Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
The Clive Barnes Foundation has announced the 2024 Honored Artists for The Clive Barnes Award in Dance and Theatre. This year’s recipients in Dance are David Gabriel from New York City Ballet, Isaiah K. Harvey of EVIDENCE, and Kanon Sugino from Doug Varone and Dancers. In the Theatre category, the Honored Artists are Ava Lalezarzadeh for her role in English, Tom Francis for his performance in Sunset Boulevard, and Helen J Shen for Maybe Happy Ending. The prestigious 15th Annual Clive Barnes Award ceremony is set to take place on Monday, June 9, at 5:30 PM at the National Arts Club in New York City.
The Selection Committee, composed of 11 members who are seasoned arts journalists and professionals, has nominated these artists based on their live performances in New York City throughout the past year, from January to December 2024.
This milestone 15th anniversary ceremony will feature performances from both current and past honorees, followed by a cocktail reception to celebrate the accomplishments of the awardees.
“The Honored Artists for this year exemplify the emerging talent that is vital to the future of Dance and Theatre,” stated Lloyd Mayor, Director of the Clive Barnes Foundation and a past award winner. “As we celebrate our 15th year, my colleagues and I are excited to uphold the legacy of Valerie and Clive, who passionately supported the arts and young artists.”
David Gabriel
Originally from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, David Gabriel commenced his dance training at just eight years old, first at Glenwood Dance Academy and later continuing at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. After attending a summer program at the School of American Ballet in 2019, he became a full-time student there. Gabriel earned the Rudolph Nureyev scholarship during his time at SAB. He started as an apprentice with New York City Ballet in August 2021, transitioned to the corps de ballet the following May, and was recently promoted to soloist in June 2024.
Isaiah K. Harvey
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Isaiah K. Harvey began his dance journey at Innervisions Theater Arts Center. He earned a BFA in Dance from Montclair State University and further honed his craft at renowned institutions such as the Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts and The Ailey School. Harvey has performed with notable artists and in acclaimed productions, including works by Alvin Ailey and Camille A. Brown. He balances his performance career while also educating future dancers at the Youth Arts Academy and Innervisions Theater Arts Center, as well as being a company member of EVIDENCE.
Kanon Sugino
A Japanese American dance artist, Kanon Sugino grew up in New York and graduated summa cum laude from Purchase College, SUNY. With a diverse repertoire, she has performed in numerous prestigious productions and worked with celebrated choreographers. After her graduation, Kanon joined Nimbus Dance, and she now collaborates with both MICHIYAYA Dance and Doug Varone and Dancers.
Tom Francis
Tom Francis is known for his captivating portrayal of Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard, a role that earned him an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He trained at ArtsEd in London and has a portfolio that includes significant roles in productions such as & Juliet and Rent. His screen credits feature a role in the Netflix series “You” and an upcoming film debut in “The Mosquito Bowl,” directed by Peter Berg.
Ava Lalezarzadeh
Ava Lalezarzadeh is an accomplished actor and writer, recognized for her role as Cleo in the Apple TV+ thriller Before. In 2025, she is set to make her Broadway debut in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play English. Ava is also known for writing and starring in the Oscar-qualifying short film In the Garden of Tulips, a narrative inspired by her mother’s life during the Iran-Iraq War. Additional screen credits include The Morning Show and Big Mouth.
Helen J Shen
Helen J Shen has emerged as a prominent figure in theatre, currently starring in the Broadway production Maybe Happy Ending, for which she received a nomination for the 2025 Drama League Awards. Her previous roles include performances in The Lonely Few and the musical Teeth. With a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan, she has also participated in acclaimed regional productions, further solidifying her reputation in the industry.
Real Women Have Curves
James Earl Jones Theater (Broadway)
Real Women Have Curves is set to bring a lively and empowering narrative to Broadway this April. The story takes place in the summer of 1987, focusing on Ana Garcia, who aspires to break free from her surroundings in East Los Angeles, while also facing the pressures of family obligations and community demands.
Win Two Tickets to The Great Gatsby
Source
www.broadwayworld.com