Rishi VakilOn February 24, 2025, the Vineyard Theatre hosted its annual Gala at the Edison Ballroom in New York City, honoring the esteemed actor and activist Joe Morton. Morton, celebrated for his Emmy® Award-winning portrayal of Rowan/Eli Pope in Scandal, has a rich history with the Vineyard Theatre, contributing as an actor, director, mentor, and board member over the past two decades.
The evening commenced with a cocktail reception at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner and a performance at 7:00 PM. The event featured a stellar lineup of performers and presenters, including Brandon Victor Dixon, Tony Goldwyn, Bellamy Young, Norm Lewis, Sally Murphy, Phylicia Rashad, and Cornelius Eady. The entertainment segment was directed by Reggie D. White, with Vadim Feichtner serving as music director. Many other stars like Kathryn Erbe, Billy Crudup, James Monroe Iglehart, Marchánt Davis, Sarah Stern, Vadim Feichtner, Ryan J. Haddad, Craig Bierko, Rolanda Watts, Tracey Moore, Ryan Spahn, Michael R Jackson, Marchant Davis, Ryan Haddad and Judy Kuhn attended the event.
In addition to honoring Morton, the Gala toasted two Vineyard champions: producer and board member Sally Horchow and Craig A. Manzino, a partner at Armanino and Vineyard Council member. Both have significantly supported the Vineyard’s mission and artists.
The Edison Ballroom was adorned to reflect the Vineyard Theatre’s artistic spirit, providing a vibrant backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Attendees, including prominent figures from the theatre community, gathered to celebrate Morton’s illustrious career and the Vineyard’s ongoing commitment to innovative theatre.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed performances that paid tribute to Morton’s extensive body of work, highlighting his contributions to stage and screen. The Gala also served as a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the Vineyard’s 2024-2025 productions, the Fair Pay Initiative—which ensures a living wage for all collaborators—and the Good Neighbor Program, offering subsidized tickets to make theatre accessible to a broader audience.
The 2025 Vineyard Theatre Gala not only honored Joe Morton’s remarkable achievements but also underscored the organization’s dedication to fostering artistic excellence and community engagement in the theatre world.
