John Lithgow, Mario Cantone, Tovah Feldshuh, and many more stars of the stage traded time in the spotlight for seats in the crowd as The American National Theatre hosted its first-ever Founders’ Celebration at Dodger Stages at Worldwide Plaza. The theatre is dedicated to discovering and presenting the most distinguished American plays and musicals from nonprofit theatres around the country. A prestigious Founders’ Committee boasts a lengthy list of actors and behind-the-scenes heavyweights, including Harold Prince, Julianna Margulies, Kevin Bacon, Hugh Jackman, and Marty Richards, among others. Honorary co-chairs were Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

Following a private champagne reception with music by Juilliard School students, guests convened for a special program, dubbed “Voices of America.” Under the direction of the Tony-nominated Randal Myler, the revue featured an array of songs, scenes, and monologues performed by Donna Murphy, Elizabeth Franz, Zelijko Ivanek, and Victor Garber. Renowned playwright August Wilson was presented with the Arthur Miller Founders’ Award in recognition of his countless contributions to the advancement of the American theatre.

In the theatre throng: Phylicia Rashad, Sean Cullen, Ben and Elke Gazzara, Tamara Tunie, Joanna Gleason, Gregory Jbara, James Naughton, Jill Larson, Linda Dano, and members of the casts of Sweet Charity and Brooklyn. A creative dream whose time has come….