Broadway League Awards Honors Lannan & Best of Touring Broadway with Broadway League Awards

The Broadway League announced the honorees of the Broadway League Awards, honoring excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway, during the League's recent 2010 Spring Road Conference. First presented in 1992, the Broadway League Awards recognize the contributions of those who have displayed exemplary service to the Broadway industry and are considered innovators of their craft.

Nina Lannan, president of Nina Lannan Associates, was bestowed the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award. Throughout her illustrious 30-year career as a general manager, Nina has worked tirelessly to coordinate the artistic and financial operations of the shows she represents, leaving her indelible mark of excellence on countless productions in New York and across the country. In addition to her work as a general manager, Nina has served as Chairman of The Broadway League, the first woman to occupy this position. Past winners of the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award include Broadway legends Jerry Herman, Carol Channing, and Fran & Barry Weissler.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, commented, "Working closely with Nina Lannan during her tenure as Chairman of the League was a highlight of my career. Her energy and countless ideas were inspiring, and I am thrilled that she was honored with the League's Distinguished Lifetime Service Award."

Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management (Samuel J. L'Hommedieu Award) was given to Mike Isaacson of Fox Theatricals for demonstrating excellence in management. Through the efforts of Isaacson and his colleagues, St. Louis-based Fox Theatricals has become an important player in the Broadway industry, a pioneer paving the way for future investments by organizations outside of New York City. His service on the League's Executive Committee and Board of Governors has proved a true collaboration in many ventures between Broadway and the Road.

"Touring Broadway takes Broadway across the country and the dedication of the presenters and those who market our Broadway shows keep Broadway strong in New York City and across the country. Heartfelt congratulations to Mike Isaacson, Susan Weaving, Eileen LaCario, and all of the recipients who work continuously and brilliantly on behalf of Broadway and Touring Broadway," said Charlotte St. Martin.

The inaugural George MacPherson Road Award was presented to Susan Weaving. This new award honors the memory of George MacPherson, a veteran producer who recognized the vast potential in sharing high quality touring productions with audiences around the world. As Vice President of Theatrical Touring for William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, Weaving carries on MacPherson's grand tradition by representing a diverse group of productions and creative talent.

Outstanding Achievement in Road Marketing was given to Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway in Chicago, for generating quantitatively successful marketing results in the touring Broadway community. Whether working on a pre-Broadway tryout or promoting a company's fourth stop in Chicago, LaCario brings enthusiasm and passion to each and every production.

Star of Touring Broadway Awards, designed to honor board members, politicians, donors and volunteers who have given support to promote and enrich the Broadway Series in their hometowns, were given to:

* Don and Mary Doctor - nominated by Tom Gabbard and Ralph Beck, North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, NC. Don and Mary Doctor are cultivating a new generation of theatre patrons and producers. Grants from the Doctor Family Foundation have allowed the Blumenthal to adopt educational programs introducing live performance and Broadway to Charlotte-area students.

* Charles L. Gummer - nominated by Michael Jenkins and Paulette Hopkins, Dallas Summer Musicals in Dallas, TX. Texas Market President and CEO of Comerica Bank, Gummer is actively involved in the community of Dallas, particularly at Dallas Summer Musicals where he has served as chairman and executive committee member, propelling this non-profit arts organization into the future.

* Rich Willis - nominated by Jeff Chelesvig and Todd Fogdall, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines in Des Moines, IA. Rich Willis, Dealer Principal of the Willis Auto Campus, has been instrumental in bringing the best of Broadway to Iowa. In 2004, Willis Auto Campus began a fruitful partnership with the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, lending its support, sponsorship, and name to the annual Willis Broadway Series.

Nominated by the League Awards Committee, Steve Winton received a Special Star Award in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedicated service to the touring industry. Winton currently serves as President of Broadway Across America.

The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League's 600-plus members include Theatre Owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 240 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. Visit www.BroadwayLeague.com. Follow on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BroadwayLeague.

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.