Thank you for your support of the Sondheim Award Gala

Honoring

CHITA RIVERA

Monday, April 3, 2023
Embassy of Italy

The Gala was an exciting evening celebrating the legendary Chita Rivera with special video appearances from Jason Alexander and Ariana DeBose, a heartfelt speech from Mary Beth Peil, tribute performances by Tony® Award winning Broadway stars Stephanie J. Block (Broadway’s The Cher Show, The Mystery of Edwin Drood), and Jessie Mueller (Broadway’s Beautiful: The Carole King Story, Waitress); as well as beloved Signature artists Austin Colby, Natascia Diaz, Vincent Kempski, Katie Mariko Murray, David Merino, and Nova Y. Payton.

Chita Rivera is widely known as one of Broadway’s greatest triple-threat talents. Her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway production of West Side Story brought her stardom and launched a storied career. She is one of the most nominated performers in Tony Award history, having earned 10 nominations and three awards. Her most recent nomination was in 2015 for The Visit, the final collaboration between John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Terrence McNally, for the role she previously played to great acclaim at Signature in 2008.

Click here to read Chita Rivera’s full bio

In addition to honoring Carol, Signature presented Michelle S. Lee, Founder, President, & CEO of STG International, Inc. with the J. Watkins Distinguished Service Award for their incredible leadership and support of the arts through the community.

Click here to read Michelle S. Lee’s full bio

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SONDHEIM AWARD GALA SPONSORS

GALA CHAIR
DIAMOND
Cathy Bernard

PLATINUM
Amazon
Dottie Bennett and Richard Morton
The Boeing Company
Bonnie Feld
Bradley S. Frey/J. Watkins’ Fund or Arts and Education
Celie and Tabitha Niehaus
H. Mac and Michele-Anne Riley
The Ted & Mary Jo Shen Charitable Gift Fund

GOLD
Greg Albright and Wesley Combs
John F. Benton and David W. Briggs
Chevy Chase Trust
Michael DeSantis and Patrick Baugh
DoPaNo Productions
Dana A. Hearn and Kevin J. McCloskey
Don and Angela Irwin
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Missy Kurek
Peter and Mary Jay Michel
David Ochsman
Russ Schriefer and Nina Easton
Susan C. Schwab
Carl Spatz and Thomas Hesselbrock
STG International, Inc.
Peter and Ann Tanous
Jeffrey Thurston and Charles Berardesco
Maya Weil

SILVER
J. Max Barger
Frank Guzzetta and Paul Manville
Marilyn and Michael Hausfeld
Lou Mazawey
Reinsch Pierce Family Foundation by Lola C. Reinsch
Richard J. Underwood

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT PARTNERS

SHANNON FINNEY

POTOMAC SOUND

DAVID POWERS

MARGOT SCHULMAN

*as of March 31, 2023

ABOUT THE SONDHEIM AWARD GALA

Signature’s annual Sondheim Award Gala honors those who have contributed to the works of Stephen Sondheim and the canon of American Musical Theater. The Sondheim Award Gala benefits Signature’s artistic, education, and community outreach programs.

The Gala is a festive evening that includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet seated dinner, and a delicious dessert buffet. Each year, the honoree receives a special award presentation that includes tribute performances by notable Broadway and Signature artists.

ABOUT THE J. WATKINS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The J. Watkins Distinguished Service Award honors community leaders who have made an extraordinary impact in the greater DC community through their passion and advocacy for theater and arts education. The award is made in memory of J. Watkins, a long-time Signature Board Member, an important part of the Sondheim Award Gala leadership team, and a tremendous ambassador for Signature and the arts in our community.

PAST RECIPIENTS

SONDHEIM AWARD

2022 Carol Burnett

2019 Audra McDonald

2018 John Kander

2017 Cameron Mackintosh

2016 John Weidman

2015 James Lapine

2014 Jonathan Tunick

2013 Harold “Hal” Prince

2012 Patti LuPone

2011 Bernadette Peters

2010 Angela Lansbury

THE J. WATKINS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

2022 Merrill and Mark Shugoll

2019 Congressman Don Beyer and Mrs. Megan Beyer

For more information, please contact:
571 527 1828 or events@sigtheatre.org