Rishi VakilOn February 27, 2025, the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre hosted its annual gala at the iconic Tavern on the Green in New York City. This year’s event honored Academy Award-winning actress Mary Steenburgen and the school’s Executive Director, Pamela Moller Kareman, with the inaugural Sanford Meisner Award. The evening also featured special tributes to Doris Blum Gorelick, Shannon McMahon Lichte, and William C. Paulson for their significant contributions to the arts and the Playhouse community.
The gala commenced with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 7:00 p.m. Ted Danson, esteemed actor and husband of Mary Steenburgen, served as the Honorary Chair for the event. The evening’s program included a performance by Broadway star Sherie Rene Scott and was emceed by actress Ashlie Atkinson. Gala Co-Chairs Heather Randall and Tom Stewart led the Benefit Committee, which comprised notable figures such as Mary and Matt McCoy, Jane and R.L. Stine, and Steven Rogers.
Proceeds from the gala support the Neighborhood Playhouse’s mission to provide world-class conservatory training to aspiring actors, ensuring the continuation of its rich legacy in theatrical education. The Sanford Meisner Award, introduced this year, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary talent, generosity, and unwavering commitment to advancing the mission and values of the Neighborhood Playhouse.
