Cab Calloway Lifetime Achievement Awards Presented 9/24

The Cab Calloway Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented on Monday, September 24 at The Westchester Broadway Theatre (1 Broadway Plaza Elmsford, New York).

"Cab Calloway was a resident of Elmsford, NY for approximately 34 years. His career spanned over six decades and was highlighted by his work on stage, film, television and in the recording industry. The Cab Calloway Lifetime Achievement Awards are meant to honor his commitment to excellence in the performing arts as well as his dedication and support for young, rising talent. It is an honor that the award bears his name," state press notes, "The recipients are recognized for their body of work, dedication and contribution to some aspect of the performing arts in Westchester County."

The ceremony's special guests include Robert Hager (Spring Awakening), plus a special appearance by Jason Spoor and The Westchester Dreamcoats.  Guest presenter will be Craig Schulman of The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Jekyll and Hyde.

The 2007 Honorees are:

Asbury Summer Theatre
Andrew Gmoser for his 32 years of dedication as a board member, director, lighting designer and set designer. Gmoser is the founder of Silent G Productions and was the resident lighting designer at The Westchester Broadway Theatre for the last eighteen years.

Donna Cribari, composer, musical director, conductor and teacher, commissioned by the Westchester Bicentennial Commission to compose Thomas J., which was presented locally and at Lincoln Center.  She is one of the founders of The Port Chester Village Players and the Port Chester Council for the Arts. For over thirty years, she served as musical director of the Mt. Pleasant Community Theatre and numerous other organizations.

The Harrison Players
Dottie Pustola and Ann Wurzburger, for their lifelong dedication to excellence in Community Theatre. Dottie and Ann were founding members of the Harrison Players where they served as board members and in many capacities on and off stage.

Vinny Lopreto has been a director, choreographer, instructor in tap and ballroom dancing, and a stage performer for sixty-seven years throughout Westchester County, having worked with the IC Players in Eastchester, The Barnabas Players in Yonkers and New Rochelle TheatreWorks. He has served as resident Choreographer for the Eastchester Arts Council and for the Brunswick School.

Mara Mills has been the Artistic Director for ten years of the Herbert Mark Newman Theatre at the Rosenthal YM/YMHA in Pleasantville. She promoted and developed original works and produced classical and contemporary works as well as traditional American musicals and plays.

Dick Nagle and Jeanne McCabe are members of the professional and community theatre life in Westchester. Nagle served as Fire Chief with various regional fire departments and McCabe enriched the lives of young adults as a social worker, where she set up theatrical internships for students in the BOCES Program. Nagle was the co-founder of the Mahopac Farm Playouse and the La Pino Dinner Theater. He was also a founding member of the Stepinac Alumni Theater. McCabe has performed leading roles in almost every local professional and community theatre. Both were featured at the WBT in the starring roles in I Do, I Do.

Selma Rothstein is a dance teacher and choreographer who has devoted over fifty years to the instruction of children and adults.  For the last 39 years, Rothstein has taught at the YWCA in White Plains.  She was inducted into the Westchester County Seniors Hall of Fame in 2003. She is Director of The Tappettes, a group of senior citizens who entertain throughout Westchester County.

For reservations call 914-592-2268 ext. 805.  Doors open for dinner at 6PM; Ceremony and Entertainment at 7:30PM through approx. 10PM.

Arena seats ($50) include dinner and gratuity.  Luxury Boxes ($100) include private box seat, hot and cold hors d'ouevres, dinner and gratuity. Cash bar service available.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit the Asbury Summer Theatre, which closes after this season  Any funds left over after the theatre closes, will transfer to the Asbury Church, which the group has called home for 32 years. Tickets are tax deductible. Black tie optional.

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