The American Theater Hall of Fame has announced its 2021 inductees: designer Bob Crowley, director Gerald Freedman, composer Alan Menken, writers Lynn Nottage and Anna Deavere Smith, and actor Leslie Uggams. To be eligible for induction, a theater professional must have 25 years of service in the American theater and at least five major production credits. The annual ballot is voted upon by more than 275 members of the Theater Hall of Fame and U.S. drama critics. This year’s 50th annual induction ceremony will be held November 15 at the Gershwin Theatre.
Bob Crowley has won Tony Awards for his set and costume designs of the musicals An American in Paris, Once, Mary Poppins, Aida, and Carousel. Below are two press reels from the 1994 Tony-winning revival production of Carousel, showcasing Crowley’s award-winning set design.
Tony nominee Gerald Freedman, who died last year, began his Broadway career as assistant to Jerome Robbins, working on West Side Story and Gypsy. His later work includes the Off-Broadway premiere of Hair and the Broadway premiere of The Robber Bridegroom. Below is a rare clip of Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence singing “Maria” and “Tonight” in the original West Side Story.
EGOT winner Alan Menken is best known for his work for Disney, including the film and stage versions of Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin. His other award-winning works include Little Shop of Horrors and Newsies. Below is the Broadway cast of Newsies performing “Seize the Day” at the 2012 Tonys.
Pulitzer winner Lynn Nottage’s musical work includes the Off-Broadway adpatation of The Secret Life of Bees, from which you can watch “Hold This House Together” below. Her upcoming work includes the Michael Jackson musical bio MJ, which opens February 1 on Broadway, and the operatic adaptation of her play Intimate Apparel, which opens March 23 Off-Broadway.
Leslie Uggams made her Broadway debut in the Tony-winning Hallelujah, Baby! and earned a Tony Award herself for Best Actress in a Musical. Her Broadway musical appearances since then have included Her First Roman, Blues in the Night, Jerry’s Girls, Anything Goes, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Below is Uggams with Lillian Hayman and Robert Hooks singing “Smile, Smile” at the 1968 Tonys.