Audra McDonald to Be Honored by New Dramatists

Broadway icon Audra McDonald will be honored by New Dramatists, the nation's premier playwright development laboratory, at the organization's annual spring luncheon on May 12 at the Marriott Marquis.

McDonald has earned a record-breaking six Tony Awards for her performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. She was also Tony-nominated for her starring turns in 110 in the Shade and Marie Christine. She returns to Broadway this spring in Shuffle Along and makes her West End debut this summer with a return to Lady Day.

"The seven years of support we provide to playwrights allows a unique opportunity to witness the unleashing of ambitions over time, for the many projects undertaken during their residencies and also for the very form itself," said Emily Morse, artistic director of New Dramatists, in a statement. "The boundless career forged by Audra McDonald's drive to explore all the places her creative impulses lead, and the passion with which she has pursued her art is kindred to the playwrights working at New Dramatists and makes her an ideal honoree for our spring luncheon."

For tickets to see McDonald in Shuffle Along, click here.