The San Diego theater scene is breaking out the bubbly today, and with good reason: Christopher Ashley, La Jolla Playhouse's trailblazing artistic director, is set to receive the coveted "Mr. Abbott" Award, theater’s salute to a lifetime of directorial and choreographic genius. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Ashley joins the ranks of theater royalty with this honor, rubbing shoulders with Bob Fosse and Mike Nichols.
Ashley, whose Tony win for "Come From Away" is just one gem in a treasure trove of credits that sweep from Broadway to the big screen and whose guiding hand has seen the Playhouse birth numerous premieres, has been the Playhouse's creative compass since 2007, and now, the "Mr. Abbott" Award jury, which includes James Lapine, has given him their nod, which counts for a lot when it comes from peers who know a thing or two about the magic of theater.
The award gala slated for March 31 in New York City, isn't your average ho-hum affair, it's chaired by top-tier talent like Jenn Colella and Brian Stokes Mitchell, and lest we forget, the proceedings don’t just pat backs, they bankroll future Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation endeavors. This little tidbit about the gala's purpose is thanks to Broadway World, who noted that the soiree generates dough for the good of the stage direction and choreography community.
And speaking of community, Dani Barlow, SDCF director, wasn't shy in her praise for Ashley, acknowledging his "contributions to the American Theatre" and highlighting his knack for sprouting "exceptional new musicals and plays," according to Broadway World. Ashley's influence stretches well beyond the sunny shores of San Diego, with Broadway and global audiences alike having feasted on a menu of his meticulously crafted and emotionally resonant productions.
