NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players to Honor Sheldon Harnick At Special Awards Gala

The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players will honor Tony Award- Winning lyricist and NYGASP Honorary Board member, Sheldon Harnick as part of their Spring Gala Wednesday, May 2nd (6PM) at The Players Club (16 Gramercy Park South.) Mr. Harnick, best known for his incomparable Broadway productions of Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, Fiorello!, and the Apple Tree, will be present to accept the award. Highlights of the evening include dinner, a concert in honor of Harnick and his commitment to the living legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan, and a live auction to raise funds to benefit The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players and their Arts Educational programs. The evening is generously underwritten by One Ocean Expeditions.

Some items to be auctioned include: a private lunch with Sheldon Harnick (courtesy of Sheldon Harnick/NYGASP), four premium tickets to a Yankee-Red Sox game at Fenway Park along with a private tour of the ballpark (courtesy of the Boston Red Sox), a walk on role in NYGASP's The Pirates of Penzance at Kaye Playhouse in December of 2018 (courtesy of NYGASP), and a 10 night / 11-day Expedition on the Antarctic Peninsula Explorer (courtesy of One Ocean Expeditions). Select items will be open for bidding on CharityBuzz two weeks before the event, with the final winner being determined on May 2nd at the auction hosted by Cherwin Auctioneers.

Gala tickets are $250 ($100 is tax deductible). For tickets and more information call the NYGASP office at 212-769-1000 or online at www.nygasp.org.

"New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players is at a critical point in its history as we build off the tremendous artistry and teamwork of the past 44 years and prepare for a future dedicated to our mission of giving vitality to the living legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan. There is no better way to do this than to honor Sheldon Harnick, a living embodiment of this legacy. We hope that both dedicated NYGASP patrons and new friends to the company will join us on May 2 to support our commitment to professional performance of the G&S canon as well as the education of an entirely new generation - creating Gilbert and Sullivan fans who will carry this special timeless joy with them as a dear part of their lives" stated David Wannen, NYGASP Executive Director.

"After spending over 40 years since I founded New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players(NYGASP) in 1974 dedicated to the works of that creative team, it is indeed a privilege and an honor to present Sheldon Harnick with the first Albert Bergeret Living Legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan Award. Mr. Harnick, who has been on NYGASP's Honorary Board of Directors for many years (and who recognizes the impact of Gilbert & Sullivan on his and many other's careers), embodies this award as a long-time practitioner of musical theater and especially of witty lyrics in the tradition of W.S. Gilbert. He has been honored by many other theatrical organizations, but this unique award has special relevance as it relates to the significant history of musical theater and to the mission of our Company. I look forward to celebrating Sheldon and singing Happy Birthday to him two days after his 94th birthday at The Players Club on May 2nd!" commented Albert Bergeret, NYGASP Founder, Artistic Director & General Manager.

One Ocean Expeditions is a proud Canadian world leader in polar exploration. Committed to environmental and social responsibility, One Ocean Expeditions offers passengers personalized polar marine experiences in the most beautiful places on Earth. With a range of innovative expedition cruise itineraries in Antarctica, Arctic and Canada's East Coast, Greenland, and Norway, One Ocean Expeditions has earned a reputation for exceptional quality, customer service, industry-leading safety standards, and unparalleled value.

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players is a professional repertory company giving vitality to the living legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan through performance and education. Now in its forty-fourth year of operation, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) is America's preeminent professional Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble. Under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, who has been hailed as "the leading custodian of the G&S classics" by New York Magazine, NYGASP has created its own special niche in the cultural mosaic of New York City and the nation. Since its founding in 1974, the company has presented over 2000 performances of the G&S masterpieces throughout the United States, Canada, and the U.K. captivating audiences of all ages.

To post a comment, you must register and login.