As Signature Theatre’s 2026 Sondheim Award winner, Vanessa Williams, shining as ever, rose to accept her award, a question arose at our table. “Do you think they’ll arrange a flight for her?”
The audience at Anthem on the Wharf’s solemn Sondheim Awards gala, now in its fourth year, on Monday was already being told that Miss Williams will be on the plane — and soon. She is currently starring as the ruthless Miranda Priestly in a new West End musical. the devil wears pradaWilliams needed to catch a British Airways flight from Dulles to London to continue the show the next night.
The room full of theater professionals understood the mission. Mr. Williams intended to make the show. And maybe not for me or anyone else at the table, but for Vanessa Williams, British Airways might show a little grace.
Outside, Mother Nature showed her fury as a massive storm brought heavy rain and terrifying winds to the area, adding to the tension that night. It also might have added some vibrancy to the night’s performance.
Signature was lined up with a line of murderous singers who made a spectacular start, with D.C. Theater favorite Our Sal Secca performing a fizzing rendition of “On the Other Side of the Tracks” to the piano accompaniment of Signature Cabaret director Mark G. Meadows.
“I heard this was your first audition song,” Secca told Williams from the stage, also sharing how the winner’s impressive career inspired her.
Then fellow D.C. songstress Nova Y. Payton similarly expressed her admiration for Williams, channeling her energy into a stunning take on Williams’ Broadway Revue song “Stormy Weather.” after midnight.
This earned Peyton the first standing ovation of the night, but not nearly until the end. Solaire Pfeiffer recently played the role of Satine in the movie. Moulin Rouge On Broadway, Stephen Sondheim and James Lappin’s stunning “Stay with Me” thrilled the audience. Into the Woods.
In 2002, Lappin and Sondheim hand-picked Williams to play the Witch in the first Broadway revival of the Tony Award-winning musical. Lapine was scheduled to speak at the gala, but was unable to attend, and instead sent a letter that was read on stage by Michael Urie, the night’s host and a dear friend of Williams. Ugly Betty Co-star.
Williams humorously recalled how he deftly won over his frosty co-stars in the film. woods “Vanessa is an excellent company leader. She treats the rest of the cast, staff, and everyone involved in the production with tolerance and respect,” Lapine’s letter read.
Urey echoed that sentiment, detailing how Williams has supported him. Ugly Betty He made the difference in elevating her role as sycophantic assistant Mark to the ruthless Wilhelmina Slater from a one-episode part to a major recurring character.
Actors who are currently co-starring contraction And while celebrating the Emmy, Grammy, Tony and SAG-nominated career of Williams, who carved out a prolific and acclaimed unique path in the theater world, the show continued to focus on her impactful roles on stage. spider woman’s kiss and Into the Woodsamong other things (more than we realized, to be honest).
She also appeared in the Broadway revue sondheim on sondheimperformed a solo rendition of Sondheim’s duet “So Many People,” and a duet with the great Norm Lewis, who was there to serenade his friend. Joined by representative music director John Kalbfleisch, Lewis brought the audience to their feet with the gentle yet powerful rendition of “Being Alive.” company.
It made me hope to the stars that I might see something like Williams someday, company‘s Joanne sang “The Ladies Who Lunch,” and the final performer of the night was Oscar-winning dynamo Ariana DeBose.
Her fiery rendition of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is followed by another favorite, “No One Is Alone.” Into the WoodsSummarizing the night’s running theme for the women featured, DeBose said, “When I was looking for an example of what I could be when I grew up, I had Vanessa. And I’m so grateful, and I know everyone in this room is just grateful, that you’ve followed your path.”
From beauty queens to R&B and pop stars to divas of stage, film, and television, Williams has provided quality entertainment for decades and looked stunning. She continues to be amazing and it was such an honor to receive the award.
“I’ve been in this industry for over 40 years and I think that’s when you start going down memory lane,” she said with a smile. “I turn 63 on Wednesday, and life has flown by so quickly, and when I have the opportunity to look back, I realize what a journey it has been and how many more years are still ahead.”
Actually, due to popular demand, the devil wears prada Producers have announced they are extending the show’s West End run by a full year, but Williams will only remain on the show until mid-October.
Showing no signs of slowing down, the “Save the Best for Last” singer treated the Anthem audience to a surprise performance to close out the gala. The occasion gave special emotional resonance to songs from her third album, “The Sweetest Days,” and the final song of the night, of course Sondheim’s “Children Will Listen.” Into the Woods.
Urie then escorted Williams off the stage and she was no doubt rushed to catch a plane to London. We can confirm that she returned in time for the show.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
