By Maryann Lopinto*** Every year the Encompass New Opera Theatre holds a Musical Salute Gala, this year hosted by Midge Woolsey of Thirteen/WNET and WQXR Radio. Recently held at the National Arts Club, the evening included recollections, tributes, and entertainment by celebrity artists, plus the Encompass Outstanding Lifetime Achievement presentation. This year, Brian Stokes Mitchell presented the award to the children of Tony Award-winner Leslie Uggams (who could not be present), Danielle Chambers and Justice Pratt.
Since its inception in 1975 by founder Nancy Rhodes, Encompass has produced over 70 full-scale productions with orchestra and staged readings of over 168 new works, from jazz and cabaret to musicals and opera.
Here’s a photo gallery of the evening:
