Symphony Space to Honor Ted & Mary Jo Shen at 2016 Spring Gala

Symphony Space, the performing arts center known for its innovative music, film, dance, and literary programs, will honor Ted and Mary Jo Shen at the 2016 Spring Gala at Gotham Hall on Monday, May 9, 2016.

"The Shens have played-and continue to play-a critically important role in the development of new musical theatre," said Andrew Byrne, Symphony Space Artistic Director. "They have championed Stephen Sondheim, as well as the next generation of composers, including Adam Guettel, Michael John LaChiusa, Gabriel Kahane, and many others, through the Shen Family Foundation's Musical Theatre Composers Initiative and through the creation of a musical theatre curriculum at Yale," he said.

This celebration will highlight the wonderful productions that the Shens have made possible with musical tributes by many of Broadway's brightest stars, as only Symphony Space can. The Shens join past Symphony Space honorees Harold Prince, Sheldon Harnick, Stephen Colbert, and Morgan Freeman, among others.

The evening will also feature a special tribute to Symphony Space President and CEO, Cynthia Elliott, in honor of her retirement after 13 years of service to the performing arts center.

Symphony Space's 2016 Gala is co-chaired by Evelyn Alden, Steven M. Alden, and James Naughton. Honorary co-chairs include André Bishop, Victoria Clark, Oskar & Laurie Eustis, Ricky Ian Gordon, Adam Guettel, Todd Haimes, Michael John LaChiusa, Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Bernadette Peters, Eric Schaeffer, Stephen Sondheim, and Jeanine Tesori.

The evening will take place at Gotham Hall located at 1356 Broadway in midtown Manhattan. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, and continue with dinner and a musical performance produced and directed by Joel Fram and Annette Jolles. Performers will be announced soon.

Single tickets are $1,000 and $2,000, and tables range from $10,000 to $50,000. Tickets and tables may be purchased by visiting symphonyspace.org/gala or by calling (212) 864.1414 x201. All proceeds will benefit the performing arts and education programs at Symphony Space, which is a non-profit organization.