A Spring Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch presented by the American Cancer Society, NYC
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| Michael Douglas | Photo: Sam Deitch/BFA.com |
When: Monday, May 4, 2015 @ 6PM
Hot Spot: The Millennium Broadway Hotel, NYC
Deets: On Monday, May 4th, 2015, guests gathered at the Hudson Theatre at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City for a special evening. The American Cancer Society presented A Spring Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch featuring the music of “Sweet Smell of Success” performed by many of today’s top Broadway talent.
The evening began with cocktails, dinner and the award presentation of the Marvin Hamlisch Memorial Award for Humanitarian Efforts to philanthropist Lily Safra in gratitude for her ongoing global charitable endeavors, notably in science and in medicine. The award was presented by Honorary Chair Terre Blair Hamlisch. 2014 honoree, actor Michael Douglas surprised the 200 guests with a very moving and empowering speech on the important work the American Cancer Society has done for cancer research. Guests went home with their own sweet smell, Modern Muse by Estee Lauder.
The evening continued with a concert featuring selections from the musical Sweet Smell of Success. Sweet Smell of Success features book by Tony Award winner John Guare, music by Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize winner Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by three time Tony Award nominee Craig Carnelia. Based on the novel by Ernest Lehman and the MGM/United Artists motion picture, Sweet Smell of Success tells the story of powerful gossip columnist JJ Hunsecker and struggling press agent Sidney Falcone.
Nearly 450 guests filled the Hudson Theatre and were entertained with selections from this Tony Award nominated musical by some of today’s Broadway favorites including three-time Tony nominee Marc Kudisch as JJ Hunsecker (Hand to God), Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan as Sidney Falcone (Newsies), Adam Jacobs as Dallas (Aladdin), Lindsay Mendez as Rita (Wicked), Marissa McGowan as Susan (A Little Night Music), Bernard Dotson (Sweet Smell of Success), Steven Brinberg, Peter Dugan and Charles Yang. Ensemble members included Craig Blake, Dionne Figgins, Matt Gibson, Justin Henry, Reed Kelly, Amanda Kloots, Ryan Steer, Mindy Wallace, Chryssie Whitehead, Ryan Worsing, Mary Cavett and Sam Zack.
John Simpkins directed, with music direction by J. Ernest Green and choreography by Emmy Winner Tyce Diorio. Chris Dallos provided lighting, Catherine Clark ALD, Dan Gerhard sound design, Michelle Humphrey costume design, Sonja Thorson ASM, and Tony winner Peter Lawrence was Stage Manager. Nathan Hurlin was the Production Manager and James Cunningham was the Associate Music Director.
The performance was rounded out by an extraordinary orchestra featuring Josh Plotner, Phil Varricchio, Justin Vance, Seth Paris, John Lake, Ben Benack III, Amie Margoles, Nick Grinder, Geroge McMullen, Andrew Sharkey, Allison Seidner, Charlie Rosen, Dan Berkery, Edward Shea, James Cunningham, and Ben Baker.
Christie’s, Discovery Communications, GroupM and Horizon Media, Inc. are sponsoring the evening. Joseph and Sherri Abruzzese wer the Co-Chairs.
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the American Cancer Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. The American Cancer Society is determined to finish the fight against cancer.
Spotted: Marvin Hamlisch (music), Craig Carnelia (lyrics), and John Guare (book), including Jeremy Jordan, Adam Jacobs, Lindsay Mendez, Marissa McGowan, Steven Brinberg, Bernard Dotson, Peter Dugan, and Charles Yang. The performance will be directed by John Simpkins with musical direction by J. Ernest Green, stage management by Tony Award Winner Peter Lawrence and sound by Bob Rendon. Philanthropist Lily Safra will receive the Marvin Hamlisch Memorial Award for Humanitarian Efforts in gratitude for her ongoing global charitable endeavors, notably in science and in medicine. Christie’s, Discovery Communications, GroupM and Horizon Media, Inc. are sponsoring the evening. Joseph and Sherri Abruzzese were the Co-Chairs.
Hint For The Average Socialite: Show tickets began at $75; tickets to the dinner, awards and the show began at $1,000 and sponsorship packages began at $15,000. Information on the event and ticket purchase info was available by contacting Monica Kennedy at monica.kennedy@cancer.org or 212-237-3902.
Get Involved: The American Cancer Society is finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
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