Six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald headlined Long Wharf Theatre's recent annual benefit event.
Titled Audra McDonald: A Concert for Long Wharf Theatre, the May 15 fundraiser was held at Southern Connecticut State University’s John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts.
Special guests included Bryce Pinkham, Ryan Haddad, Aaron Steed, Jornel Norman, Larry Williams, and more.
Check out photos from the evening below:
Markeshia Ricks and Dr. Allyson Regis
Audra McDonald
Jacob G. Padrón and Bryce Pinkham
Jacob G. Padrón and Bryce Pinkham
Aaron Steed, Jornel Norman, and Larry Williams
Audience at Lyman Center for the Performing Arts
Kit Ingui, Jacob G. Padrón, and Nancy Alexander
Jennifer Harrison Newman
“I have long admired Long Wharf Theatre and their bold conviction to build a new, inspired vision for regional theatres across the country,” McDonald said in an earlier statement. “Long Wharf’s leadership has done the tough work of thinking outside of the box and reimagining what’s possible for artists and audiences alike. I am so eager to return to New Haven and share this moment with the Long Wharf community at such an important stage in their history.”
“Audra is a true groundbreaker and we cannot wait to welcome her back to New Haven to help us celebrate this extraordinary moment as we embark on our next chapter,” added Artistic Director Jacob Padrón. “When I think of boundary-breaking artists, I think of Audra McDonald—more than just about anyone, Audra lives our values of artistic innovation and radical inclusion every day. We are truly honored she's chosen to spend this evening with us. This event will honor everything that Long Wharf stands for and we welcome the community to come celebrate with us and support our bold new works and vision for New Haven.”
This year’s gala arrived at a pivotal moment for Long Wharf, marking the end of the New Haven, Connecticut's first season in transition beyond the company’s longtime space at Sargent Drive.
Visit LongWharf.org.
