NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 06: Lynn Nottage speaks onstage while Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Eugene O’Neill Theater)
The Knockturnal was honored to be part of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Gala at The Capitale in New York City. This night celebrated Award-winning playwright and screenwriter Lynn Nottage, recipient of the 22nd Annual Monte Cristo Award. This prestigious accolade is an annual tribute to a visionary artist whose work has deeply impacted American theater.
In the midst of this grand celebration, The Knockturnal had the privilege to chat with attendees and performers Justin Hicks, Quincy Tyler Bernstein, and Illario Grant on the red carpet, capturing their emotions and hopes for the impact of the award. We were also honored to speak with honoree Lynn Nottage, who graciously shared her thoughts and hopes for the next generation.
The Knockturnal: As you step onto the carpet tonight, How does it feel to be in attendance for such a special night?
Justin Hicks: It’s special for me because I love Lynn so very much, it feels good and it also feels good to see so many people in the theatre community here its kinda a reunion.
The Knockturnal: What do you envision the benefit of tonight’s gala being for future playwrights and artists?
Justin Hicks: I think anytime someone like Lynn is being awarded or honored it kind of puts a spotlight on someone who may be like her and in various ways, She’s been such a trailblazer in so many ways and I think she also is someone who maintains a level of honesty and in-depth interaction with people that she writes about so I think that’s something that should stick around and something that won’t go out of style.
The Knockturnal: As you step onto the carpet tonight, How are you feeling? What are some thoughts going through your mind and how does it feel to be here?
Quincy Tyler Bernstein: I’m just thrilled to be here, I’m honored to be here Lynn Nottage is one of our greatest living playwrights and I’m so happy I can be here to celebrate her
The Knockturnal: What does it mean to you to be a part of something so special?
Quincy Tyler Bernstein: I just feel really lucky I get to participate in something like this to call Lynn a friend and a former colleague, and I feel really blessed to be here.
The Knockturnal: What does it mean to be a part of this moment of tonight? Being in attendance, what are your emotions and feelings tonight as you step onto the carpet?
Illario Grant: Very excited, doing red carpet, doing press. I’m able to express how important the arts are as a young black man in the arts i think it’s important that I’m here tonight to represent that!
The Knockturnal: What are your hopes for the future of this foundation what are your hopes for future playwrights and artists who will be receiving funding for new work?
Illario Grant: More black artists… it’s important in the business I think that we also have a voice so we have the stuff to say so I think more black artists are needed
The Knockturnal: If you had the opportunity to create your own original play from scratch what would the character or storyline be?
Illario Grant: I think it would be equality something that deals with the world today because there’s a lot going on in the world and there’s a lot of inequality so something dealing with those issues.
The Knockturnal: Happy Belated birthday and congratulations on being honored tonight how are you feeling right now?
Lynn Nottage: To get to this point in your career and your recognized by your peers it’s a little bit daunting but it’s beautiful and worth it.
The Knockturnal: What are your hopes for the next generation of playwrights and artists who are following the path that I’ve blazed for so long?
Lynn Nottage: What my hope is for the next generation is that they continue to innovate, and tell stories. Things have shifted, I feel bigger artists have to be much more socially, politically, and culturally engaged, in my opinion, I feel the younger generation is much more invested in fame than storytelling so, my hope for the future is that we continue to create space for us to tell the diversity of stories that are out there.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 06: Tonya Pinkins and Joyce Sylvester perform onstage while Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Eugene O’Neill Theater )
After the carpet, the celebratory evening, directed by Seret Scott began with enlightening remarks, from the Eugene O’Neil Theater executive director Tiffani Gavin and featured an array of special performances paying homage to Nottage’s masterful plays, from a reading of “Poof!” skillfully performed by Tonya Pinkins and Joyce Sylvester, followed by an enthralling rendition of “Event The Night Has Ears” from “Mlima’s Tale,” performed by the talented Justin Hicks. The night continued to unfold with a powerful scene from “Ruined,” expertly read by Quincy Tyler Bernstein and Jason Bowen, and another from “Intimate Apparel,” brought to life by the dynamic duo of Stacey Sargeant and CJ Wilson, and a captivating monologue from “Crumbs from the Table of Joy,” skillfully performed by Gabby Beans.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Ilario Grant, Bre Jackson and Max Chambers perform onstage while Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Eugene O’Neill Theater )
These acts were not just artistic offerings but heartfelt tributes, and a testament to Lynn Nottage’s courage and influence in the theater. The night filled with heartwarming moments continued when Lynn Nottage’s daughter, Ruby Aiyo Gerber, stepped forward to present the 22nd Monte Cristo Award to her accomplished mother. As the night drew to a close, the audience was treated to a captivating performance by the incredible talents of the MJ Musical, Max Chambers, Bre Jackson, and Ilario Grant who left attendees in amazement, a perfect conclusion to a night dedicated to the magic of theater.
Notable guests for the evening included: Michael Douglas, O’Neill Board Chairman Tom Viertel, Carlo Alban, Krystal Joy Brown, Mario Cantone, Angel Desai, Jerry Dixon, Ben Durocher, John Jellison, Isabel Keating, Chalia La Tour, Jevares Myrick, Michael Potts, Laila Robbins, Ryan Spahn and others.
The evening’s Gala Committee included: Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stephen & Ruth Hendel, David Henry Hwang, Genia Kaplan Quinn & Dr. Bruce Quinn, Dominique Morisseau, Senator Chris Murphy (CT), The Nederlander Organization, Tom Viertel & Pat Daily, and Constanza Romero Wilson.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 06: Robbie Gordy speaks onstage while Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Eugene O’Neill Theater)
In Essence, this gala was more than a glamorous affair; it embodied the O’Neill Theater Center’s commitment to cultivating original works and supporting emerging artists. It marked a dedicated step towards the theater’s future, fueled by generous donations shaping its trajectory. The celebration underscored the power of storytelling, emphasizing the crucial role of fostering original works in American theater. Recognizing luminaries like Lynn Nottage, the event promised a brighter, more innovative future for the performing arts.