On Monday, March 26, 2012, Arena Stage hosted the Golden Gala: A Glittering Evening of American Musical Theater to celebrate the vibrancy of the performing arts in Washington. This black-tie signature event, chaired by WUSA9 news anchor JC Hayward, supports Arena's robust Community Engagement programs and featured a special performance by two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin and legendary composer Sheldon Harnick. View photos from the event below!
During this gala evening, senators Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) received the American Voice Awards, which honor those elected officials recognized as advocates for the arts and all that is passionate and profound in the American spirit.
The proceeds from the Golden Gala will directly support Arena Stage's Community Engagement programs. Arena is committed to sharing the riches of theater with the surrounding community and inviting younger, more diverse audiences to the theater. Arena's Community Engagement programs provide underserved, inner-city students with valuable exposure to the arts, improve problem solving and critical thinking abilities, and encourage teamwork.
Photo Credit: Eli Turner Studios
Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Thad Cochran (R-MS)
Kay Kapoor, of Accenture Federal Services, presents the American Voice Awards to senators Thad Cochran and Patrick Leahy
Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Corporate Chair of the Golden Gala Kay Kapoor
Atmosphere
D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities Chair Judith Terra, Executive Director Lionell Thomas, Molly Smith and chair of the Golden Gala and WUSA9 anchor JC Hayward
Arena Stage Life Trustee Dr. JayLee Montague Mead and gala guests
Arena Stage Executive Producer Edgar Dobie with his wife Tracy
Kay Kapoor and Sunny Kapoor
Lionell Thomas and Antoinette Ford
JC Hayward and Arena Stage Board Chair David Shiffrin
Molly Smith, actress Kate Baldwin and composer Sheldon Harnick
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