Amas Musical Theatre, Lillias White to Honor B. Smith, 4/2

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 43rd Year with a Gala evening on Monday, April 2th, featuring a special concert by Tony-Winner, Lillias White. The event takes place at the Baruch Performing Arts Center, East 25th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenues, at 7pm.

The Amas Benefit Event honors the iconic restaurateur, author and transcultural lifestyle pioneer B. Smith with the "Rosie Award", named for Amas founder Rosetta LeNoire. Established in 2002, the Rosie Award is bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishment and dedication in bringing our world more closely together, and on businesses that have distinguished themselves through their leadership and commitment to diversity as a core business strategy. Ms. Smith is being recognized on both counts.

Donna Trinkoff, Amas' Artistic Producer said, "Barbara Smith is one of America's most influential taste-makers. Her unique, "transcultural" approach to fashion, food and décor merges cultures through style, elevating and transforming individual cultural contributions even as we absorb them into increasingly diverse lifestyles. Rosetta's goal, as well, was to create a workplace that celebrates diversity and champions all cultures. B. Smith's vision and work are both exciting and inclusive and we applaud them. And who better to elevate our evening's celebration than our dear friend, the fabulous Lillias White, who is one of the most electrifying performers in today's American theatre."

Honorary Benefit Chair for the event is Broadway and TV star Leslie Uggams, who is also a past Rosie Award winner. Additional past honorees include Ossie Davis and Rubie Dee, Geoffrey Holder and Carmen DeLavallade, Maurice Hines, Phylicia Rashad, Woodie King, Jr., Dionne Warwick, and George C. Wolfe, Jr. Previous corporate honorees include Ernst & Young, JPMorganChase, Verizon, and PWC.

The evening will also include a special performance by teen students of the Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy and will conclude with the presentation of the eighth annual Rosetta LeNoire Scholarship, which is given to a deserving college-bound student attending the Amas Academy.