PRESS RELEASE: “The Broadway League Presents 2012 League Awards at Annual Spring Road Conference to: Tom Gabbard, Wayne McWorter, Judith Lisi, Meredith Blair, American Express, Fifth Third Bank, Michael C. Steindorf, The Max 102.3 Louisville KY”
(New York, NY) May 15, 2012 — The honorees of the Broadway League Awards, honoring excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway, were announced today during the Broadway League’s 2012 Spring Road Conference. First presented in 1992, the Broadway League Awards recognize the contributions of those who have displayed exemplary service to the Broadway industry and are considered innovators of their craft.
Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, commented, “Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. We’re pleased to present The League Awards to active members across the country whose accomplishments consistently impress us and our industry! The hard word and constant dedication of these outstanding people and companies enables The Broadway League to carry out our missions each and every day.”
Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management (Samuel J. L’Hommedieu Award) was given to TOM GABBARD of Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte, NC for demonstrating excellence in management. (presented by Jeff Chelesvig)
Under the leadership of Gabbard, Blumenthal Performing Arts has become one of the leading Road Presenters in the country. He is a former member of the Board of Governors and a multiple co-chair of the Spring Road Conference, as well as a managing member of the Independent Presenters Network. Under Gabbard’s direction, 9 to 5 The Musical embarked on a national tour during the 2010-2011 season and Blumenthal Performing Arts has received its first Broadway above title producing credit with The Mountaintop. Gabbard also actively pursues various methods for Road Presenters to bring more touring products to the United States.
Outstanding Achievement in Road Marketing was given to WAYNE MCWORTER of the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, CA for his dedication and creation of an in-house marketing department. (presented by Anita Dloniak and Laura Matalon)
Starting from scratch, McWorter has created relationships for the Pantages Theatre that allowed shows to gain the most visibility in the market and ultimately increase attendance. Although the economy had previously been in a downturn, the rise of theatrical subscriptions was largely due to McWorter’s efforts. His innovative ideas generate publicity for the theatre’s productions while raising awareness for potential audiences.
JUDITH LISI was bestowed the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award. (presented by Al Nocciolino)
President and CEO of the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts located in Tampa, Florida, Ms. Lisi has accomplished much in the ten years she has been involved with the organization. Through her outstanding leadership, she has improved and expanded the Straz Center’s programming and established financial security while meeting several long-term goals.
The George MacPherson Road Award was presented to MEREDITH BLAIR. (presented by Lauren Reid)
President of The Booking Group, one of the highest-generating booking agencies in the Broadway touring field, Blair has overseen numerous tours over her fourteen years, including RENT, In The Heights, Mamma Mia!, and West Side Story, among others. She has also served as the Vice President of Premier Artists Services, where she booked numerous stars. During her time there, her tour direction of the “Ultimate Event” with Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra, set international box office records.
STAR OF TOURING BROADWAY AWARDS, designed to honor board members, government officials, donors and volunteers who have given support to promote and enrich the Broadway Series in their hometowns, were given to: (announced by Larry Payton)
American Express — American Express has teamed with Broadway Across America, utilizing strategic marketing techniques to bring the unique experience of touring Broadway productions across the nation.
Fifth Third Bank — Joining Cincinnati’s series in its inaugural season, Fifth Third Bank eventually went on to become the Name in Title Sponsor as well as expanding to Columbus and Atlanta. They have maintained the visibility of touring Broadway in the Midwest for over 25 years and continue to improve upon their tactics.
Michael C. Steindorf — Serving as a volunteer, patron, and member of Dallas Summer Musicals’ Executive Committee since 2004, Mr. Steindorf has guided the organization for numerous years. Under his leadership, DSM has reduced its budget while maintaining exemplary productions.
The Lambert and Lindsay Show at The Max 102.3 in Louisville, KY — To announce the 2012-2013 season, the station had the innovative idea to do a live broadcast from New York City from the Corporate Offices of Broadway.com. With live airings and interviews with casts and creative teams, their Louisville audiences were able to have an insider’s look at Broadway.
The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 240 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.BroadwayLeague.com, or follow The Broadway League on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook at http://www.ticketnews-on-facebook.com/BroadwayLeague.
Press Contacts:
Elisa Shevitz (212) 703-0225, [email protected]
Erica Ryan (212) 703-0221, [email protected]
