Chris Sarandon, Joanna Gleason, and More to Appear at Inaugural Sondheim Awards

On June 4, students and educators from across Connecticut and Rhode Island will gather at the Shubert Theatre of New Haven for the first annual Stephen Sondheim Awards, which will be hosted by Hamilton's Solea Pfeiffer and Ryan Vasquez. The Sondheim Awards are presented by Broadway Method Academy (BMA), in association with the Shubert Theatre and Westport Country Playhouse.

Modeled after Broadway's Tony Awards, the Sondheim Awards recognizes excellence in high school musical theater. "We are so excited to welcome Tony winner Joanna Gleason to the gala this year!" said BMA Artistic Director, Julie Kavanagh. Ms. Gleason will present the awards for Best Actor and Actress and the winners will advance to the National High School Musical Theater Awards/The Jimmy Awards in New York City.

The black-tie gala will feature appearances by Oscar Nominee, Chris Sarandon (Princess Bride, Nightmare Before Christmas), Audrey Cardwell (Alice Murphy in Bright Star), Dan DeLuca (Newsies), Aubrey Berg (CCM Musical Theater), Eric Santagata (Prince of Broadway, Bullets Over Broadway, Chaplin), Hunter Ryan Herdlicka (A Little Night Music), and Mike Ryan (Newsies).

The evening, which will be produced by BMA, will feature an opening number with over 50 students from each of the fourteen participating high schools. Best Actor and Actress nominees will perform a medley of their nominated roles. The six productions nominated for Best Musical will each perform a segment from their production.

BMA is thrilled to partner with the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation to present over $4,000 in cash scholarships to deserving students who submitted auditions and written responses pertaining to how theater has influenced their lives.

Tickets for the gala are $35 per person and are currently on-sale through the Shubert box office or Ticketmaster.

The gala will be music directed by Jad Bernardo and will feature choreography by Julie Kavanagh and Audra Bryant. David Dreyfoos serves as Production Stage Manager with Weston G. Wetzel serving as Director of Production. Connor Deane and J. Scott Handley produce.

ABOUT BROADWAY METHOD ACADEMY

Broadway Method Academy is a non-profit organization that offers a premier musical theatre-training program and provides the essential tools for young artists in acting, singing, and dancing. BMA also connects children and teens that are passionate about the arts with some of Broadway's top talents and guest instructors. BMA's goal is to create a thriving artistic atmosphere where students can create lasting friendships and develop skills they will use forever.

ABOUT THE SHUBERT THEATRE

Opened in 1914, the Shubert Theatre in the New Haven earned the title "The Birthplace of the Nation's Greatest Hits" by staging over 300 shows that later opened in New York. Although the Shubert is best known for its Broadway presentations, the theatre has played host to the greatest artists of ballet, opera, classical music, jazz, big bands and popular solo artists - a tradition that continues today. The Shubert Theatre is owned and operated by CAPA-A Connecticut Not-For-Profit Organization. CAPA is one of America's most respected theatre managers and diverse arts and entertainment presenters. In addition to the legendary Shubert Theatre in New Haven, CAPA is owner/operator of downtown Columbus, Ohio's magnificent historic theatres (Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre) and manager of the contemporary Riffe Center Theatre Complex and Lincoln Theatre.

ABOUT Westport Country Playhouse

The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater worth talking about and the welcoming experience of the Playhouse campus. The not-for-profit Playhouse provides this experience in multiple ways by offering: Live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos; educational and community engagement events to further explore the work on stage; the New Works Circle Initiative, a program dedicated to the discovery, development, and production of new live theatrical works; programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings to deepen relationships with audiences and artists; the renowned Woodward Internship Program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; youth performance training and performance opportunities through Broadway Method Academy, WCP's resident conservatory; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round.