Jay Harris Wins George Abbott Award; Ceremony Set for April 2

The George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts will be presented to commercial theater producer Jay H. Harris, a member of The League of American Theaters and Producers who served on the Board of Directors of the Carbonell Awards from 2001-2008, including two terms as president, during which time he was instrumental in rising the profile of the awards and designing its current voting structure.

An avid supporter and underwriter of local regional productions, Harris provided assistance for the Miami world premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Anna in the Tropics and later produced its commercial London premiere. He launched the world premiere of Tony Award-nominated Say Goodnight Gracie in South Florida which went on to successful Broadway and regional runs including a recent off-Broadway revival.

This award will be presented to Mr. Harris by Joy Abbott, widow of the great George Abbott, and Christine Dolen, the theatre critic for the Miami Herald, on Monday, April 2, 2012 during the annual Carbonell Awards ceremony. The event will take place at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.browardcenter.org.