Tonya Pinkins and Bonnie Comley Are Red Haute Honorees at TRU Love Gala
The Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) recently hosted its annual TRU Love Gala to honor two renowned forces in American Theater: Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins and Broadway producer Bonnie Comley. Stewart F. Lane, Comley’s producing partner and husband, was also an honoree.
The event was hosted in a room decked out in Valentine-hue decor, a nod to both romance and the velvet drapes of Broadway. Pinkins’ attire featured geometric shapes with red as the prominent color, while Comley wore a sequined suit. Lane wore a red tie and pocket square to keep with the theme of the night. Other attendees were decked out in ruby dresses, crimson jackets and scarlet ties, which were complemented by the red-lit décor.
The gala spotlighted Pinkins impressive stage career and featured musical moments from Lane and Comley’s productions, including La Cage aux Folles and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
The event was not just about style, but also substance. Pinkins received recognition for a career defined by her artistry and humanitarian commitment. She has long stood at the intersection of artistry and activism and has used the stage as a platform for equity and change. Pinkins won a Tony for her performance in Jelly’s Last Jam and was praised for her role in Caroline, or Change.
Comley’s producing achievements with Lane have had an impressive influence on Broadway. The producing duo co-founded BroadwayHD, which is a platform that captures and streams live theatrical productions to a global audience. Accessibility has an impact on cultural relevance, and the streaming platform has brought Broadway to those who wouldn’t be able to experience shows otherwise. BroadwayHD has helped preserve landmark productions and has expanded the reach of these shows far beyond the stages in New York and London. Every subscription to the service helps fulfill its purpose to sustain and safeguard live theater.
TRU is a nonprofit devoted to mentoring and empowering theater professionals, and the gala was a reflection of its commitment to the vision and leadership of artists within the community.
