The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ annual gala took place June 12, honoring Tony-winning The Mystery of Edwin Drood composer and librettist Rupert Holmes. Holmes was presented with the second Albert Bergeret Living Legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan Award at the event, which supported the theatrical company’s performances and arts education programs.
Bergeret, who founded NYGASP in 1974 and has been both artistic director and general manager, said in a statement, “I am deeply honored to present the wonderfully talented Rupert Holmes with an award, in my name, for his dedication to sustaining the living legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan.”
A lifelong NYGASP devotee, Holmes created the book, lyrics, music, and orchestrations for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, set in the time, milieu, and idioms of Gilbert and Sullivan. He was the first person in theatrical history to solely win Tony Awards for Best Music, Best Lyrics, and Best Book of a Musical—for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which also won the Tony for Best Musical.
Flip through photos from the gala below:
