Ruth and Stephen Hendel News

Theatre Communications Group has announced that its 2019 Gala will be directed by Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer and feature performances from Oklahoma!'s Ali Stroker, Hadestown's Patrick Page and Eva Noblezada, and Angels in America's Beth Malone.

Ambassador Andrew Young today joined Samuel Nappi, Ruth Hendel and Steven Hendel to announce that Moments with Dr. King is preparing for preliminary stagings prior to a Broadway production, and that Congressman John Lewis has joined the team as an advisor. The announcement was initially scheduled to take place in August, coinciding with the anniversary of Dr. King's speech at 1963's March on Washington and the dedication of the National Memorial to Martin Luther King in the capitol city, but it was postponed due to Hurricane Irene. The announcement was made today in tribute to Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth -- a leading civil rights pioneer, co-founder of Dr. King's primary civil rights organization, and a central figure in the groundbreaking events with Dr. King in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 -- who passed away yesterday.

Ruth & Stephen Hendel and Roy Gabay present the world premiere of Fela!, a new musical based on the life of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening) with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, Fela! will feature Kuti's rousing music performed live onstage by Antibalas and other members of the New York Afrobeat community.

The New Group will hold a Gala on Monday October 15 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. The event will be a tribute to Ruth and Stephen Hendel and include an appearance by Ethan Hawke along with a performance by Kiki & Herb.