The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatre honors in the United States, dating all the way back to 1922. Recipients are chosen by thousands of members nationwide who attend both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Each year, the awards culminate in a star-studded luncheon that's filled with legends, directors, producers, choreographers, and more--and the Character Approved spirit is to celebrate the collective talent in an intimate way, not to compete.

This year's luncheon was no different, with a fabulous event hosted by two of Broadway's best: Stockard Channing and John Larroquette. The Drama League honored three outstanding theatre luminaries at Friday's awards ceremony: Eight-time Oscar winner and theatre and movie composer Alan Menken with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award; Stage, television, and movie star Rosie O'Donnell with the Unique Contribution to the Theatre Award; and Drama League Directors Project alum and Tony nominee Diane Paulus with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing.

And, the winners were...

DISTINGUISHED PRODUCTION OF A PLAY:
Other Desert Cities

DISTINGUISHED REVIVAL OF A PLAY:
Death of a Salesman

DISTINGUISHED PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
Once

DISTINGUISHED REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
Follies

DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE AWARD
Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSICAL THEATRE
Alan Menken

UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO THE THEATRE
Rosie O'Donnell

FOUNDERS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTING
Diane Paulus

Congratulations, everyone!

[Image: The Drama League Awards]