Photo Coverage: Ellen Barkin, Joe Mantello, et al. Honor George C. Wolfe at 2011 Mr. Abbott Awards

The Award was presented at a gala tribute event at The Edison Ballroom 240 West 47th Street, last night, October 3rd.  The tribute to George was written by John Guare and directed by Jack O'Brien. The music director was Jeanine Tesori, and the choreography is by Hope Clarke. It featured those who have worked with George over the years including, Bobby Cannavale, Ann Duquesnay, John Benjamin Hickey, Joe Mantello, Tonya Pinkins, Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Charlayne Woodard, among others.

The "Mr. Abbott" Award is named in honor of renowned director George Abbott and is one of the only awards given to theatre directors and choreographers by their peers. This honor is presented to a director or choreographer in recognition of lifetime achievement. Past honorees have included Hal Prince, Susan Stroman, Lloyd Richards, Kathleen and Rob Marshall, Tommy Tune, and Michael Bennett.

George C. Wolfe's incredibly distinguished career in the theatre has significantly impacted the theatrical community and the world at large. His varied and impressive directing credits for the theatre include Jelly's Last Jam (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Awards), Angels In America - Millennium Approaches (Tony and Drama Desk Awards) and Perestroika (Drama Desk Award), Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk (Tony and Drama League Awards), Topdog/ Underdog (Obie Award), Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Drama Desk Award), Elaine Stritch: At Liberty (Tony Award-Unique Theatrical Event), The Tempest, The Wild Party, Caroline, or Change, A Free Man of Color and The Normal Heart (Drama Desk Award).