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On April 14, 2025, the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre in Virginia will honor the celebrated actor Mandy Patinkin with its fourteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. The prestigious accolade will be bestowed during a black-tie Gala Benefit at The Anthem, with proceeds supporting Signature Theatre’s artistic, educational, and community initiatives.
This special tribute will feature live performances by an impressive lineup, including Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt, as well as esteemed opera singer Nathan Gunn. Signature Theatre favorites Ángel Lozada, Tracy Lynn Olivera, and Awa Sal Secka will also grace the stage. The tribute will be accompanied by musicians Jon Kalbfleisch and Julie Gunn. For further details, visit SigTheatre.org/Donate/Sondheim-Gala.
The Sondheim Award Gala celebrates significant contributions to American Musical Theater, and this year, Signature Theatre is thrilled to honor the talent of Mandy Patinkin. Renowned for his collaboration with Sondheim, Patinkin is particularly recognized for his groundbreaking performance as Georges Seurat in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Sunday in the Park with George,” where he starred alongside 2011 Sondheim Award laureate, Bernadette Peters. His successful career includes memorable appearances in the concert production of “Follies” at Lincoln Center, which is documented in “Follies in Concert.” Besides his Tony Award-winning role in “Evita,” Patinkin gained fame for his performances in the television series “Homeland” for Showtime, his Emmy-winning role in “Chicago Hope,” and his iconic portrayal of Inigo Montoya in “The Princess Bride.”
Table sponsorship for the upcoming Sondheim Award Gala ranges between $12,000 and $100,000, offering valuable visibility and entertainment perks throughout the year. Individual tickets are priced at $1,200 each. For further inquiries regarding sponsorships and ticket purchasing, reach out to the Development office at 571.527.1828 or via email at events@sigtheatre.org.
This year also sees the availability of performance-only tickets for the Sondheim Award Presentation to Mandy Patinkin, priced at $60. These tickets can be bought at SigTheatre.org. They will be available at will call at The Anthem starting at 7 PM, with the doors opening for the Award Presentation at 7:30 PM and tribute performances beginning at 8 PM.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Ben Platt, a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner, recently made a celebrated return to the New York stage as Leo Frank in “Parade” at City Center, moving to Broadway after receiving critical acclaim. His career has further expanded with the film “Theater Camp,” co-created with Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin, and Nick Lieberman, inspired by their successful 2020 short film.
As a recording artist, Platt has two albums to his name—“Sing To Me” (2019) and “Reverie” (2021)—and has successfully undertaken a solo tour in support of his second album. His third album, “Honeymind,” produced by nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb, was released on May 31, 2024.
Platt’s transformative performance as Evan Hansen in “Dear Evan Hansen” earned him the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, which he later reprised for the film adaptation featuring Julianne Moore and Amy Adams. Additionally, he starred in Ryan Murphy’s popular Netflix series “The Politician” as executive producer, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for his lead role. Platt has also begun filming “Merrily We Roll Along,” a unique production directed by Richard Linklater that spans over two decades. He was recently seen in the Amazon film “The People We Hate at The Wedding” alongside Allison Janney and Kristen Bell, and he has starred in notable film and TV productions like “Pitch Perfect” and “Will & Grace.”
Nathan Gunn’s passion for music originated in South Bend, Indiana. He began with school musicals and church choirs, ultimately deciding to dedicate his life to music after discovering Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte.” He pursued his studies at the University of Illinois under the tutelage of notable instructors. As a performer, Gunn is celebrated for his artistry across opera and theatre, having premiered several new operas throughout his 25 years in performance. His unforgettable portrayal of Papageno in “The Magic Flute” was featured in a groundbreaking live HD broadcast at the Metropolitan Opera.
Gunn has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy for his role in “Billy Budd,” and has been recognized for his contributions to musical theater, performing roles such as Emile DeBecque and Lancelot. He also has a passion for directing, recently staging the world premiere of “Black Square” at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Alongside his wife, Julie, a fellow artist, Gunn advocates for arts education, dedicating time to mentor young talent. The couple, married for over three decades, raised their five children in Champaign, Illinois, and continue to collaborate on various artistic projects, including a new musical in development.
Ángel Lozada is previously known for his appearances in Signature Theatre’s “In the Heights”. His Broadway credits include “Bad Cinderella” and notable off-Broadway and regional productions have expanded his reputation further. Tracy Lynn Olivera has made significant contributions at Signature Theatre, showcasing her range across numerous productions and earning a Helen Hayes Award for her performance in “A Little Night Music.”
Awa Sal Secka has performed pivotal roles across various productions at Signature Theatre and beyond, solidifying her reputation in the industry. Each performer brings their unique talents and accomplishments, enhancing the evening dedicated to Mandy Patinkin.
Mandy Patinkin’s illustrious career spans numerous television series, including award-winning performances in “Homeland” and “Chicago Hope,” and recent roles in shows like “Brilliant Minds.” A seasoned performer, Patinkin has graced various stages, fortifying his legacy through concert performances and collaborations. He remains a luminary in the fields of theater, film, and television, with an impressive array of works confirming his immense contribution to the arts.
Since its inception in 2009, the Stephen Sondheim Award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted American Musical Theater. Past awardees include luminaries like Angela Lansbury and Bernadette Peters. The award not only highlights the recipient’s career achievements but also their collaboration with Sondheim, as Signature Theatre has produced a remarkable number of Sondheim’s works, establishing itself as a vital institution in promoting his legacy.
With this event, Signature Theatre continues its tradition of honoring those who have shaped the American theater landscape, exemplifying the enduring influence and artistry of Stephen Sondheim.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com