monte cristo award
The Monte Cristo Award is presented to a prominent theater artist each year in recognition of a distinguished career exemplifying Eugene O'Neill's "pioneering spirit, unceasing artistic commitment, and excellence." Past recipients include Lin-Manuel Miranda, John Logan, Judith Light, Meryl Streep, Michael Douglas, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Harold Prince, George C. Wolfe, and Lynn Nottage. The gala event, held in New York City, supports the Center's commitment to developing new work and new artists for the stage.
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 23rd Monte Cristo Award to Chair Emeritus Tom Viertel, on Novemeber 18, 2024, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City, in celebration of his three decades of service to the organization.
Directed by Marc Bruni, the celebratory evening included speeches from Executive Director Tiffani Gavin; current Chair of the Board Carolyn Greenspan, former Executive Director Preston Whiteway, and Pat Daily. Performers included Casey Likes singing "The Power of Love", Brenda Braxton singing "Don Juan", Julia Murney singing "I'll Be Seeing You", Marilyn Maye singing "This Song Is You", Brad Oscar singing "Betrayed", and Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur singing "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now".
The award was presented by Jack Viertel, who recognized Tom as an influential figure not only in their family but in the American theater.
Tom accepted the award with a myriad of thanks for the many people who make the O’Neill Theater Center the iconic place it is today, and hailing his experiences there as “the greatest joys of my life in theater…it’s been joyous, it’s been challenging, and I’m so glad I could help.”
THE NIGHT IN PHOTOS
Photos by Getty Images
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