The
Tisch School of the Arts showed why it sets the standard for educating
students in the performing and cinematic arts at its annual gala
on November 17, 2008. Broadway, film, and television stars – Alec
Baldwin '94 (30 Rock); Elaine Stritch (At Liberty);
Joel Coen '78 and Ethan Coen (No Country for
Old Men); Tina Fey (30 Rock)Rainn Wilson '89 (The
Office); Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU); Laura
Benanti (Gypsy); Raúl Esparza '92
(Speed the Plow), and SNL cast members Kenan Thompson, Fred
Armisen, Kristen Wiig, and Will Forte – as
well as hundreds of celebrities, faculty, alumni, and supporters
gathered at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center
in New York City in celebration. Proceeds from the evening will be
used for student scholarships and other student needs at the Tisch
School.
Baldwin, along with Maurice Kanbar, Iris Cantor, Zelda Fichandler
were honored for their achievements and philanthropy in the arts.
Fichandler, who was unable to attend, was honored with a moving tribute
by her former students –including Danny
Pino '00 (Cold Case) and Manoel Felciano '04 (Sweeney
Todd) – who saluted her extraordinary career in the way
she taught them – by performing.
Rainn Wilson summed up the importance of Tisch, saying that if it
weren't for the school and the scholarship he received, he
would not be an actor. The audience burst into applause. In his acceptance
speech, Alec Baldwin, echoed similar sentiments
and recalled fondly his work at Tisch and how it profoundly influenced
his life.
Other highlights included Raúl Esparza's compelling
rendition of "Finishing the Hat" from "Sunday in the
Park with George," Laura Benanti wowing the house with "Let
Me Entertain You" from "Gypsy,” and Elaine Stritch's
show-stopping performance and impromptu repartee with Alec Baldwin.
After the performance, guests – including Jonathan and Lizzie
Tisch, Andrew and Ann Tisch, and Tony Bennett – enjoyed the
Red Carpet party and dinner in the Atrium and The Allen Room overlooking
Central Park. Hosts for the evening included Dean Mary Schmidt
Campbell and Gala co-chairs Patrice Auld '77 and Rosemarie
Di Lorenzo. Dean's Council members Chris Columbus '80 and Lorne
Michaels served as Honorary co-chairs.
