The Tony Awards-known as 
a night filled with musical numbers, fancy suits, beautiful dresses, and of course, the Tony Award. Known as the highest award given in live Broadway theater in recognition of excellence, the Tony Award is an honor actors, actresses, producers and directors alike strive to achieve.
PlayhouseSquare is a member of the Independent Presenters Network, which is a group of Presidents, CEOs, and Directors of performing arts venues in both North America and Japan, as well as private and corporate entities that book entertainment in numerous venues. Representing PlayhouseSquare as a member of the IPN is Senior Vice President of Theater Operations Gina Vernaci.
Vernaci, along with Jeff Chelesvig of the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines worked together as colleagues on the IPN investment committee, which strives to support new productions and tours. One of the shows supported by both Vernaci and Chelesvig was La Cage Aux Folles.
“In recognition of PlayhouseSquare involvement in La Cage and because of PlayhouseSquare’s prominence in the industry, the producers of La Cage honored us with the Tony Award” said Vernaci. “It is really an honor to have something like this for our work with the Independent Presenters Network. It is a validation of how important PlayhouseSquare is not only in Cleveland, but also in New York City.” This is the first Tony Award PlayhouseSquare has received.
It’s also interesting to note that La Cage Aux Folles has many ties to Cleveland. In addition to PlayhouseSquare receiving the Tony Award, five cast members of the national tour call the Cleveland area and Ohio home. La Cage press agent Anita Dloniak is also a native Clevelander and currently resides in the Cleveland area.
Tags: Broadway, Cleveland, PlayhouseSquare, Tony Awards
