April 2010

ATW Celebrates the 2010 Jonathan Larson^® Grant Recipients

"We writers do this for the love of it, really, and every so often it's nice to have that love requited. This is one of those rare moments, and I really cherish it."

Daniel Maté shared that feeling with the nearly 150 people in attendance as the 2010 Jonathan Larson Grants were presented on March 9th in the penthouse of the American Airlines Theatre, overlooking 42nd Street. The room was filled with ATW supporters, producers, agents, Jonathan Larson's family, and representatives from 13 years of past grant recipients. It was a gala occasion to celebrate the work of all four of this year's recipients Christopher Dimond, Michael Kooman, Peter Lerman, and Daniel Maté.

It started a cappella as three members of the current cast of Memphis, Brad Bass, John Eric Parker and Ephraim Sykes, snapped their fingers as the audience clapped along to a rarely heard Jonathan Larson song. "Boho Days", which came from an early draft of the musical which became tick, tick...Boom! And that was just the beginning of a starry event to honor these emerging writers for the musical theatre.

Following "Boho Days," Kooman and Dimond accepted their grant, and then Michael Kooman played "Requiem for Bear" as Kerry Butler (Xanadu, Rock of Ages) sang the emotional song about the imagined death of a teddy bear. Next, Julia Murney (The Wild Party, Saved) took the stage to sing Daniel Maté's comic song "I Don't Think of You (It's All Good)." Finally, Peter Lerman's song about a baseball player who has left the game, "The Search" was showcased by Brian D'Arcy James (Time Stands Still, Shrek) with Lerman playing accompaniment.

The Jonathan Larson Grants are presented annually and provide unrestricted grants to some of today's most promising young individuals and teams writing for the musical theatre, offering support, exposure and encouragement to the next generation. Lyricist Dimond summed up what the program attempts to accomplish as he and Kooman accepted their honor. "The life and work of Jonathan Larson exemplifies why risk is so necessary for the advancement of the musical theatre. Through his daring words and music Jonathan changed the shape of musical theatre and perhaps even the world around it. The support from this grant is something we're incredibly grateful for as it will allow us to continue to take chances as Jonathan did as we attempt to follow in his footsteps. It is an unbelievable honor to be considered part of his legacy."

back to top

ATW Will Honor the Centennial of Frank Loesser

As the event that kicks off the final week's run-up to the Tony Awards, the American Theatre Wing's annual Spring Gala will be held on Monday, June 7th at Cipriani 42nd Street. Heart and Soul: The Legacy of Frank Loesser will honor the centennial of the composer famous for the scores of the Tony Award winning musicals Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed in Business Without Trying (and many more), as well as honoring companies he founded: Music Theatre International and Frank Music Corporation.

The evening's honorary chairs are Susan Loesser, John Loesser, Emily Loesser Stephenson and ATW's longest serving board member Jo Loesser. The Gala Co-Chairs are Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Jacquin P. Fink, Freddie Gershon and ATW Board members Theodore S. Chapin and Douglas B. Leeds.

We plan to top last year's gala which was a spectacular evening with entertainment from Tony winners Kristin Chenoweth, Barbara Cook and Hugh Jackman. This year's host will be Sheldon Harnick and the program will include unique performances that will feature some of the amazing songs that are Frank Loesser's legacy.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the education and outreach programs of the American Theatre Wing. The evening includes cocktails, dinner and performances. Tickets start at $700, and tables of 10 at $7,000, for more information, email benefit@americantheatrewing.org or call (212) 765-0606, x302.

Take a look at photos from the 2009 Spring Gala

back to top

More News From The Wing

• Come study in New York City this summer!
  SpringboardNYC Application Deadline: April 15
  
  Join 35 students from around the country in our college-to-career summer intensive, and learn from the best theatre artists working in the business. In these jam-packed two-weeks, students make the connections they need to succeed as we help them start their careers. Click here to learn more.

• 2010 Theatre Internship Fair
  On March 13, nearly 200 students came to meet with 50 ART/NY member companies to find their perfect internship. Some were on spring break seeking their first intern experience, while others were finishing internships and seeking a summer placement. ATW was a sponsor of the event for a second year, proudly connecting current and future members of the Theatre Intern Group (TIG) with industry networking opportunities. Congratulations to all those who made new connections at this event.

back to top

What They Said

T. Charles Erickson, on ATW's In The Wings, Theatrical Photographer.

"There's something on the line there that really focuses me... As I'm listening to the music of the emotional content of the play, there will be a moment - if you're lucky - that will be some sort of silent, two-dimensional equivalent of a three-dimensional emotional experience."

back to top