Virginia’s Signature Theatre’s Stephen Sondheim Award Gala, which had been set for April 2020 and subsequently June 2020, will now take place May 16. The previous dates were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Entertainment icon Carol Burnett will receive the 11th annual Stephen Sondheim Award at the ceremony.
The award, established in 2009, is given to an individual for career contributions to the American Musical Theatre along with interpreting, supporting, or collaborating on works by Sondheim. Previous recipients include late composer-lyricist Sondheim, followed by Angela Lansbury (2010), Bernadette Peters (2011), Patti LuPone (2012), Harold “Hal” Prince (2013), Jonathan Tunick (2014), James Lapine (2015), John Weidman (2016), Sir Cameron Mackintosh (2017), John Kander (2018), and Audra McDonald (2019).
“With her love of musical theatre both on the stage and on her own show, it is more than fitting that Carol Burnett receive the Stephen Sondheim Award,” said Signature Managing Director Maggie Boland. "We are grateful to have this opportunity to raise much-needed resources for Signature by bringing our community together to honor her legendary talent."
“She is the final honoree to be chosen personally by Mr. Sondheim before his passing,” added Signature Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner, “and he greatly admired how she has brought the arts to millions of people through her comedy and artistry. We look forward to celebrating her extraordinary career this spring.”
Burnett, who was awarded a Special Tony Award in 1969, was nominated for Tonys for her performances in Once Upon a Mattress and Moon Over Buffalo. She has also been seen on Broadway in Fade Out-Fade In, the Stephen Sondheim revue Putting It Together, Hollywood Arms, and Love Letters. She is also a 22-time Emmy Award winner and known for her television variety series The Carol Burnett Show.
Proceeds from The Sondheim Award Gala will benefit Signature Theatre’s artistic, education, and community programs. Visit SigTheatre.org.
Company of Once Upon A Mattress
Carol Burnett and Jane White in Once Upon A Mattress
Carol Burnett in Once Upon A Mattress
