The annual award will be given at future Bay Street Galas to honor someone in the theatre and entertainment industry who has made a major impact in the world of the performing arts.
In addition to Grey, the gala will also honor Andrea K. Wahlquist, a Bay Street Theater Trustee; and Peconic Landing, which will be honored as a dedicated Community Partner. Bay Street Theater will also announce the formation of the Michael Downing Acting Apprenticeship Program, in memory of the young actor who appeared in Bay Street’s first production of Men’s Lives.
Isaac Mizrahi will host the July event, which includes a silent auction, cocktail party, live auction with celebrity auctioneer Richard Kind, dinner and dancing, as well as special performances. Proceeds support Bay Street's educational and theatrical programs.
Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian (Murder for Two) are writing the show for the evening, which will have choreography by Shannon Lewis. Performers will include Mauricio Martinez, Samantha Massell, and Jon Peterson.
“This year’s gala is titled If Your Friends Could See You Now, and it will celebrate the Broadway musicals of the 1960s,” according to Scott Schwartz, Bay Street Theater artistic director. “It’s going to be so exciting to put together a dazzling dinner and performance, and to celebrate the legendary Joel Grey and our other honorees at the beautiful new Gala location at Wölffer Estate Vineyard.”
Kennedy Center Honoree Grey was most recently on Broadway in the acclaimed revival of Anything Goes. He won a Tony Award for his role as the Emcee in the original Broadway production of Cabaret and later repeated the role on film to Oscar-winning effect. Grey's other theatrical credits include roles in Wicked, Chicago, George M!, Goodtime Charley, and The Grand Tour. He most recently directed the Yiddish production of Fiddler on the Roof, now playing Off-Broadway's Stage 42.
Tickets and tables are available with special pricing for younger attendees. Visit baystreet.org, email Development Manager Emma Ruben, [email protected] or call the Development Office at (631) 725-0818. Tickets range from $450 and up, with additional special pricing for Peconic Landing residents. Others interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Paul Anthony at [email protected].
