Tonys for Excellence Honor DeLappe, Gilbert, Mazzella, Press

The Tony Awards Administration Committee today announced the recipients of the 2007 Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre.  The Honors will be presented to:

Gemze De Lappe – Known in the ballet and dance world as a replicateur, De Lappe for many years has been the go-to person to recreate much of the choreography of the great Agnes de Mille.  De Lappe danced in the original production of Carousel, and has been mounting productions of Oklahoma!, Brigadoon and Carousel, as well as staging some of the de Mille ballets for many years.

Alyce Gilbert – Gilbert, a longtime wardrobe supervisor, has worked both on and off-Broadway for nearly 40 years. She is currently the wardrobe supervisor on Wicked.

Neil Mazzella – As the proprietor of Hudson Scenic Studios, Mazzella has built scenery for over 200 Broadway and touring productions and has been an unsung hero to many producers, directors and designers over the past two decades.

Seymour "Red" Press – Press began his career 50 years ago in the orchestra of the Broadway musical The Body Beautiful, and has gone on to serve as musical coordinator or contractor in more than 58 Broadway productions.

The Tony Honors luncheon will be held on Tuesday, October 30 at Tavern on the Green.  The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards are presented by the League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing. 

The Tony Honors recognize contributions to the field of theatre for individuals and organizations that are not eligible in any of the established Tony categories.