Tony nominee Charlayne Woodard will host Red Bull Theater's annual Running of the Red Bulls Gala May 5, at the Bowery Hotel.
The event, which will benefit Red Bull's programming for the coming season, will honor John Douglas Thompson with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater, which will be presented to him by Phylicia Rashad; and The No毛l Coward Foundation, who will receive the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater, presented by Matthew Broderick.
Featuring a blend of live entertainment, fine dining, and theatrical company, the gala will be directed by Marc Vietor. Additional individuals will be announced at a later date.
Said Jesse Berger, Red Bull's founder: 鈥淛ohn Douglas Thompson鈥檚 body of work is the epitome of our Matador Award for Achievement in Classical Acting. He has played all the major roles in Shakespeare, and other classic roles from Beckett to Marlowe and more. His dedication to this work is unparalleled. He鈥檚 been a part of the Red Bull family since first appearing in our production of Women Beware Women, and I鈥檓 very pleased we are finally able to honor him with this well-deserved award this year.
鈥淭he No毛l Coward Foundation鈥檚 good works are numerous, not least of which for Red Bull Theater is their ongoing support of our free student matinees and our annual Short New Play Festival. In addition, Alan Brodie and his team support many artists and groups with a strong educational element and emphasis on supporting people entering or in the early stages of a career in the Arts, including projects that extend access and support for those groups who have not traditionally engaged with the performing arts. They鈥檝e been a part of the Red Bull family since Alan Pally first saw our reading of Byron鈥檚 Sardanapalus in 2008, and I鈥檓 very pleased we are able to honor them this year with the Matador Award for Distinguished Service."
