Galagoers at the American Theatre Wing’s centennial bash at Cipriani 42nd Street were shocked when President Heather Hitchens introduced a youthful recipient of the organization’s money and training — Tony Bennett.
The 91-year-old crooner told the crowd that he owes his storied career to the Wing’s school. “I came out of the Second World War, and I wanted to get into show business, and the first thing I did was get into this company,” the New Yorker said. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Samuel L. Jackson took selfies with fans and mingled with the likes of Lucy Liu, William Ivey Long and Isabella Rossellini.
Brian Stokes Mitchell, Heather Headley and Taylor Trensch received huge ovations after singing standards from “Company,” “A Chorus Line” and “Rent.”