On Monday, April 14, 2025, accomplished actor Mandy Patinkin was honored with the 14th annual Sondheim Award at the Anthem in Washington, D.C., during a gala celebrating his illustrious career. The Sondheim Award, established by Signature Theatre to recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to the works of Stephen Sondheim and the broader canon of American Musical Theater, has previously honored luminaries such as Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald, and Nathan Lane.
The event marked a significant moment not only for Patinkin but also for the theater community, as it raised a record amount for Signature Theatre’s "Signature in the Schools" program, aimed at fostering artistic education among young people. This year’s gala was reported to be the best-attended in its history, with enthusiastic crowds eager to celebrate the beloved performer.
Joined by his wife of 45 years, Kathryn Grody, Patinkin sat at a center table, soaking in the evening’s festivities. The program featured a heartwarming series of performances that highlighted Patinkin’s extensive repertoire, beginning with Awa Sal Secka’s powerful rendition of “Putting it Together” from Sondheim’s "Sunday in the Park With George." Secka’s performance earned a standing ovation from Patinkin and many in attendance.
Next, Tracy Lynn Olivera took the stage, delighting the audience with “Live Alone and Like It” from "Dick Tracy," followed by a duet of “Lily’s Eyes” from "The Secret Garden" alongside Secka. Ángel Lozada, currently starring in Signature’s production of "In The Heights," paid tribute to Patinkin’s role in "Evita" with a stirring rendition of “High Flying, Adored.” Matthew Scott, who filled in for an ill Nathan Gunn, performed “These Are The Games I Play” from "Falsettos," honoring the late William Finn.
Annaleigh Ashford then captivated the audience with a mash-up of “Children and Art” from "Sunday in the Park With George" and “Children Will Listen” from "Into the Woods," before Ben Platt closed the performance segment with “Finishing the Hat,” a song Patinkin himself has famously performed.
James Lapine, the renowned playwright and director who has collaborated extensively with Sondheim, presented the award to Patinkin. In a heartfelt tribute, Lapine reminisced about their time working together on "Sunday in the Park With George," noting how Patinkin’s dedication and artistry profoundly influenced him. “Mandy had all the experience. I was just doing my first real show,” Lapine recalled, emphasizing Patinkin’s role in shaping his career.
Accepting the award, Patinkin delivered an impassioned speech that resonated deeply with the audience. He spoke about the importance of connection, a lesson he learned during rehearsals for "Sunday in the Park With George," where Lapine had urged him to “connect.” Patinkin expressed the desire to be remembered for his efforts to connect with others, saying, “I would like it to simply say, ‘He tried to connect.’”
His speech emphasized the crucial role of theater in society, stating, “This has everything to do with the theater and the people who make the theater stay alive and support the theater.” He praised the audience for their support, saying, “It is so important that you understand this evening that you are the ones who are being honored.”
Following his speech, the full cast of performers returned to the stage for a grand finale, performing “Sunday” from "Sunday in the Park With George." To the audience’s delight, Patinkin joined in, bringing the evening to a heartwarming close as he sang, “People strolling through the trees…on an ordinary Sunday.”
This memorable gala not only celebrated Mandy Patinkin’s illustrious career but also underscored the significance of theater in fostering community and connection. As the evening concluded, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the arts and the powerful stories they tell.
