Photo Flash: Ana Gasteyer Headlines Arena Stage Benefit!

Arena Stage hosted An Evening with Ana Gasteyer, an exclusive celebration that included the inaugural presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award, last week on May 9, 2016 at the Mead Center for American Theater. BroadwayWorld brings you an inside look at the benefit below!

Born and raised in D.C., Gasteyer has appeared on Broadway in Wicked and The Threepenny Opera and is widely known for her memorable roles in film and TV, including six seasons on Saturday Night Live. For the benefit cabaret performance, the comedienne will perform hits from her new jazz album "I'm Hip" with members of her band, delivering saucy and fun-loving renditions from the American songbook.

The evening kicked off with a VIP cocktail reception and three-course seated dinner, followed by the performance, after which guests enjoyed a music, wine and dessert reception.

Dinner featured the presentation of the inaugural award in Arena Stage Board Chair Beth Newburger Schwartz's honor, for her invaluable work at Arena Stage and throughout her career to promote and recognize women's roles throughout American history. This will now be awarded annually to a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents.

Photos by Cameron Whitman