A.R.T.'s 'Boundless' Gala Raises Over $675,000

The Board of Trustees of the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) has announced that the theater's annual gala Boundless, which was held at the Boston Park Plaza Castle on Monday, February 24, with more than 350 supporters from Boston, Los Angeles, and New York in attendance, raised more than $675,000 in support of the theater's artistic, community, and education programs.

RoAnn Costin and Laura and Mike Dreese who co-chaired the gala, welcomed guests and acknowledged those that helped design the event including MAX Ultimate Food, Be Our Guest, and Ilex Design.

"We are so grateful to our amazing co-chairs who provided steadfast leadership and galvanized the support of Boston behind this gala," stated A.R.T. Chair Steve Johnson. "Through their vision and stewardship, they helped raise the bar and break an A.R.T. record. More importantly they helped build awareness of the A.R.T.'s important programs."

Gala co-chair and A.R.T. Trustee, Mike Dreese added "The A.R.T. has had a remarkable trajectory over the last several years garnering significant accolades. This has been reflected in a deepening commitment by our entire board as well as the growing audiences and community partners." Dreese continued, "We are thrilled to have hosted an event that was reflective of the artistic excellence we have come to expect on our stage."

The evening honored longtime A.R.T. Trustee Ann Gund, an icon in the Boston arts and charitable community, with the annual Angel Award, and featured entertainment from Broadway star Norm Lewis (Porgy in the A.R.T.'s The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess) and the cast of A.R.T.'s world premiere musical Witness Uganda.

There were also surprise video appearances by A.R.T. artists from the last several seasons including Bryan Cranston, Cherry Jones, Christopher Sieber, John Tiffany, Zachary Quinto, and many more. Other video testimonials by Massachusetts Governor Patrick and WGBH's Jon Abbott highlighted the impact the theater has on the region and beyond.

The auction, which was conducted by Kate Chertavian, highlighted a VIP experience with Diane Paulus, a theater weekend in New York, and a backstage meet & greet with Bryan Cranston at All the Way on Broadway.

Co-chair and A.R.T. Advisor RoAnn Costin remarked, "Ann Gund has been unflagging in her commitment to the A.R.T. as well as to so many other venerable Boston institutions. She was an obvious choice to be honored with the A.R.T. Angel Award. We couldn't have imagined a more perfect recipient for this honor."

In a hilarious video tribute to Gund, Andrea Martin, Audra MacDonald, and others serenaded her with "You Can't Get It Done Without Gund" set to the tune of "You Can't Get a Man Without a Gun" from Annie Get Your Gun. Gund, who attended with friends and family, was presented with the Award byA.R.T. Trustee Paul Buttenwieser and Diane Paulus.

Artistic Director Diane Paulus and Managing Director Billy Russo said in a joint statement, "RoAnn, Laura, and Mike inspired all of us with their enthusiasm, wisdom, and tireless efforts to ensure the success of this event. We are sothankful for the incredible support of the A.R.T.'s Board of Trustees, led by our new Chair Steve Johnson. Together the trustees and co-chairs, as well as all of the guests in the room, showed truly boundless generosity."

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