On June 18 Theater Development Fund held its 50th Anniversary Gala celebrating two theatre greats: playwright Tony Kushner and writer-director James Lapine.
Kushner, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning playwright of Angels in America, was the night’s honoree. His two-part magnum opus Angels in America is currently playing in a 25th anniversary revival at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre starring Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane. Kushner also wrote the book and lyrics to Caroline, or Change, earning Tony nominations for Best Score and Best Book of a Musical.
In addition to recognizing Kushner for his contributions to the theatre, Pulitzer- and Tony-winning writer and director James Lapine received the first-ever TDF Founders Award. The Award “is being created to honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a deep commitment to TDF and its mission, and who embody TDF’s vision of a world where the transformative experience of attending live theatre and dance is essential, relevant, accessible and inspirational,” according to a statement from the organization.
The proceeds from the gala benefit TDF’s programs, including the Open Doors mentorship program, accessibility initiatives, audience engagement, the TDF costume collection, and more. The arts institution is dedicated to bringing the performing arts to everyone by expanding access and creating communities around live theatre and dance.
