The Drama League is giving special recognition to legendary performer Barbara Cook, director John Tiffany and Broadway.com parent company Key Brand Entertainment/Broadway Across America. Hosted by four-time Emmy Award nominee Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the 80th annual Drama League Awards are set to take place May 16 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square.
Cook will receive the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award. Her Broadway credits include her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Marian Paroo in The Music Man, as well as Candide, She Loves Me, and, most recently, Sondheim on Sondheim. Cook was also a receipient of the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors.
Tiffany, who will receive the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing, received the 2012 Tony Award for his direction of the musical Once. He helmed the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of The Glass Menagerie this season, as well as last year's Macbeth, starring Alan Cumming.
Key Brand Entertainment/Broadway Across America will receive the Unique Contribution to the Theatre Award for efforts to bring New York productions to cities around the country. Under the leadership of producer and owner John Gore, Key Brand/BAA is the leading developer, producer, distributor and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide.
In addition to these special honors, nominations for the five competitive Drama League categories (Distinguished Play, Distinguished Revival of a Play, Distinguished Best Musical, Distinguished Revival of a Musical and Distinguished Performance) will be announced on April 23, prior to the May 16 ceremony.