Three sparkler fireworks with words Create, Wonder and Imagine above them

New 42 Gala

Monday, June 1, 2026
The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Avenue, NYC

Celebrating New 42’s 35th Anniversary

6pm – Cocktail Reception
7pm – Dinner & Program

Festive Attire

Honoring

André De Shields

King, Legend, Icon and Broadway Deity

Andre De Shields Headshot

New 42 Ovation Award

Mary Rose Lloyd

30-Year Artistic Director of New 42

New Victory Arts Award

Sarah Long

Performer, Director, Producer and New 42 Board Member

Sarah Long Headshot

Marian Heiskell Award

About the Event

The 2026 New 42 Gala will celebrate all that the New 42 community has accomplished over 35 years and will recognize three individuals who have played a vital role in shaping its history and impact: Tony Award winner André De Shields, who has brought his singular artistry to rehearsals and performances at New 42 Studios and has been a lifelong advocate for arts education and access; Mary Rose Lloyd, whose vision as New Victory Artistic Director has provided young audiences with magical theater experiences for almost 30 years; and Sarah Long, who has passionately served on the New 42 Board for 21 years, including 11 years on the Executive Committee.

Featuring

Host and Featured Performer

Cheyenne Jackson
Grammy and Emmy-nominated star of stage and screen

Headshot of Cheyenne Jackson with his head resting on his hand

 Gala Artistic Director

Warren Carlyle
Tony Award-Winning Director and Choreographer

Warren Carlyle Headshot

More artists and performances to be announced!

Thank You to Our Generous Gala Supporters!

Angels

Arnhold Family
Blavatnik Family Foundation
Sarah Long and David Solomon
Fiona and Eric Rudin
Diane and Marc Spilker
Henry Tisch and Sean Walsh

Hosts

Kelly and William Galanis
Lowenstein Sandler LLP

Benefactors

Alvarez & Marsal
Shahara Ahmad-Llewellyn
Yemi Benedict-Vatel and Patrick Vatel
Kathy and Joe Mele
Gerri and Andy Sommers
Ann Unterberg

Partners

Leigh Bishop
Hilton New York Times Square & Newbond
Amy Jacobs, RUBENSTEIN
The Jed Foundation Board of Directors
Vinnie and Rohit Kumar
Tai and Tom Mendoza
Kate and Brad Peck
Sarah Billinghurst Solomon
Prashant and Ami Swaminathan
Voya

Committee

Sarah Arison
Lynne Biggar
Laura and John Desmarais
Lili Fable
John and Olivia Farr
Wael and Diana Fayad
Feinglass Family
Russell Granet and David Beach
Neil Gupta and Seema Dhar
Soledad and Bob Hurst
Sammy Lopez
Fran and Douglas Maine
The Mantell Family Fund
Stacey and Eric Mindich
Stefanie Katz Rothman and James Rothman
Christina Zagarino and Tyler Horan

Sponsors

Logos for Lowenstein Sandler, A&M, Hilton and Voya financial

Support the Gala

100% of proceeds from the Gala support our programs that open new worlds for young audiences at New Victory Theater, incubate new works at New 42 Studios, and pave new pathways to creative careers through our artist mentorship and youth workforce development programs. Celebrate our honorees and support these impactful programs by purchasing a table or tickets to attend the evening, placing a digital tribute message on the screens at the event or by making a contribution of any amount toward the success of the evening. Learn more about the options to support and the benefits associated with each level.

Leader Table | $250,000

Angel Table | $100,000

Host Table | $50,000

Benefactor Table | $25,000

Partner Table | $15,000

Patron Ticket | $2,500

Supporter Ticket | $1,000

Digital Tribute Ad | $1,000

More Information

To request accessibility accommodations, inquire about supporting by check, wire or stock transfer, or for any general Gala questions, please contact Lily Lovinger at LLovinger@New42.org or 646.223.3082.

Donor Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) cannot be used to purchase tickets or tables. Please consult your DAF manager or tax adviser for more information.

Photo of André De Shields by Lia Chang; Photo of Mary Rose Lloyd and Sarah Long by Alexis Buatti-Ramos; Photo of Cheyenne Jackson by Vince Trupsin; Photo of Warren Carlyle by Matthew Murphy