Director Daniel Sullivan to Receive Mr. Abbot Award

The Board of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation announced today that director Daniel Sullivan will receive the 2007 "Mr. Abbott" Award for Lifetime Achievement in the American Theatre.

The award will be presented on Monday, March 26 at a cocktail reception in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center.

Sullivan has been nominated for numerous Tony Awards and was awarded the Tony for his direction of Proof in 2001.  He is known for his development of new plays and has guided inspired productions of works by the late Wendy Wasserstein, John Patrick Shanley, David Auburn, Jon Robin Baitz, Herb Gardner, and David Lindsay-Abaire, to name but a few.  His directorial touch has been seen in a variety of venues from regional to Off-Broadway to Broadway.

From 1984-1997, he was the Artistic Director of the Seattle Repertory Theater and directed more than 60 productions.  Next season, he will serve as Acting Artistic Director of Manhattan Theatre Club when Lynne Meadow goes on sabbatical. His work will be represented again on Broadway next month with Prelude to a Kiss at the Roundabout Theatre.

The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation presents the "Mr. Abbott" Award, named after the legendary George Abbott, annually.  It is the only award given to a director and/or choreographer for sustained excellence as identified by his/her peers. Past recipients of the award has included Harold Prince, Jack O'Brien, Lynne Meadow, Lloyd Richards, Kathleen Marshall, Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman among others.

SSDC President Pamela Berlin said, "It was fantastic at the selection meeting.  Everyone said Dan Sullivan at the same time.  It was totally unanimous.  As a director and as a person, Dan is truly beloved.  He has given so much to the American Theatre."

Admission to the "Mr. Abbott" Award is by invitation only with a suggested contribution of $100 to the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation in honor of Mr. Sullivan. RSVP required.

For further information about the "Mr. Abbott" Award and SDCF, contact Tracy Mendez at TMendez@ssdc.org or call 212-391-1070, ext. 252.