2019 Gala: Kirsten Childs presents her song "Pretty" performed by Hailey Kilgore

Описание: Two-time Jonathan Larson Grant recipient and Obie Award winner Kirsten Child presents her song "Pretty" from The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, performed by Tony Nominee Hailey Kilgore at the 2019 American Theatre Wing Gala celebrating the Legacy of & Family of Jonathan Larson.

Directed and Produced by: Jennifer Ashley Tepper
Executed Produced by: Heather A. Hitchens
Produced by: Lauren Class Schneider
Music Direction and Piano: Natalie Tenenbaum
Bass: Julia Adamy
Drums: Rosa Avila
Guitar/Keyboard: Cody Owen Stine
Guitar: Megan Talay

The American Theatre Wing’s Annual Gala celebrates its 102nd Anniversary of service to the American theatre by celebrating the legacy of Jonathan Larson and the Larson family, dubbed “Say YES to Artists Gala.”

Jonathan Larson’s dream was to infuse musical theatre with a contemporary, joyful, urban vitality, but like every creative artist just starting out, he faced a litany of rejections. For years, Julie, Nan, and Al Larson watched their brother and son struggle with constantly being told “No” as he tried to make it as a composer-lyricist in New York City. His dream finally seemed to be coming true when RENT was produced on Broadway, but tragically, he didn’t live to see it happen as he passed away the night before the show’s first preview. Upon his death, the Larson family felt the best way to honor his legacy was to say “YES” to young musical theatre writers providing both money and encouragement at a critical moment in their careers.

The family came to the American Theatre Wing in 2009 and in the last 22 years, The Jonathan Larson® Grants have said “YES” to more than 135 artists and invested over $730,000 in the future voices of the theatre. Those artists have gone on to garner 20 Tony nominations, 3 Tony Awards, 6 Obie Awards, 2 Golden Globes, 2 Grammys, and 1 Academy Award.

To donate, apply, or find our more information on the American Theatre Wing's program like the Jonathan Larson Grant visit http://www.AmericanTheatreWing.org