Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, & Dr. Georgette Grier-Key Honored At Bay Street’s 32nd Annual Gala

On Saturday, July 6, Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts hosted its annual gala extravaganza with special twists and exciting surprises, honoring show stopper Neil Patrick Harris, star of stage and screen David Burtka, and East End community treasure Dr. Georgette Grier-Key.

The star-studded event took place throughout Bay Street Theater. It was hosted by multi-Tony Nominee Marc Kudisch and featured Tony Award-winner Lena Hall, Kyrie Courter, Gabriella Enriquez, Danny Rothman, and Pablo Francisco Torres.

This year’s gala, titled “Maybe They’re Magic…!,” focused on the magic of Sondheim, as Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka have both performed in Broadway shows with music or lyrics by Sondheim. Echoing Neil’s love of magic and magicians, the theme of magic continued throughout the evening in the theater’s decor as it was transformed into a place of wonder, merriment, and enchantment in the presence of a professional magician who mystified guests.

“Maybe They’re Magic…!” was directed by Bay Street’s Associate Artistic Director, Will Pomerantz. The show was written by Will Pomerantz and Paul Anthony Mongelluzzo. Talent also included Musical Director James Bassi from Bay Street’s “Ragtime” and “Funny Man,” and prolific performer Richard Kind, adding his hilarious thoughts as he oversaw the live auction.

Artistic Director Scott Schwartz and Executive Director Tracy Mitchell announced the formation of the Luigi Caiola Musical Theater Fund in his memory and honor. Luigi’s sister and Broadway producing partner, Rose Caiola, accepted the award.

In attendance were dozens of celebrities on stage and screen, donors, patrons, and more, including Steven Todrys, Chairman of Bay Street’s Board of Trustees, talented Broadway star Tovah Feldshuh, and “The View’s” Joy Behar. Others making an appearance were Alan and Arlene Alda, Amanda Green, Howard McGillin, Robert Wilson, New York State Outgoing Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Jason Weinberg, Diana Cherryholmes (Director of the Office of Film & Cultural Affairs), and Bay Street Board Members and co-Gala Chairs Flora Schnall and David Fink.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of Broadway producer, Bay Street Board Member, and family man Luigi Caiola.