ATW Gala Will Celebrate the Legacy of Antoinette Perry and Women in the Theatre

The American Theatre Wing (Heather Hitchens, President & CEO) is pleased to announce that it will honor the legacy of actor, director, and activist Antoinette “Tony” Perry alongside the past, present, and future women in the theatre at its annual Gala, which will be held on Monday, September 12, 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street (110 East 42nd Street). After a two-year hiatus, this in-person event will feature an unforgettable line-up of intergenerational performances by a legendary roster of women theatre artists.

Antoinette Perry devoted her life to the theatre community. Starting out as an actor, she later became a stage director at a time when it was nearly unheard of for a woman to hold that position. Beyond her artistic accomplishments, she was tireless in her efforts as an activist, organizer, and promoter of causes that benefited and uplifted her Broadway “family.” She served as an officer for the American Theatre Wing and spearheaded many of the Wing’s wartime efforts. Passionate about bringing more people into the theatre industry, she also helped establish the American Theatre Wing Professional School, which launched the careers of Tony Bennett, Bob Fosse, Angela Lansbury, James Earl Jones, and other entertainment icons. Upon her death, the Broadway community immortalized her legacy by creating the annual “Tony Awards” ceremony.

In order to carry Antoinette’s legacy of educating the next generation of theatre artists, the gala will aim to raise an additional $500,000 for the Wing’s Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative, which will be matched dollar for dollar by the Edwin Barbey Charitable Trust. The Initiative catalyzes change in the American Theatre by infusing new resources into the theatre ecosystem that bolster the pipeline for historically underrepresented talent – on stage and off

“Women have made invaluable contributions to the theatre that trace back all the way back to the roots of our organization. There isn’t a more relevant and influential pioneer to pay tribute to than one of the American Theatre Wing’s founders: Antoinette Perry,” said Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “Antoinette’s legacy continues to pave the American Theatre’s dynamic future, as her work inspires generations of strong, talented, and remarkable women and other new artists year after year.”

The evening includes cocktails, dinner, and performances. For tickets and more information, please contact Director of Development, Laura Michele Talbot by calling 212-765-0606 x200 or by emailing laura@thewing.org.