The Broadway League Announces the 2013 League Awards, Honoring Touring Broadway: Center Theatre Group, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City and More

The annual Broadway League Awards, honoring excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway, were announced today during the Broadway League's 2013 Spring Road Conference. First presented in 1992, the Broadway League Awards recognize the contributions of those who have displayed exemplary service to the Broadway industry and are considered innovators of their craft.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, commented, "League members work tirelessly year-round to bring Broadway shows to patrons in New York and cities across the U.S. and Canada. All of us at The Broadway League are proud to present the League Awards to active members of the industry who consistently go above and beyond to ensure the greatest quality of work."

THE AWARDS

Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management (Samuel J. L'Hommedieu Award) was given to Douglas C. Baker of The Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, CA for demonstrating excellence in management. (presented by Nina Lannan)

Douglas C. Baker is the Producing Director of Center Theatre Group, and is currently in his 23rd season with Los Angeles' premiere theatre company, where he supervises all productions and presentations at the Ahmanson Theatre (seating capacity from 1,650-2,070), Mark Taper Forum (with 739 seats) and the Kirk Douglas Theatre (seats 317). The Ahmanson Theatre, in particular, is somewhat unique in its programming in that CTG produces many of its own productions, remounts current Broadway and West End productions exclusively for Los Angeles audiences, and presents national touring productions. Baker is a graduate of Albion College, an active member of the Broadway League, the Independent Presenters Network, the League of Resident Theatres and National Alliance for Musical Theatre; and is a proud member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers.

Outstanding Achievement in Road Marketing was given to VICTOR HAMBURGER of Arizona State University Gammage in Tempe, AZ for his dedication to in-house marketing department. (presented by Anita Dloniak and Laura Matalon)

Victor Hamburger is the Director of Marketing & Communications at ASU Gammage and is currently in his fifth year serving on The Broadway League's Road Marketing Committee, currently in the role of Co-Chairman. Hamburger has served on the Spring Road Conference Committee and has participated in the Fall Marketing Forum. Under his leadership, ASU Gammage garnered over 76,000 tickets via subscription. Always wanting to give his patrons the best experience, Hamburger has implemented a new system in order to help avoid ticket fraud and has spearheaded a social media campaign that has successfully connected ASU Gammage to a younger audience. With better interactivity, patrons are experiencing a whole new level of theatre-going thanks to Hamburger. Due to Hamburger's hard work, ASU Gammage also expanded "Heroes Night," a night dedicated to the men and women of the armed forces and their service animals.

Charlotte Wilcox was bestowed the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award. (presented by Alecia Parker)

Charlotte Wilcox is a leader in the Broadway industry. The Charlotte Wilcox Company is a General Management firm that has worked on Broadway since 1997. The Charlotte Wilcox Company has managed numerous Tony Award winning shows such as Catch Me If You Can, the 2009 revival of West Side Story, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Wilcox is constantly working on innovative shows and strives to keep Broadway filled with fresh new Broadway shows. The Charlotte Wilcox Company has worked on a variety of new Broadway shows such as Elf, [title of show], and Come Fly Away.

Tom Bartlett was honored with The George MacPherson Road Award (Anita Dloniak accepted the award on his behalf.)

This is the fourth time this award has been given that honors the memory of George MacPherson, a veteran producer who recognized the vast potential in sharing high quality touring productions with audiences around the world. Tom Bartlett is a professional road warrior who has overseen numerous productions for more than 30 years. His career as a Production Stage Manager began on Broadway in 1987 withDreamgirls, followed by The Goodbye Girl, Grease, Cabaret, Movin' Out, The Phantom Of The Opera and Chicago. National Tours include Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, Chicago, Come Fly Away, Legally Blonde, Shrek, Rent, Dreamgirls, Swing, Lost In Yonkers, South Pacific, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Song And Dance, Rumors, and Driving Miss Daisy. His Las Vegas credits include We Will Rock You, Hairspray and Spamalot.

STAR OF TOURING BROADWAY AWARDS, designed to honor board members, government officials, donors and volunteers who have given support to promote and enrich the Broadway Series in their hometowns, were announced for:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Inc. - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is a longtime supporter of the performing arts. Their generous donations have led to high quality Broadway productions, education and community programming for their region. They have also co-created a new program with Starlight Theatre, The Blue Awards. This program awards two $2,500 college scholarships to one male and one female senior who have contributed and demonstrated exceptional theatrical achievement.

E.J. Giovannetti - E.J. Giovannetti joined the Des Moines Arts Board of Directors in 1982 and since then has remained a vocal and passionate supporter of theatre. He served for 20 years as Mayor of Urbandale, IA and lobbied for a tax proposal that is now the largest source of annual funding for Des Moines Performing Arts. Currently, Giovannetti serves on the Executive Committee of the Des Moines Arts Board of Directors and continues to be a supporter of the Willis Broadway Series and other programs instituted by the Des Moines Performing Arts.

Governor Pat Quinn & the Illinois State Legislature - Governor Pat Quinn & the Illinois State Legislature are strong and vocal supporters of the Illinois theatre community. They raise awareness about the essential role theatre, specifically Broadway, plays in the social, economic, and educational growth and vitality of Illinois. Their leadership brought passage of the "Live Theatre Production Tax Credit Act," only one of three states to overwhelmingly support live theatre. Since its enactment in 2012, the legislation has already supported the musical tryouts of Kinky Boots and Big Fish.

David Slosburg - David Slosburg has been on the Board of Directors for Omaha Performing Arts since 2003. He is a community leader and played a critical role in the renovation of the Orpheum Theater. Through his tireless efforts to renovate the Orpheum Theater,Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and many more productions have all been brought to Omaha. In honor of his dedication, the Orpheum Theater's 2,600 auditorium space is named "Slosburg Hall."