Gala Co-chairs
Marilyn and Jim Simons
Ann Ziff
Gala Co-Chairs
and the Fifth Anniversary Committee
Schedule
| 6:30 | Cocktails and Tapas |
| 8:00 | Performance |
| 9:00 | More Tapas, Dessert and Champagne |
Ticket Information
Please direct all Gala questions to gala@worldsciencefestival.com or call 646-200-8817.
5th Anniversary Gala Celebration
Host Alan Alda
The World Science Festival's Fifth Anniversary Gala Celebration brought together leaders in science, theatre, music, art, education and business for an evening that celebrated both the content and the culture of science, while raising essential support for the Festival's mission and programs.
A "Performing Arts Salute to Science," the program was hosted by Alan Alda and featured violinist Joshua Bell, physicist Brian Greene, TONY award-winning performer James Naughton, Emmy award-winning actress Debra Monk and other Broadway luminaries - Todd Ellison, Rose Hemmingway, Paige Faure, Eryn Murman, Abbey O'Brien, David Hibbard, Drew Gehling, T. Oliver Reid, Teal Wicks - as well as the mesmerizing dancer-illusionists of MOMIX.
Artistic Team
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Alan Alda
Actor, Author, Director
Alan Alda, a six-time Emmy Award–winner, played Hawkeye Pierce on the classic television series, M*A*S*H, and appeared in continuing roles on ER, The West Wing, and 30 Rock. His long-time interest in science and in promoting a greater public understanding of science led to his hosting the award-winning PBS series Scientific American Frontiers for eleven years, on which he interviewed hundreds of scientists from around the world. -
Joshua Bell
Violinist
For more than two decades, Joshua Bell’s charismatic artistry has brought a fresh voice to venerable masterpieces and new works heard on recordings, in concert halls and movie theatres. Bell received his first violin at age four and by age 12 was serious about the instrument, thanks to the inspiration of renowned violinist and pedagogue Josef Gingold. -
Todd Ellison
Music Director
Todd Ellison is one of the most accomplished music directors on Broadway, having worked in productions of Annie (2012), Spamalot, Cats and more. His international credits include directing Jerry Hadley, Dawn Upshaw, and the Dublin Film Orchestra. This is his third World Science Festival. -
Paige Faure
Actress
Paige Faure just completed the run of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway, having originated the role of Miss Grabowski and eventually taking over the role of office sex-pot Hedy La Rue. Previously, she was seen on tour all across North America with Aida, Little Women, Chitty Chittty Bang Bang, and A Chorus Line. -
Drew Gehling
Actor
Drew was an original cast member of the revival of the classic musical On A Clear Day You Can See Forever where he played the role of Warren to critical acclaim alongside the incomparable Harry Connick, Jr. He also starred in the original Chicago production of Jersey Boys, and has now portrayed the role of Bob Gaudio all over the country. -
Brian Greene
Physicist
Brian Greene is a professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University, and is recognized for a number of groundbreaking discoveries in his field of superstring theory. His books are widely read: The Elegant Universe was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and has sold more than a million copies worldwide. -
Rose Hemingway
Actress
Rose Hemingway just completed a successful run as Rosemary Pilkington in the 50th Anniversary Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She previously appeared as Mary Phagan in Parade at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, and as Sophie Sheridan in the National Tour of Mamma Mia!. -
David Hibbard
Actor
David Hibbard most recently was in the ten-time Tony Award winning production of Billy Elliot, both on Broadway and in the second national tour. His mark on "the Great White Way" is completing 2,197 performances in Broadway’s CATS, in the coveted role of the Rum Tum Tugger. Other Broadway credits include Patsy, Spamalot, Once Upon A Mattress, and creating the role of Bobby/Michael Bennett in A Class Act. -
MOMIX
Modern Dance Company
Known internationally for presenting work of exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty, MOMIX is a company of dancer-illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton. In addition to stage performances world-wide, MOMIX has worked in film and television, recently appearing in a national commercial for Hanes underwear and a Target ad that premiered during the airing of the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. -
Debra Monk
Actress
Tony winning actress Debra Monk has starred on Broadway productions such as Curtains(for which she won a Drama Desk Award), Chicago, Reckless and Thou Shalt Not. Her off-Broadway credits include award winning roles in The Time of the Cuckoo and Oil City Symphony, which she co-authored. -
Eryn Murman
Actress
Eryn Murman was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. The now New York City based actress, singer and songwriter has recently appeared on Broadway in Spring Awakening where she performed all the female roles and worked under JoAnn Hunter’s guidance as the dance captain for the production. -
James Naughton
Actor
From Broadway and regional theatre to television and films, James Naughton has won critical acclaim in dramas, comedies, and musicals. Naughton has appeared on-screen in The Devil Wears Prada playing Meryl Streep’s husband, co-starred opposite Barbara Hershey in the independent film Childless, The Weinstein Company’s Factory Girl, and Warner Brothers Independent Films Suburban Girl, alongside Sarah Michelle Geller and Alec Baldwin. -
Abbey O’Brien
Actress
Abbey O'Brien can be seen on stage and film alike, appearing in Pal Joey and TV's SMASH. She was notably part of the original, Tony Award winning cast of Spamalot and a member of the Rockettes. -
T. Oliver Reid
Musician, Actor
T. Oliver Reid was the recipient of the 2012 MAC Award for Debut Artist-Male and the 2011 Julie Wilson Award from the Mabel Mercer Foundation, Reid has spent the last 18 months singing and records the songs of the American Songbook across the country. His Broadway credits include Sister Act- The Musical, Chicago, and Mary Poppins. -
Teal Wicks
Actress
Teal Wicks is best known for her critically acclaimed performance as Elphaba in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Broadway companies of Wicked.
