Abingdon Theatre Company launched its 26th season with a gala event October 22 at The Edison Ballroom honoring two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy, most recently on Broadway in the Tony-winning revival of Hello, Dolly!.
The evening, hosted by Randy Rainbow, included a cocktail reception, dinner, tribute, and live auction, followed by a concert performance of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire's musical revue Closer Than Ever.
Performers included Nicholas Belton (Carousel), Lisa Brescia (Dear Evan Hansen), Tony nominee Liz Callaway (Baby), Lewis Cleale (Book of Mormon), Nikki Renée Daniels (Porgy and Bess), Erin Davie (Side Show), George Dvorsky (Closer Than Ever), Claybourne Elder (Passion), Aaron Kaburick (Hello Dolly!), Jeff Kready (Tootsie), Olivier winner Lesli Margherita (Matilda), Bonnie Milligan (Head Over Heels), Julia Murney (The Wild Party), Kyle Taylor Parker (Smokey Joe's Cafe), two-time Tony nominee David Pittu (Lovemusik), Conor Ryan (Desperate Measures), Justin Sargent (Jesus Christ Superstar Live), Carrie St. Louis (Kinky Boots), Joey Taranto (Kinky Boots), two-time Tony nominee Mary Testa (Oklahoma!), and Alysha Umphress (Smokey Joe's Cafe).