GMHC Presents A Part of Our World: Honoring the Life and Lyrics of Howard Ashman

Inaugural Howard Ashman Award Will Be Presented to William Lauch, Ashman's Partner, and Sarah Ashman Gillespie, Ashman's Sister

New York, NY--On Monday, June 3, 2013, over a dozen Broadway performers will honor the life and lyrics of Howard Ashman at a concert for AIDS Walk New York, benefiting GMHC and 40 other AIDS service organizations in the tri-state area. Hosted at the Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Café, the concert will feature songs with lyrics written by Ashman throughout his career, from his Oscar-winning work in Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, to lesser known gems from Smile and songs originally written for Aladdin.

Howard Ashman's lyrics and storytelling have been loved and adored for generations. Yet many who grew up watching his work on film and stage do not know that he died of AIDS-related causes on March 14, 1991.

"I was especially grateful in 1991, after Howard's death, when a support group at GMHC helped me through the beginning stages of mourning," shared Sarah Ashman Gillespie, Ashman's sister. "For that reason, and so many more, I am touched and deeply moved by this tribute to Howard and his work."

"The possibility that Howard's music could help those fighting HIV, fighting for their lives just as he did, is very gratifying," said William Lauch, Ashman's partner. "For over 30 years, GMHC has brought a wide array of services to many in need, and I'm happy that this event will help ensure that those services continue. As the evening's roster takes shape I'm looking forward to hearing many of the songs we're familiar with as well as some rarely performed."

Lauch and Gillespie, will be in attendance at the concert to accept the inaugural Howard Ashman Award, and to share memories of Howard and his life's work.

The Howard Ashman Award will be given annually by GMHC to honor musicians and songwriters who have made significant contributions to world culture and have utilized their success to make a difference in the fight to end the epidemic.

"I often wonder what new songs, shows and movies Howard would have been written, had he not died so young," added Gillespie. "I will always be grateful for the lasting legacy he was able to leave. So the creation of the Howard Ashman Award for musicians and songwriters is especially moving to me. Thank you, GMHC, for this wonderful gift."

Jason Cianciotto, Director of Public Policy, and the producer of this remarkable event, is new to GMHC and already is making a huge contribution connecting a great composer to the legacy of this HIV/AIDS service organization.

"I still vividly remember sitting in the movie theater waiting for Beauty and the Beast to begin," said Cianciotto. "Like millions around the world, Howard Ashman's moving storytelling deeply affected my life. His lyrics and fantastic characters spark our imagination, while reminding us of common human values like unconditional love and contributing to our community to make something bigger and better than what we could ever achieve on our own. These values are the foundation of GMHC's care services, prevention programs and advocacy for thousands of men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS."

Directed by Jonathan Hadley (Jersey Boys), with music direction and arrangement by Benjamin Rauhala (Pippin), the concert will feature performances by (in alphabetical order): Jared Bradshaw (Jersey Boys), Lindsay Northen Bradshaw (Wicked), John Edwards (Jersey Boys), Christopher DeAngelis (Jersey Boys, Beauty and the Beast), Stephanie Estep, Russell Fischer (Jersey Boys), Jason Gotay (Bring it On), Janet Krupin (Hands on A Hardbody, Bring it On), Michael James Leslie (Little Shop of Horrors), Julia Mattison (Godspell), Courtney Reed (In the Heights, Mamma Mia!), Nathan Scherich (Jersey Boys), and Courter Simmons (Jersey Boys).

Event Information

A Part of Our World: Honoring the Life and Lyrics of Howard Ashman
Monday, June 3
8:00 pm to 9:30 pm
The Laurie Beechman Theater at the West Bank Café
407 West 42nd Street (at 9th Avenue)
NYC

Interviews and photo opportunities will be available before the show.

Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, with a two-drink minimum. For reservations, please contact the Laurie Beechman Theatre at 212-695-6909. For more information about Howard Ashman's life and career, visit www.howardashman.com.