There were many incredible folks that spoke throughout the night like David Henry Hwang (Tony Award winner, DGF Board with works like YELLOW FACE, M. BUTTERFLY), Andrew Lippa (Award Winning composer and DGF President), and we watched a performance from We Live In Cairo, a new musical created by the Lazour Brothers which is having its world premiere at New York Theater Workshop.
Then in the midst of the night, there was fundraiser auction in hopes to raise 100,000 dollars– and they did! And even more than that. It was such a lovely experience to see people come together and support a wonderful community and guild of future writers and theater makers. From many of the speakers and attendees, they have made it very clear how important this foundation is, and how the community can really come and support artists in every part of their journeys. The first true auctions I’ve ever witnessed and I get why people are jazzed about them. It was thrilling and so fun to witness and be apart of.
Then as the auction settled, the night refocussed on the chosen honorees: Tom Kitt (Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize Award-winning Composer, Orchestrator, and Arranger) and Mindy Rich (Chairman at Rich Holdings Inc., Executive Chair at Rich Entertainment Group (REG), and Producing Partner at Grove Entertainment). Both of these humans are so gracious and appreciative while also so talented in the art they create, participate in and the communities they love. Two truly loved and valued individuals, who spoke with a sense of grace and love that made us feel how connected and loved they are by their communities and by DGF.
Then more thrilling performances such as: Jeanna De Wall (Diana), the titular song from a new musical in the works Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World, and Jack Wolfe (West End NEXT TO NORMAL) who performed “I’m Alive” from Next to Normal. Not only was his performance captivating and astounding, but it reminded me just how magical the music of Tom Kitt is and was and will be over the years. We had an in-Memoriam performance to Honor all the creatives who have passed and shared a moment of mourning in community.
Then Stephen Schwartz announced the winner for the Stephen Schwartz Award: Daniel Lazour. As mentioned earlier in the piece, Daniel co-created We Live in Cairo, Night Side Songs (UTR/PTC/ART 2025), a stage adaptation of the film The Lunchbox, and a movie musical, Challenger: An American Dream. Many Congratulations were shared as Daniel accepted the award, and showed again, how important it is to continue to support and honor new writers in their journeys and creative endeavors.
Finally, we closed the night out with a lovey and thrilling performance by Nikki Renee Daniel’s, which also doubled as a tribute to Stephan Sondheim. Another reminder of how the art and works of writers and composers and theater creatives will last over the lifetimes. The night was beautifully organized, wonderful people on and off the stage that are a part of this foundation and also shout out to the ASL interpreters who were a joy to watch. I am grateful an organization like DGF exists and hope to see them grow and continue to foster and facilitate community and art.
Check out the interviews posted on our instagram down below! The loveliest of people!
