'Sherlock Holmes' Winner of TAM Award at Nov.4 NYMF Gala

The New York Musical Theatre Festival announced the winner of the "Theater for the American Musical (TAM) Award", along with many of the performers who will be appearing at the NYMF Awards Gala, to be held November 4 at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street).  Among those performing at the Gala which will be Spring Awakening's Tony Award winning composer Duncan Sheik, Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara, and others.

The 2007 Theater for the American Musical (TAM) Award will be given to Sherlock Holmes (The Early Years), one of the 34 new musicals presented during the 4th annual NYMF in September/October this year.  Sherlock Holmes is written by Kate Ferguson with Robert Hudson (book), Susannah Pearse (lyrics), and Jared M. Dembrowski (music).

Endowed by lyricist Mae Richard, the TAM Award seeks to identify and honor new musicals that exemplify the best characteristics of the traditional American musical; with stand-alone songs that advance the story of the musical and are easily understood in performance – whatever the musical genre. Previous TAM Award winners at NYMF include River's End (2006) and Like You Like It (2004).

Sherlock Holmes (The Early Years) tells the tale of the famous detective as he "broods on the rise of a new criminal mastermind. But everything changes when the Blunt Diamond is stolen and Holmes must rouse himself to investigate. Is handsome Doctor Watson the key or is it the mysterious Nurse Mary? Thrilling adventures abound in the mysteriously-romantic comedy complete with dancing bobbies!"

The November 4 Gala will celebrate the 2007 NYMF Excellence Award winners, and honor three young Broadway producers – Robert Ahrens (Xanadu), Pun Bandhu (Spring Awakening) and Jennifer Maloney (Legally Blonde, Spring Awakening).

Performers who will participate in the November 4 program include Xanadu's Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa, and author Douglas Carter Beane; Spring Awakening's Tony Award winning composer Duncan Sheik, director Michael Mayer, and lead producer Tom Hulce; Tamara Tunie ("Law and Order: SVU"); Kelli O'Hara (The Light in the Piazza, The Pajama Game); Anna Noguiera, Michael Zahler from NYMF's The Boy In The Bathroom, Sarah Jane Everman from NYMF's Unlock'd, Laura Shoop (Fiddler on the Roof) from Sherlock Holmes (The Early Years); and Shonn Wiley (42nd Street, Dracula) from NYMF's Mud Donahue and Son; as well as additional performers still to be announced.

The gala will begin at 6pm with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner with select performances from the NYMF award-winning productions and shows produced by the honorees. The evening will be directed by Steven Yuhasz. Single seats are $400 and VIP seats are $600, supporter tables are $4000 and VIP tables are $6000. VIP tables receive premium locations and invitation to a postshow gala reception with the honorees and artists. Tickets and tables can be purchased at www.nymf.org or by calling (212) 664 0979.