Photo Flash: Tommy Tune, 2CELLOS, Martina McBride, Joss Stone, Boyz II Men and More Perform at Ford's Theatre's 2015 Gala

National Security Advisor Susan Rice, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, former United States Attorney General Eric Holder, United States Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, United States Secretary of Department of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, actor George Newbern, members of Congress and other distinguished guests attended the Ford's Theatre Annual Gala the evening of Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Ford's Theatre (511 10th Street NW). The gala performance was followed by a seated dinner at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum (750 Ninth Street NW). The evening included the presentation of the Ford's Theatre Lincoln Medal to civil rights activist and instrumental coordinator of the 1961 Freedom Ride, Diane Nash, whose extraordinary character, service and life work reflects Lincoln's legacy of equality, wisdom and justice. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Highlights from the Ford's Theatre Annual Gala included a toe-tapping chorus of "Little Jazz Bird" performed by Tommy Tune; an extraordinary performance of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" by 2CELLOS; Martina McBride singing "Wild Night" (originally by Van Morrison); Joss Stone and the full ensemble performing "Glory" from the film Selma, Boyz II Men singing "End of the Road," and more. During the performance event, Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault also recapped this spring's Ford's 150 events that commemorated 150 years since the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at the historic theatre.

First Lady Michelle Obama serves as the honorary chair of the gala celebration. Honorary co-chairs are The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Mrs. Landra Reid, Mrs. Judy McCarthy, Mr. Paul Pelosi, Mrs. Samara Foxx, Mrs. Marlene A. Malek, Mrs. Catherine B. Reynolds and Mrs. Doreen M. Spiegel.

The Ford's Theatre Annual Gala benefits the Ford's Theatre Society and its programming, including Ford's Theatre education initiatives and exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership. This event is made possible by the generous support of lead sponsor General Dynamics. Ford's Theatre gratefully acknowledges Gloria Story Dittus and Story Partners for their support of the 2015 Lincoln Medal Presentation, and Ovation as this year's Red Carpet Sponsor.

The Lincoln Medal is an annual award given by the Ford's Theatre Society to a person or persons who, through their body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy, and mettle of character embodied by the most beloved President in our nation's history, President Abraham Lincoln. Past recipients of the Lincoln Medal include Former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice; Congressman John Lewis; The Honorable John D. Dingell; Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel; human rights activists Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Justice Albie Sachs; filmmaker George Lucas; actors James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman, Ruby Dee and Sir Sidney Poitier; Dr. Maya Angelou; singer Aretha Franklin; and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Former Associate Justice, United States Supreme Court.

One of the most visited sites in the nation's capital, Ford's Theatre reopened its doors in 1968, more than a hundred years after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Operated through a partnership between Ford's Theatre Society and the National Park Service, Ford's Theatre is the premier destination in the nation's capital to explore and celebrate Abraham Lincoln's ideals and leadership principles: courage, integrity, tolerance, equality and creative expression.

The Ford's Theatre Society was founded under the guidance of executive producer Frankie Hewitt, who, during her 35-year tenure, established Ford's as a living, working theatre producing performances that highlighted the diversity of the American experience. Since the arrival of Paul R. Tetreault as Director, critics and the theatregoing public have recognized Ford's for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the nationally acclaimed Big River to the world premieres of Meet John Doe, The Heavens Are Hung In Black, Liberty Smith, Necessary Sacrifices and The Widow Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is making its mark on the American theatre landscape. Under the leadership of Wayne R. Reynolds, Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus (Chairman 2007 to 2012), the mission of Ford's Theatre Society expanded to include education as a central pillar. This expansion led to the creation and construction of the Center for Education and Leadership. Currently, under the leadership of Board of Trustees Chairman Eric A. Spiegel, Ford's enters a second phase of strategic planning to ensure the organization's place as a national destination for exploring Lincoln's legacy and the American experience through the intersection of history, performance and education.

For more information on Ford's Theatre and the Ford's Theatre Society, visit www.fords.org.

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