John Willis News

John A. Willis, who as editor of the Theatre World and Screen World annual series for over 45 years was often considered one of the most important theatre and film historians in America, died June 25, 2010, at his home in Manhattan, of complications from lung cancer. He was ninety-three years old. Willis was also the longtime producer of the Theatre World Awards, given to actors for outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway debut performances. It is one of the oldest awards bestowed on New York stage actors and helped launch the careers of Alan Alda, Bernadette Peters, and John Leguizamo among many others.

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season were presented by former Theatre World Award winners last night, June 8. BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the evening's winners.

The Theatre World Awards presentation were held at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, in an invitation-only ceremony, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Peter Filichia hosted, Barry Keating directed, and Mary K. Botosan, Kati Meister, and Erin Oestreich were the event's producers. John Willis, a founder of the Theatre World Awards, was in attendance.

The Theatre World Awards presentation were held at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, in an invitation-only ceremony, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Peter Filichia hosted, Barry Keating directed, and Mary K. Botosan, Kati Meister, and Erin Oestreich were the event's producers. John Willis, a founder of the Theatre World Awards, was in attendance.

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season will be presented by former Theatre World Award winners. Past award recipients expected to present (or perform) at this year's ceremony include: Kate Burton (Winners, 1983), Michael Cristofer (The Cherry Orchard, 1977), Viola Davis (Seven Guitars, 1996), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, 2007), Robert LuPone (A Chorus Line, 1976 Special Award), Alli Mauzey (Cry-Baby, 2008), Michael McKean (Accomplice, 1990), Brian Stokes Mitchell, (Mail, 1988), Alfred Molina (Molly Sweeney, 1996) Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific, 2008), John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, 2004), and Vanessa Williams (Kiss of the Spider Woman, 1995). The award-winning composer, arranger, and pianist Alex Rybeck will serve as musical director for the event.

Lionel Larner, Executive Director of The Dorothy Loudon Foundation, has announced that the 2009-2010 recipient of its Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award for a Broadway or Off-Broadway performance will go to Bobby Steggert for his outstanding performances, as it turns out both on Broadway and Off-Broadway, in Ragtime and Yank!

Lionel Larner, Executive Director of The Dorothy Loudon Foundation, has announced that the 2009-2010 recipient of its Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award for a Broadway or Off-Broadway performance will go to Bobby Steggert for his outstanding performances, as it turns out both on Broadway and Off-Broadway, in Ragtime and Yank! The award will be presented at this year's 66th Annual Theatre World Awards (in an invitation-only ceremony) at New World Stages on Tuesday, June 8.

On Sunday 6 June 2010, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts will present Simon Cowell with the Special Award at its annual Television Awards ceremony. In the gift of the Academy, the Award is being presented to Cowell in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and for his development of new talent.

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season will be presented by former Theatre World Award winners. Past award recipients expected to present (or perform) at this year's ceremony include: Kate Burton (Winners, 1983), Michael Cristofer (The Cherry Orchard, 1977), Viola Davis (Seven Guitars, 1996), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, 2007), Robert LuPone (A Chorus Line, 1976 Special Award), Alli Mauzey (Cry-Baby, 2008), Michael McKean (Accomplice, 1990), Brian Stokes Mitchell, (Mail, 1988), Alfred Molina (Molly Sweeney, 1996) Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific, 2008), John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, 2004), and Vanessa Williams (Kiss of the Spider Woman, 1995). The award-winning composer, arranger, and pianist Alex Rybeck will serve as musical director for the event.

On Sunday 6 June 2010, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts will present Simon Cowell with the Special Award at its annual Television Awards ceremony. In the gift of the Academy, the Award is being presented to Cowell in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and for his development of new talent.

Lionel Larner, Executive Director of The Dorothy Loudon Foundation, has announced that the 2009-2010 recipient of its Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award for a Broadway or Off-Broadway performance will go to Bobby Steggert for his outstanding performances, as it turns out both on Broadway and Off-Broadway, in Ragtime and Yank!

Lionel Larner, Executive Director of The Dorothy Loudon Foundation, has announced that the 2009-2010 recipient of its Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award for a Broadway or Off-Broadway performance will go to Bobby Steggert for his outstanding performances, as it turns out both on Broadway and Off-Broadway, in Ragtime and Yank! The award will be presented at this year's 66th Annual Theatre World Awards (in an invitation-only ceremony) at New World Stages on Tuesday, June 8.

Today, the 66th annual Theatre World Award winners for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season were announced.

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2008-2009 theatrical season were presented by former Theatre World Award winners, including: Craig Bierko (The Music Man, 2000), Daniel Breaker(Passing Strange, 2008), Kristin Chenoweth (Steel Pier, 1997), Tovah Feldshuh (Yentl, 1976),Susan Kellermann (Last Licks, 1980), Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific, 2008), and John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, 2004).

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2008-2009 theatrical season will be presented by former Theatre World Award winners, including: Craig Bierko (The Music Man, 2000), Daniel Breaker(Passing Strange, 2008), Kristin Chenoweth (Steel Pier, 1997), Tovah Feldshuh (Yentl, 1976),Susan Kellermann (Last Licks, 1980), Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific, 2008), and John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, 2004).

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2008-2009 theatrical season will be presented by former Theatre World Award winners, including: Craig Bierko (The Music Man, 2000), Daniel Breaker(Passing Strange, 2008), Kristin Chenoweth (Steel Pier, 1997), Tovah Feldshuh (Yentl, 1976),Susan Kellermann (Last Licks, 1980), Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific, 2008), and John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, 2004).

The 65th annual Theatre World Award winners for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performances during the 2008-2009 theatrical season are...

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2007-2008 theatrical season will be presented by former Theatre World Award winners.

The 64th annual Theatre World Award winners for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2007-2008 theatrical season are...

This year's Theatre World Awards, celebrating outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway debut performances during the 2006-2007 theatrical season, was held at New World Stages on Tuesday, June 5, 2007