theatreWashington Honors Kevin Spacey and More at the 28th Helen Hayes Awards Tonight

When theatreWashington toasts actor and arts advocate Kevin Spacey and Washington theatre artists during the 28th Helen Hayes Awards, the most prestigious awards in Washington theatre, they will be joined by some of the top talents in politics, media and the arts. Tonight, April 23, 2012, theatreWashington will honor 153 nominated artists and present three special awards to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Washington professional theatre.

In addition to stars of the Washington stage, awards in 26 categories will be presented by: Nina Totenberg, journalist of National Public Radio, Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's Hardball and NBC's The Chris Matthews Show, Virginian Congressman James Moran, District of Columbia representatives Delegate Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Councilmember Jack Evans, and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Tony-Award winning lighting designer Brian MacDevitt, Kennedy Center Vice President Mickey Berra, and Washington Post President and General Manager Stephen Hills.

Helen Beth MacArthur, daughter-in-law of Helen Hayes and wife of the late James MacArthur, and Juliette Rappaport, James MacArthur's daughter, will also be on hand to present awards. Actresses Felicia Curry, currently appearing in Rapunzel at Imagination Stage, and 14-time Helen Hayes Award nominee Holly Twyford serve as the evening's hosts.

"We are excited to have individuals who are the top talents in their fields join us as presenters during the Helen Hayes Awards," said Victor Shargai, Chairman of the theatreWashington Board of Directors. President and CEO Linda Levy Grossman added, "Their presence demonstrates that theatre connects all of us - and shows the nation that something great is happening in Washington theatre."

With over 80 professional theatre companies, Greater Washington is second only to New York for the number of productions produced each year. During the 2011 season, 53 theatres produced 192 productions that met eligibility requirements in the January 1 - December 31 judging cycle. From these shows, 153 artists from 26 theatres were nominated for this year's Helen Hayes Awards.

The 28th Helen Hayes Awards marks the first time the Awards celebration is presented as theatreWashington, the organization's new name. theatreWashington is the only organization dedicated to promoting, representing, and supporting all segments of Washington's professional theatre community including theatres, artists, company members and audiences of all ages.This rebranding reflects the mission the organization has always represented: raising awareness of Washington theatre and lifting the profile of the Washington region as a top cultural destination.

The 28th Helen Hayes Awards will be held at the Warner Theatre, immediately followed by the Ovation Gala at the JW Marriott Hotel. Tickets are available at www.theatrewashington.org.

From the District to Shirlington, from Bethesda to Tyson's Corner, from the route 29 to the route 50 corridors, the Washington metropolitan area has always been one of the most prosperous, vital, and exciting communities in the country in which to live and work. And, sitting at the very center of this dynamic theatre community is theatreWashington.

Building on nearly three decades of service as The Helen Hayes Awards, theatreWashington is the unified voice of Washington area theatre. The Helen Hayes Awards is a signature program of theatreWashington.

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