By Sandi Durell . . .
TWA is one of the most fun-filled evenings honoring theater and its creatives. And June 5, 2023 was no different, other than it reached new heights of what I call warm and fuzzy.
The evening was hosted by the always witty and glib Peter Filichia who can be counted on for a facetious tongue and delivery. Directors, couple Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora, smoothed out any potential bumps making for a well run production.
With musical director Michael Lavine at the piano, theater kid Ben Pajak opened with “Where is Love” segueing into “Gary, Indiana.” No doubt this kid knows his way around a stage having received a special award for Outstanding Ensemble in 2022 for The Music Man. Filichia commented he wants to see Ben in 2096 when he can play the role of King Lear, adding “non traditional casting is now traditional”.
Presenter Arian Moayed (A Doll’s House) had much to say about his friend of 20 yrs. Amir Arison (The Kite Runner – narrator) who received his TWA. Amir had lots to say and he did prove why his mother told him he talks too much!
Kimberly Akimbo’s Justin Cooley, who rec’d last year’s TWA honor, presented to Yahya Abdul-MateenII (Topdog/Underdog) who explains what it’s like to feel like an insider at a dance club having a good time, but not out on the dance floor. But one night they play your song! Classically trained he’s had a long career on stage but how nice to be recognized a first time with a TWA .
Adorable young Ben, dubbed a “Broadway old timer” by Filichia, returns to replace Sandy Duncan who had to drop out last minute and presents the TWA to Caroline Innerbichler for her role in Shucked. Hailing from Minnesota she finds NYC daunting. She really is a gal who knows cornfields, thanking the beautiful community of weirdos in poetry written with the help of Robert Horn.
Presenter Laura Linney (Summer 1976), honored with a TWA in 1992 – Sight Unseen), talks a bit about her own history and presents to Lucy Freyer for The Wanderers in which Katie Holmes also appeared.
Lionel Larner presented the Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence to Julie Benko for her Outstanding Performance in Funny Girl. She appears at specific performances weekly as Fanny Brice and reveals that her parents, who are in the audience, are celebrating their wedding anniversary and, guess what? So is Julie who is married to composer Jason Yeager. She gives away a secret saying she even used a leftover wedding gift card from Bloomie’s to buy the sparkly dress she was wearing. Ah warm and fuzzy coincidences!
Paolo Szot (who received his TWA in 2008 for South Pacific) presents to UK born Callum Francis (Kinky Boots). Callum has performed the role of Lola internationally more times than anyone else. He admits his back does bother him from walking around in those boots for so long!
Ben Edelman (Admissions 2018) presents to Hiran Abeysekera for his role in Life of Pi – the role he originated in London. It was fitting for Priscilla Lopez (originally a swing in Michael Bennett’s “Henry Sweet Henry at the Public in 1967) to present the TWA to Marilyn Caserta as Outstanding Swing for her multi-roles in SIX.
Katy Sullivan (Cost of Living 2018), presented to Emma Pfitzer Price for her role in Becomes a Woman. Emma is a Julliard Grad who gave credit to the author Betty Smith, whose 100 yr old daughter was in her audience on opening night sitting in the first row.
Everyone’s favorite Dale Badway received an Outstanding Contribution to the Theatre World for finding a way to keep TWA alive in these extraordinary times. He quoted Oscar Wilde “how wonderful to be a human being” for which he receivd a standing ovation.
Julie Benko returned accompanied by hubby Jason Yeager to deliver one of the Funny Girl showstoppers “I’m The Greatest Star” to thunderous applause – you sure are Julie! We’ll soon have the pleasure of seeing Ms. Benko on stage in Harmony opening soon on Broadway.
Producer Karen Johnston (TWA Board) gave a commercial plea for support with a cleverly written song featuring bits and pieces of familiar song lyrics that actually made sense.
Jeremy Jordan (Bonnie & Clyde 2012 TWA) presented to his friend Casey Likes (currently in Almost Famous). Ruthie Ann Miles (Here Lies Love) presented to good friend, an enthusiastic D’Arcy Carden (The Thanksgiving Play) – “I love theatre!”
Noma Dumezweni (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 2018), who says she was never trained in theater, was most aware of the difficulties of performing a one person show, presented to Jodie Comer (Prima Facie). “Jodie grabbed my heart” said Noma.
Myles Frost (MJ) 2022) now feeling “cold and hungry” (it’s getting on 3 hrs. of sitting in the Circle in the Square Theatre) presented to Ashley D.Kelley (Shucked) who accepted her honor with “I’m cold and hungry too!” adding “I’m where I’m supposed to be, thanks to my drama teacher.”
The incomparable Audra McDonald was next to present The John Willis Lifetime of Achievement in the Theatre award to the one and only Brian Stokes Mitchell who opened with “I’m freezing”. I think there’s an underlying theme coming through. His acceptance was philosophical, heart-warming and filled with hope.
Stokes is known for his philanthropy and Audra interjected “he should get a Tony for singing “The Impossible Dream” hanging out his window. His voice always lifts me up,” to which Stokes retorted “I’m honored and old but I’m still here.” His loving wife Allison Tucker Mitchell and their son Ellington, all smiles, looked on with great love, pride and admiration.
Aside from the fact that speeches tended to be a bit on the long side and the theater became colder and colder and everyone was hungry (couldn’t wait to get to that after-party), the TWA evening was, is and will always be one of the best evenings theater has to offer to itself and all those who are appreciative of the creative arts.
Featured Image: Karen Johnston, Dale Badway
Photos: Cynthia Reitman
