Asolo Rep and Jewish Federation Will Host First Annual Asolo Luminary Award Honoring Playwright Ken Ludwig  

 Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee have announced their partnership to host the First Annual Asolo Luminary Award, sponsored by Joel and Gail Morganroth, to take place on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 7:00pm at The Ora.

We are thrilled to welcome one of the most produced and celebrated playwrights of our generation, Ken Ludwig as the inaugural recipient of the Asolo Luminary Award - an annual celebration that brings you face-to-face with the most distinguished minds and hearts in the world of theatre and beyond. Join us for an evening of insight and inspiration with the creative genius behind acclaimed works such as Lend Me a Tenor, Crazy for You, Dear Jack, Dear Louise, and Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. Mr. Ludwig’s newest play Lady Molly of Scotland Yard will have its area premiere at Asolo Rep this coming January. Known for his mastery of comedic timing and captivating storytelling, Mr. Ludwig has charmed audiences worldwide and has earned countless awards for his contributions to theatre.

  

“At Asolo Rep, we strive to celebrate community, and this goes beyond our stage. This inaugural celebration will be the launch of something truly special: bringing the brightest luminaries of the American Theatre to Sarasota and giving the unique opportunity for our community to have an inside look at their creative processes and inspiring careers,” stated Peter Rothstein, Producing Artistic Director.

Shepard Englander, CEO of the Jewish Federation, commented, "This partnership with Asolo Rep, exemplifies the Federation’s commitment to enriching Jewish life through collaborations with Sarasota's premier cultural leaders. Hosting seminal conversations, like this one with Ken Ludwig, was a key goal in our decision to build The Ora, our new state-of-art event center, furthering our role in strengthening our community's cultural fabric." 

At this special event, Ludwig will share stories from his illustrious career, discuss his creative process, and explore how he crafts his memorable characters and dynamic stories. Guests will also have the chance to engage with Mr. Ludwig during a live Q&A session, gaining an exclusive look into the mind and heart of one of America’s foremost playwrights. 

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to connect with Ken Ludwig and celebrate his remarkable contributions to the stage. Reserve your seat and join us for an inspiring evening as we launch the Asolo Luminary Award. 

Tickets to this inaugural celebration are available now by contacting the Asolo Repertory Development Office at (941).351.9010 x 4700 or online. Tickets for the event are $25 for general admission or VIP seating for $125. VIP ticket holders will receive priority seating, as well as a private, post-event cocktail hour with Mr. Ludwig.  

The Ora is located at 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota FL 34232. Parking for the event is FREE. 

ABOUT Ken Ludwig 

Ken Ludwig may well be the most performed playwright of his generation. He has had six productions on Broadway and eight in London’s West End. His 34 plays and musicals are staged throughout the United States and around the world every night of the year. They have been produced in over 20 languages in more than 30 countries, and many have become standards of the American repertoire. 

His first play, Lend Me a Tenor, was produced in London and on Broadway, winning two Tony Awards. Crazy For You was on Broadway for five years, on the West End for three, and won the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical. Since its European premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2022, Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express has had hundreds of international productions. 

In addition, he has won the Edwin Forrest Award for Contributions to the American Theatre, two Laurence Olivier Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards, the Charles MacArthur Award, and the Edgar Award for Best Mystery of the Year. His other plays include Moon Over Buffalo; Leading Ladies; Baskerville; Sherwood; Twentieth Century; Dear Jack, Dear Louise; A Fox on the Fairway; A Comedy of Tenors; The Game’s Afoot; Shakespeare in Hollywood; and Moriarty.  

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