Photo of Joel Grey courtesy of Shutterstock.
Tomorrow belongs to Joel Grey and John Kander! The Cabaret original Emcee and composer, respectively, will receive 2023 Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. These theater stars will be honored at the 76th annual ceremony on June 11.
“We are immensely thrilled to honor two legends in their own rights. John Kander has composed the soundtrack to all of our lives, meeting us in every decade, creating unforgettable scores for Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and his current Broadway hit New York, New York,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. ”
As a legendary actor and director, Joel Grey has made an everlasting impact, from Cabaret, to Goodtime Charley, The Normal Heart, and his acclaimed Yiddish production of Fiddler on the Roof. Mr. Grey and Mr. Kander are true giants of the theatre, and we are honored to say Wilkommen as the recipients of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Awards,” said Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing.
Grey received the Academy Award, the Golden Globe and the BAFTA for his indelible performance as the Emcee in the 1972 film version of Cabaret (directed by Bob Fosse). He is one of only nine actors to have won both the Tony and Academy Award for the same role. Kander is known for his groundbreaking works with Fred Ebb; at 96, he is a living legend and currently represented on Broadway with multiple acclaimed musicals.
The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. At The Broadway League, Lauren Reid is Chair and Charlotte St. Martin is President. At the American Theatre Wing, Emilio Sosa is Chair and Heather A. Hitchens is President & CEO.
