The Producers Council, and Fisher Award, Celebrations

The night of December 10th was an evening of recognition at BAM, celebrating both the opening night of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and the great patrons who make such a show possible.

Producers Council patrons sit down to dinner after the show. Photo by Beowulf Sheehan

The Producers Council Celebration is an annual event in which BAM gives something back to the members of one of our most important patron programs. In an attempt to combat the snow outside, the night began with hot cocktails in the lobby of the Harvey Theater before the doors opened. Then came the show: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, a stage adaptation of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem. Leaving no line left un-rhymed, the great film and stage actress—and BAM vet—Fiona Shaw stars as the suffering mariner, lost at sea, and without a crew.

The Producers Council members weren’t the only ones being honored that night. Minutes after Shaw took her final bow, she climbed onstage once again, this time in a slightly different capacity. BAM President Karen Hopkins presented Shaw with the 2013 Richard B. Fisher Next Wave Award, represented by an artist-designed walking stick, for her artistic accomplishments, continued excellence, and commitment to the institution. 

Fiona Shaw accepts the Fisher Award. Photo by Elena Olivo.

After the awards ceremony, it was off to dinner at the Leperq Space, where all sat at tables awash with shells and sea-themed centerpieces. Among the crowd were a few notable names, including Shaw herself, show co-star Daniel Hay-Gordon, and set designer Chloe Obolensky, who received shout-outs throughout the night for her design not only of Rime, but of BAM’s first show in the Harvey: iconic BAM artist Peter Brook's legendary staging of The Mahabharata. Obolensky literally set the stage for the high quality of theater that has taken place in the Harvey’s brief but dense history. 

Daniel Hay-Gordon at dinner after the show. Photo by Elena Olivo.

From the first Hot Toddy in the Harvey, to last plate laid in front of a patron, the night was a huge success. BAM would like to thank Fleurs Bella for the décor, Elena Olivo and Beowolf Sheehan for their photography, and, most importantly, the members of the Producers Council for their continued support of the institution.

Take a look at the full gallery of photos from the night here and here.

Celebrating the BAM Producers Council

This year's annual Producers Council Celebration took place Friday, November 30, 2012
(Photo: Etienne Frossard)

Last Friday we hosted the Producers Council Celebration, an annual event to honor the support of this group of committed BAM patrons. The evening began with cocktails in the Dorothy W. Levitt Lobby in the Peter Jay Sharp Building, followed by a Caribbean themed banquet dinner in the BAM Lepercq Space. After dinner, guests moved into the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House for the first night of Red Hot + Cuba, an all-star tribute to the music of our island neighbor.

During the Celebration, Producers Council Co-Chair Adam Wolfensohn warmly greeted his fellow Producers Council members and introduced BAM President, Karen Brooks Hopkins, and BAM Executive Producer, Joseph V. Melillo. The two BAM leaders personally expressed their thanks to the Producers Council members for their generosity and continued support of BAM, emphasizing that "You help make it all possible."

Keep reading for more photo highlights and check out the full event album here. For more on the benefits of joining the Producers Council, click here.

Chairman's Circle Dinner

Alan Fishman, Chairman of the Board and guests

BAM hosted the Chairman's Circle Dinner on Tuesday Evening, in honor of our loyal Chairman's Circle members. Guests attended an exclusive cocktail reception and dinner held in BAM's gorgeous Lepercq Space, followed by a performance of The Caretaker, starring Jonathan Pryce at the Harvey Theater.

Jump ahead to learn more about this exciting event!

Being Shakespeare Opening Night Reception

Simon Callow at the Opening Night Reception of Being Shakespeare now playing at the BAM Harvey Theater (Photo: Elena Olivo)

Wednesday night, the singular Simon Callow opened the one-man play Being Shakespeare at the BAM Harvey Theater. Written by Jonathan Bate and directed by Tom Cairns, the piece employs the fantastically dexterous Mr.Callow to explore the Bard's life and work through his many characters from Jacques to Henry V to King Lear.

Read on for more highlights from the event and for a full Event Album click here.

Next Wave Gala Producers Council Celebration

From left: BAM Executive Producer, Joseph V. Melillo, Krapp's Last Tape Actor, John Hurt, and BAM President, Karen Brooks Hopkins

Last week, BAM celebrated the 2011 Next Wave Festival with its' annual Next Wave Gala honoring our loyal BAM donors, the Producers Council.

Jump ahead to read more about this exciting, festive evening!
And check out all the photographs from the event here and here.

La Magia de la Danza Opening Night Party

BAM welcomed Ballet Nacional de Cuba with open arms Wednesday night at the Opening Night Party for La Magia de la Danza. BAM members joined the company in BAM's Lepercq Space to celebrate the arrival of our Cuban friends. Read on for more highlights!

Following an enthralling performance featuring scenes from seven classical works - choreographed by legendary General Director Alicia Alonso, guests nibbled on vegetable mofongo and Cuban sandwich bites while sipping the ever popular Cuba Libre.

La Magia de la Danza marks the final mainstage performance of the 2011 BAM Spring Season and last dance piece of the citywide festival, Si Cuba. It has been a blast hosting all of our Cuban visitors and experiencing the art and culture of such a dynamic country.

Check back in later this week for scenes from the BAMcinemaFest Opening Night Party. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, be sure to do so now. A ticket to the movie gets you into the party!

Principal Dancer, Viengsay Valdez, with Ballet Nacional de Cuba Tour Organizer, Jane Hermann

Viengsay Valdez with guests

BAM members enjoying a glass of wine

BAM Lepercq Space

Viengsay Valdez giving remarks

BAM Member with BAM bag