Washington D.C. – The 40th edition of the Helen Hayes Awards unfolded with grandeur at The Anthem on Monday, May 20, 2024, celebrating the pinnacle of theatre excellence in the nation’s capital. This year’s ceremony was not just a tribute to exceptional theatrical achievements but also a commemoration of the legacy of the renowned Helen Hayes, the “First Lady of American Theatre.” Over 1,500 theatre-makers and supporters attended, making it a night to remember.
Helen Hayes MacArthur, whose illustrious career spanned over eight decades, remains a towering figure in American theatre. Known for her versatility and excellence, Hayes was the first woman to achieve the coveted EGOT status and the first person to win the Triple Crown of Acting. Her enduring impact on the arts is immortalized through these awards, which have been recognizing outstanding theatre in the Greater Washington, D.C. area since 1984.
This 40th edition was particularly spectacular, marked by its return to The Anthem, a venue synonymous with vibrant performances and grand celebrations. The evening kicked off with a glamorous red carpet reception, where guests mingled and posed for photographers. Following the red carpet, participants enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and fine wines, setting a convivial tone for the awards ceremony.
The event’s a dynamic quartet of hosts -Felicia Curry, Rayanne Gonzales, Maria Rizzo, and Holly Twyford -brought energy and charm to the stage, alongside an ensemble and band that set a festive atmosphere. The awards presentation began with the technical categories: Outstanding Lighting Design, Outstanding Sound Design, Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Media/Projection Design, Outstanding Set Design, and Outstanding Choreography. These awards highlighted the incredible behind-the-scenes talents that bring theatre productions to life.
Jan Du Plain, a Public Relations Expert, CEO and President of Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc, chaired the event, adding her touch of elegance and expertise. Jan enthused: “DC theatre folks are so fabulous, so gorgeous, so outstanding. We have the most wonderful theatre community in the world. Yes! And the Helen Hayes Awards is a beacon of excellence in our theatre community. What a joy to share this Gala for the second year; our 40th year. I am thrilled to partner with our fabulous honorary chairs Sheila Johnson and the Honorable William T. Newman, Jr.”
Honorary Co-Chair, Judge William Newman, also lent his distinguished presence to the evening: “I am honored to be here with you all tonight. I am proud to say that I am part of the DC theatre community. A community that is not just about entertainment; it is also about understanding and driving change. On behalf of myself and my wife Sheila, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your amazing work on stages across the region shares your passion, creates community, and tells stories that connect us deeply with each other. The work you all do is nothing short of life-changing, it’s monumental.”
This was followed by a stirring performance from James J. Johnson and Tuyet Thi Pham, showcasing the vibrancy of the D.C. theatre community through “I Am DC Theatre.”
The awards continued with accolades for visiting performers and productions, recognizing the exceptional work of those who brought fresh perspectives to D.C. stages. Categories included Outstanding Visiting Performer, Outstanding Visiting Production, Outstanding Production – Theatre for Young Audiences, and Outstanding Supporting Performer.
Amy Austin, President and CEO of Theatre Washington, also addressed the audience, celebrating the resilience and creativity of the theatre community. “It’s no secret the theatre community faces numerous challenges… One thing that has always seemed certain, this community is strong. We are resilient. We persist. Our common point of collaboration is to reach diverse audiences with diverse stories told by a group of artists representing different races, cultures, genders, physical abilities, sexual orientations, generations, religions, and political ideologies. That, my friends, is the real prize,” she said.
After a brief intermission for networking and mingling, Act 2 commenced with awards for Outstanding Musical Direction and the Charles MacArthur Awards for Outstanding New Play or Musical (Original and Adaptation).
The Helen Hayes Tribute Award was presented to Peter Marks, former Theatre Critic for The Washington Post, honoring his significant contributions to the field.
Melody A. Betts electrified the audience with her performance of “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” from The Wiz, a fitting prelude to the final set of awards for Outstanding Lead Performer, Outstanding Director, and Outstanding Production. An emotional “In Memoriam” segment honored the beloved members of the theatre community who passed away in the past year.
Alberto Segarra’s exceptional lighting design in “The Honey Trap” earned him the Outstanding Lighting Design award. Ambika Raina’s choreography in “A Nice Indian Boy” at Olney Theatre Center was celebrated with the Outstanding Choreography in a Play prize. Awa Sal Secka’s standout performance in “Ragtime” at Signature Theatre secured her the title of Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical. Bobby Smith’s portrayal in “Fun Home” at Studio Theatre earned him the distinction of Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical. Breon Arzell’s dynamic choreography in “Fela!” at Olney Theatre Center & Round House Theatre was recognized with the Outstanding Choreography in a Musical award. Brian Usifer, Chris Miller, & Will Van Dyke’s musical direction in “Swept Away” at Arena Stage was honored with the Outstanding Musical Direction accolade.
The night concluded with an exuberant finale featuring the band, hosts, and ensemble, transitioning into a lively party with dancing and networking.
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of sponsors such as Destination DC, Events DC, Giant Food, TodayTix, The Washington Post, Theatre Washington Supporters, The DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment, HumanitiesDC, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod Family Foundation, Eugene M. Lang Foundation, The Revada Foundation of the Logan Family, and Nora Roberts Foundation.
