Contact: Colleen Roche or Kim Serafin (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani ushered in the Tony Awards by proclaiming May 26th to June 1- the week before the Tony's - as "Theatre Week in New York City" at the annual Salute to Theatre Reception at Gracie Mansion this evening.
The Mayor presented the Theatre Week proclamation to Jed Bernstein, Executive Director of the League of American Theatres and Producers, and to Isabelle Stevenson, President of the American Theatre Wing during the ceremony attended by Tony nominees and performers from a variety of shows currently on Broadway.
"I am thrilled to welcome everyone to Gracie Mansion as we celebrate the creative energy, spirit and talent the theatre community brings to New York City," said Mayor Giuliani. "The theatre is part of what makes New York the greatest City in the world. To millions of people around the world, the shining lights of Broadway are synonymous with New York City."
"I'd especially like to recognize the born and bred New Yorkers currently performing on Broadway. As a native New Yorker, I could not be more proud of those New Yorkers who are some of Broadway's brightest stars," he concluded.
This year, the Salute to Theatre Reception honors not just this year's Tony nominees, but specifically all New Yorkers on stage. Representing the many born and bred New Yorkers on stage was actor Tony Roberts, currently starring in Victor / Victoria who spoke about growing up in New York, with access to the best theatre and performances in the world. The reception also featured musical performances by students from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts and Performing Arts symbolizing the future generation of New Yorkers on stage.
The Broadway industry contributes more than $2.3 billion to the economy of New York and supports over 25,000 jobs. This year, the expected gross in New York from the theatre industry will reach over $485 million, exceeding last year's gross of $436 million. Thirty-six shows opened on Broadway this season and this April was the busiest month yet, since at least 1945, with 34 of the possible Broadway theatres lit.
Gourmet food was provided by some of New York's finest restaurants:
Beverages were provided by: