Raul Esparza, Leslie Uggams Set to Perform at BROADWAY SALUTES Today

Raul-Esparza-Leslie-Uggams-Set-to-Perform-at-BROADWAY-SALUTES-20010101

Today, September 20, 2011, The Broadway League and The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG) will present the third annual Broadway Salutes, a public celebration recognizing the countless professionals who have made Broadway great for decades. In this industry-wide celebration, which takes place at 4:30 PM, theater professionals will receive special recognition for having worked 25, 35, and 50+ years in their respective theatrical craft. The event will feature performances by Raul Esparza and Leslie Uggams. Kathleen Marshall and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, are special guests with other participants soon to be announced.

Broadway Salutes will celebrate all 2011 inductees. Special recognition will be given to 25-year inductee Paula Leggett Chase, 35-year inductee Pat Dale and 50-year inductee Gerard Burns. The event begins with a meet and greet at 3:30PM and a ceremony at 4:30PM in Father Duffy Square, located in the heart of the theatre district on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets. The program is directed by Marc Bruni and the music director is Todd Ellison.

Broadway Salutes recognizes a wide-range of theatre professions - including stagehands, actors, producers, managers, theater owners, press agents, ushers, agents, make-up artists, dressers, designers, directors, choreographers, musicians, casting agents and more - who have dedicated their careers to the Broadway industry.

Broadway contributes 9.8 billion dollars to NYC's economy, supports an estimated 84,400 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $477.7 Million in NYC taxes.

"Broadway Salutes is an opportunity for everyone to recognize the hundreds of people who make Broadway happen behind the scenes and on stage. On this day, the artists as well as the crafts people and technicians who are never seen by the audience will be recognized for their tremendous talent. The hard work of these individuals supports the industry that brings in billions of dollars to New York City annually and provides countless hours of enjoyment for residents and tourists alike." -Nina Lannan, Broadway Salutes co-chairperson

"Every year, Broadway Salutes brings the community together to recognize our colleagues for their many years of servIce To the theatre industry. Broadway jobs are an essential part of New York City's economy, and we are looking forward to celebrating these artists, craftsmen and women, and other professionals who do this work daily. Much of the talent on Broadway comes from the individuals who work in the wings of the Broadway theatres, and don't usually get to take a bow." -Tony DePaulo, Broadway Salutes co-chairperson

The Broadway Salutes committee is comprised of: Daniel Adamian (League), Rob Ahrens (Producer), Michael David (Producer), Tony DePaulo (IATSE), Nick Kaledin (ATPAM), Patrick Langevin (USA Local 829), Nina Lannan (General Manager), Aaron Lustbader (General Manager), Carl Mulert (USA Local 829), Lawrence Paone (Local 751), Laura Penn (SDC), Paige Price (AEA), Mark Schweppe (Shubert Organization), Flory Seery (General Manager), Charlotte St. Martin (The Broadway League), Pat White (Local 764) and Barbara Wolkoff (SDC).

The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League's 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 200 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. www.BroadwayLeague.com

The members of the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG) have labor contracts or work for or with the Broadway League. COBUG was established to strengthen the position of Unions and Guilds within the industry, to participate in decision making that affects Broadway and the art and craft of theatre at large, and to educate the broader community about the collective role Coalition members play in keeping our industry vibrant and healthy.