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Alexandra Silber, Bobby Steggert, Kate Baldwin, and More at Transport Group Gala

The off-Broadway theater company honored Michael John LaChiusa and TheaterMania.com.

Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Robert Lenzi, Rachel Bay Jones, Blake Daniel, Max von Essen, and Alexandra Silber starred in Transport Group's acclaimed revival of LaChiusa's Hello, Again.
Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Robert Lenzi, Rachel Bay Jones, Blake Daniel, Max von Essen, and Alexandra Silber starred in Transport Group's acclaimed revival of LaChiusa's Hello, Again.
(© David Gordon)

Broadway vets including Kate Baldwin (John & Jen), John Cariani (Something Rotten!), Marc Kudisch (Hand to God), Julia Murney (Wicked), Mary Testa (First Daughter Suite), and Max von Essen (An American in Paris) were on hand to celebrate Transport Group at its Gimme a Break! gala on March 7 at the New York Times Center.

Transport Group honoree Michael John LaChiusa poses with Executive Director Lori Fineman and Artistic Director Jack Cummings III.
Transport Group honoree Michael John LaChiusa (left) poses with executive director Lori Fineman and artistic director Jack Cummings III.
(© David Gordon)

The event honored Giant and First Daughter Suite writer Michael John LaChiusa, as well as TheaterMania.com and TheaterMania CEO Gretchen Shugart, with the Transporting American Theatre Award for their significant contributions to the American theater. Drama Desk nominee Julie Halston hosts the performance and award presentation.

TheaterMania CEO Gretchen Shugart joins Transport Group's Jack Cummings III and Lori Fineman on the red carpet.
TheaterMania CEO Gretchen Shugart (center) joins Transport Group's Jack Cummings III and Lori Fineman on the red carpet.
(© David Gordon)

LaChiusa is a five-time Tony Award nominee for his score and book for both Marie Christine and The Wild Party, and his libretto for Chronicle of a Death Foretold. He is also the author of See What I Wanna See, Hello Again, and Queen of the Mist, among other shows.

Performers for the concert included Broadway's Kate Baldwin, Mary Testa, Julie Halston, and Julia Murney.
Performers for the concert included Broadway's Kate Baldwin, Mary Testa, Julie Halston, and Julia Murney.
(© David Gordon)

Shugart is CEO of TheaterMania.com, Inc., a media and technology company serving the performing arts industry through TheaterMania.com, OvationTix, and U.K.-based WhatsOnStage.com. She is president of the board of directors of Theatre Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing American theater, serves as a mentor in Columbia University's Master’s Program in Technology, and serves on the overseers board of California Institute of the Arts.

Brad Oscar and John Cariani of Something Rotten! showed their support for Transport Group.
Brad Oscar and John Cariani of Something Rotten! showed their support for Transport Group.
(© David Gordon)

Guests at the event also included Rob Rokicki, Joe Iconis, Jason SweetTooth Williams, Jennifer Ashley Tepper, and Lauren Marcus.
Guests at the event also included Rob Rokicki, Joe Iconis, Jason SweetTooth Williams, Jennifer Ashley Tepper, and Lauren Marcus.
(© David Gordon)

Cast members from Transport Group's acclaimed production of I Remember Mama reunite for the evening.
Cast members from Transport Group's acclaimed production of I Remember Mama reunite for the evening.
(© David Gordon)

Broadway favorites Marc Kudisch and Bobby Steggert were also on hand to perform.
Broadway favorites Marc Kudisch and Bobby Steggert were also on hand to perform.
(© David Gordon)

Jessica and Santino Fontana help cheer on Transport Group.
Jessica and Santino Fontana help cheer on Transport Group.
(© David Gordon)