Photo Coverage: Theatreworks/USA Gala Benefit
By: Craig Brockman Oct. 25, 2005
The annual Gala Benefit is Theatreworks' major fundraising event of the year, reaching out to its constituency of individual donors, and soliciting the participation of businesses and corporations. This year the gala was held at The Hudson Theater on October 24th and BroadwayWorld.com was there.
In addition to a wonderful dinner, peformances by some of broadway's best, the evening also honored two people with The Lee Salk Goodworks Award - Jamie DeRoy and Verne Oliver. The award is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of philanthropy, the arts and business. Theatreworks is entering its 45th season dedicated to bringing the highest quality theatre to the greatest number of children nationwide. Creating, producing, and providing access to professional theatre for young and family audiences, Theatreworks serves close to four million young people and their families through its New York City season and a touring operation in 45 states a year. Theatreworks also commissions gifted, up-and-coming talent to create its new musicals and plays, nurturing and guiding them in their professional development. Many who have written, directed or acted for Theatreworks go on to successful careers on Broadway, in television and in film.
Theatreworks has performed at The White House, and has the distinction of being the only children's theatre to have won both a Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award. In 2005, Theatreworks was nominated for Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Awards for its musicals, Cam Jansen and Junie B. Jones respectively.
Jill Abramovitz, Larry O'Keefe and Sara Chase before the show
Jill with Zina Goldrich
Stephen Sislen, Kait Kerrigan and Brian Lowdermilk
Marilyn Michaels, Tony Roberts and Jamie DeRoy
who is a 2005 Lee Salk Goodworks Award Honoree
A silent auction was held featuring such items as trips to Disney,
autographed memorabilia, spa treatements and more
Karen Mason with hubby Paul
Also a 2005 Lee Salk Goodworks Award Honoree, Verne Oliver
Zina Goldrich with Gala Chairperson Mara Safra
Curtis Cregan and Jenn Gambatese
Larry O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin who are currently working on
"Legally Blonde"
Larry and Nell joined by Zina and Jill
Chuck Cooper, Eddie Cooper and campers from Camp Theaterworks
perform John Lennon's "Imagine"
with Brian Lowdermilk at the piano
Eddie and Chuck Cooper
Karen Mason with a rousing rendition of "All That Jazz"
The multitalented cast backstage moments before they performed
Celia Keenan-Bolger performed "My Party Dress"
written by Brian and Kait
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