Broadway's elite gathered to honor a most-deserving philanthropist, Paul Libin, executive vice president of Jujamcyn Theaters, at UJA-Federation's Entertainment, Media, and Communications Division's 2011 Excellence in Theater Award Dinner on March 28, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Regis New York. The Bernard B. Jacobs Excellence in Theater Award recognizes an exceptional professional who is committed to the theater community and to improving the lives of others in New York, in Israel, and around the world. BroadwayWorld was on hand and brings you photo coverage below!
The evening treated Libin and his guests to special performances by five-time Tony Award-winning actress Linda Lavin, who just wrapped performances in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play Other Desert Cities; Tony Award-winning actress Tonya Pinkins, who recently performed for President and Mrs. Obama at A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House; and Celia Keenan-Bolger, most famous for her Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in the role of Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Libin, currently producing The Book of Mormon, American Idiot, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Jersey Boys, as well as others, produced his first play in New York in 1958 and has since produced more than 250 productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and on tour. A recipient of many awards, including seven Tony Awards, he is chair of the Broadway League and serves on committees for the Tony Awards and Actors Fund, among others. He is president of the Circle in the Square Theatre School and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Among those saluting Libin, president and co-owner of Jujamcyn Theaters Jordan Roth, Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Bill Finn, producers Stephen and Ruth Hendel, producer Roger Berlind, producer and chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Rocco Landesman, producer Richie Jackson, chief executive of the theater advertising agency Serino Coyne and 2010 Excellence in Theater honoree Nancy Coyne, producer and 2009 Excellence in Theater honoree Roy Furman and many more.
Funds raised will be contributed to UJA-Federation of New York's annual campaign, which sustains the activity of more than 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies.
UJA-Federation of New York, the world's largest community-based philanthropy, raises funds that sustain the activities of more than 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies. Every day, these community-based organizations provide a multitude of services that combat poverty, help the elderly age with dignity, promote Jewish identity and renewal, strengthen children and families, and open doors to those with disabilities and special needs. With a reach that spans New York, Israel, and 60 countries around the globe, we touch the lives of 4.5 million people every year, fulfilling a mission to care for people in need, inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthen Jewish communities. For more information, please visit www.ujafedny.org.
Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski
The UJA Federation Excellence in Theater Award
Sally Jacobs, Paul Libin, and Betty Jacobs
Paul Libin
Paul Libin and Family
Tonya Pinkins, Paul Libin, and Florence Libin
Tonya Pinkins
Tonya Pinkins and Paul Libin
TEd Mann and Paul Libin
Florence Libin and Paul Libin
Paul Libin and Ted Chapain
Paul Libin and Roger Berlind
Stephen Handel, Paul Libin, and Ruth Handel
Celia Keenan-Bolger and William Finn
Celia Keenan-Bolger
Celia Keenan-Bolger
Celia Keenan-Bolger, Paul Libin, and William Finn
David Stone and Paul Libin
Florence Libin, Paul Libin, and Carol Sokol
Tom Viola, Florence Libin, and Paul Libin
Paul Libin and Nancy Coyne
Paul Libin and Jordan Roth
Paul Libin and Rocco Landesman
Richie Jackson, Paul Libin, Rocco Landesman, and Jordan Roth
Roy Furman
