New York Philanthropists Joan and George Hornig Launch Sundance Institute Theatre Club

On October 31, Joan and George Hornig hosted the launch of the first-ever Sundance Institute Theatre Club: a private dinner for 18 guests at Lafayette in New York with special guests Lisa Kron & Jeanine Tesori, playwrights of the much-raved-about new musical, Fun Home. The Theatre Club features private events showcasing projects supported by the Institute's Theatre Program now on stage in New York.

Fun Home, by Tony Award nominees Lisa Kron & Jeanine Tesori and directed by Sam Gold, is a fresh, daring new musical based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. The groundbreaking, world-premiere musical was developed with support from Sundance Institute, including participation in two of its renowned Theatre Labs.

Upcoming Theatre Club events featuring include A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak (December 11), Appropriate by Branden Jacob-Jenkins (March 12, 2014), and When We Were Young and Unafraid by Sarah Treem (June 19, 2014). All productions were developed through the support of The Sundance Institute Theatre Program.

Sundance Institute Theatre Program: The Theatre Program has been a core component of the nonprofit Sundance Institute since Robert Redford founded the Institute in 1981. The Theatre Program identifies and assists emerging theatre artists, contributes to the creative growth of established artists, and encourages and supports the development of new work for the stage. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Philip Himberg and Producing Director Christopher Hibma, the Theatre Program is one of the leading play development programs in the United States.

Founding members of the Theatre Club including business and cultural leaders and philanthropists: Leslie A. Cornfeld, Margaret Crotty, Rick Friedberg, Lisa Gelfond, Joan and George Hornig, Francine LeFrak, Laura Moore, Jane and David Preiser, Richard T. Prins, Rory Riggs, Connie Steensma, and Sheila and Wally Weisman.

Also present at dinner Fun Home's Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori; and Philip Himberg, Artistic Director of The Sundance Institute Theatre Program; Christopher Hibma, Producing Director of The Sundance Institute Theatre Program; Jennifer Arceneaux, Director of External Relations for Sundance Institute;and guests Alice Lustig, Michael Nairne, Pamela Newkirk, Matt Titus.

Photo Credit: Annie Watts (Sundance Institute)