson School of Music with his wife Berenice Bramson. Established 40 years ago as a family business, the company provides myriad resources for musicians. Also offered, is instruction for all Instruments, Voice, and Ensembles. Berenice, an accomplished singer, made her operatic debut in 1976 as Lisa in Tchaikovsky's "Queens of Spades" with the Vancouver Opera Company. She also appeared with the New York Grand Opera and the Brooklyn Opera Company, among many other appearances. John Corigliano chose her as soloist for the world premiere of his "A Dylan Trilogy" at the Washington Cathedral.  For more than 40 years, she taught voice at her studio in Katonah and master classes at such schools as Skidmore, Cornell and SUNY.  She passed away in 1995, and will be honored posthumously.

JOHN B. COPPOLA

John B. Coppola is a founding member of The New Rochelle Community Theater, established in 1968. He has served in many capacities from set designer and director to producer and performer.  Also, he is a founding member of New Rochelle Community Theater (est. 1968). Mr. Coppola worked in various capacities with the group throughout the years, as it evolved into The New Rochelle Civic Theater and New Rochelle Theaterworks, most prominently as actor, set designer and director. He was the only original member still involved when the group closed its doors in 2002.  John shared his many talents with New Rochelle Opera Company, Connecticut Playmakers, Westchester Company of Players, Greenville Community Players, Four Star Players, Actors Conservatory Theater, ACT and Asbury Summer Theater.  Professionally, John is a retired professional engineer and certified home inspector.  John is the husband of Camille Coppola (Executive/Artistic Director of New Rochelle Opera Company), and is a proud father and grandfather.

SIR MORT CLARK (1928-2007)

In 1966, he began a 30 year career teaching Theatre and Speech at Westchester Community College. During his career at WCC, he began a series of International Theatre Festivals, in which groups from all over the world came to the Valhalla Campus to perform and join in workshops in the Performing Arts.  He was instrumental in the formation of the Dundalk International Maytime Festival in Ireland, and brought many of his students to perform at that Festival. He was the first President of Theatre USA, a former President of the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT), and the Vice President of the International Amateur Theatre Association (IATA).  He was awarded the Chevalier Medal of Culture by Princess Caroline of Monaco, on behalf of her father, Prince Rainer at the Princess Grace Theatre in 1993.  He was thereafter referred to as "Sir Mort".  In 1996, Sir Mort was inducted into the International Thespians Hall of Fame in New York.  Later that year, he received the NYS Theatre Education Association's highest award.  In 1997, Sir Mort retired from Westchester Community College, and was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.  A Scholarship in his name has been established by the WCC Foundation. His teaching has made an impact on the lives of his former students; many are active in theatre today. Mortimer Clark passed away on January 24, 2007 at the age of 78.  He will be honored posthumously for his tremendous contribution to American & International amateur theatre.

PHIL GABERMAN Phil, a brilliant musician, will be honored in recognition of his lifelong dedication as a music teacher and musical director for over forty years throughout Westchester County. His wife Judie Angell Gaberman, an accomplished author of children's books will be honored posthumously. Judie began her career as a writer for children at the suggestion of a friend shortly after moving to South Salem. She wrote several books for ages ranging from second graders to readers14 years and older. One of her books, 'Tunnel Vision,' written under the name of Fran Arrick on the theme of teen-age suicide, was chosen by the American Library Association as one of the best children's books in 1980. In addition to their Arts involvement, Judie & Phil have touched so many lives, both young and old, and model for Family Services of Westchester the finest qualities of volunteerism. One such program was Camp Viva, a week-long experience for those affected by HIV/AIDS where they could experience the exciting activities of camp life such as fishing, physical exercise, music and art. They devoted many hours to engaging seniors in music through piano and song at My Second Home, a day program for seniors who are frail or experiencing dementia and in need of supervision. Judie and Phil brought their love, warmth and devotion to each participant, seeking out those who needed words of encouragement.

SUSAN RYAN KATZ- She is the Founder and Executive Director of Westco Productions. Established in 1979, the not- for -profit company provides a full range of arts activities and programs including theatrical and musical presentations, workshops.  Outreach programs Include Bedside Buddies, a hospital touring program, Tickets for Tots, free tickets for underprivileged kids, The Magic To Do Players, for children with developmental disabilities. Her father, Seymour "Sonny" Katz, a great supporter of theatre will be honored posthumously. He helped launch Westco Productions and was one of the original board members.  He especially loved helping people in his job as City Marshall of White Plains for 37 years. A new scholarship fund in his name provides awards to graduating high school students majoring in the performing arts in college.

BARRY LIEBMAN- He is the Founder and Producer of Yorktown Stage.  He has been a theater professional for over thirty-five years.  Barry has directed fifteen of Yorktown Stage's main stage productions, including Fiddler on the Roof starring Craig Schulman; The Sound of Music starring Margaret Shafer; Man of La Mancha starring Michael Ricciardone and Peter Pan starring Ann Ngaire Martin. With Jeffrey B. Moss, he produced the revival of the musical Golden Boy for Broadway, collaborating with the Tony Award winning composing team of Charles Strouse and Lee Adams (Bye Bye Birdie, Applause), actor Sammy Davis, Jr., singer, Lloyd Price and Larry Holmes, then heavyweight champion of the world. Barry produced entertainment for the Holland American Cruise Ships throughout the 1980's. He directed and /or choreographed productions for The Theatre Place, The Mahopac Farm Playhouse, the Yorktown Theatre Company, North Stage Dinner Theatre and Pleasantville Music Theatre, and has  performed in numerous musicals and comedies Barry has served as the Executive Producer/Artistic Director for Yorktown Stage since 1998, producing and/or directing over 50 Broadway musicals, plays and children's shows.

JOAN MORENSTEIN- Joan Morenstein is a lifelong Westchester resident who has committed her life to music and the arts, sharing her talents with children and adults each and every day. She is recently retired from her position as a Music Teacher and Drama Director in the Port Chester Middle School (for 34 years). Joan also worked as Musical Director for numerous community theater organizations throughout the county, including the Westchester Group Theater, Harrison Players, The Castle Players, and the IBM Players. Joan has been an active Board Member for the Port Chester Council for the Arts for the last 10 years. In 1984, she co-founded The Stage Right Production Company, and in 2002, co-founded The Scene Stealers, where she is currently one of the "Summer Theater Boot Camp" Directors.  She is also an accomplished performer.    Founded in 2002, The Scene Stealers is a non-profit, community theater group located in Northern Westchester. Their mission is to provide fresh, innovative, and exceptional theatrical experiences that inspire members of the community to participate, celebrate and enjoy the spirit of the arts.  

JO ROBBINS- A respected Dance Professor, she joined the Dance Faculty at Westchester Community College in 1974.  During her tenure, she has built and enhanced the WCC dance course offerings.  She is the Advisor to the popular WCC Dance Club and the Faculty Consultant to Danceworks, the WCC dance company. She conceived and created Danceworks in 1979 with Mollyan Franzblau, to give students performance experience, develop dance skills and  perform for college and community audiences.

As an Educator, she is dedicated to bringing professional companies, such as Ailey, Taylor 2, Philobolus, Momix, Limon, Philadanco and others to WCC for students and community audiences. She has created a Dance Residency and The Spring Dance Day, where Professional dance companies offer master classes, lecture demonstrations and concert performances. Events are open to WCC students and the Community so all can share in the wonder of dance!

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