Inside Second Stage Theater's Fall 2021 Gala

It was never going to be anything other than a truly theatrical night. On November 15, Second Stage Theater held its 2021 fall gala in honor of producer Debra Martin Chase and playwright Lynn Nottage, and a who’s who of cultural heavyweights made their way to Pier Sixty in New York City to honor the two titans for their invaluable contributions to the performing arts.

The evening’s honorary chairs included Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, Queen Latifah, Condola Rashad, Shonda Rhimes, and Darren Walker and its co-chairs were Carol Sutton Lewis and William M. Lewis, Jr., Stephen and Kitty Sherrill, and Lia Vollack. Guests including Second Stage President and Artistic Director Carole Rothman and Executive Director Khady Kamara, Tony Goldwyn, Lorraine Toussaint, Uzo Aduba, and Radha Blank enjoyed cocktails before sitting for dinner, speeches, and performances from stars including Hillary Scot, Ayana George, Jordin Sparks, and Brandy and virtual messages for the honorees from fans like Cynthia Erivo, Common, Leslie Odom Jr., and Anne Hathaway.