monte cristo award
The 20th annual Monte Cristo Award previously planned for Sunday, April 19, 2020 in New York City has been postponed. Ticket & table buyers will be contacted directly. Additional details will be announced at a future date. Learn more about the O'Neill's response to COVID-19.
In celebration of his 16-year tenure leading the organization, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center will present Preston Whiteway with the 20th annual Monte Cristo Award. A gala dinner will be held at the Edison Ballroom (New York City) on Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 6:30 pm.
Read Preston's note about his departure from the O'Neill.
"The impact that Preston Whiteway has had on the O'Neill over the last 16 years is immeasurable. He leaves behind a strong organization both artistically and financially. The American theater is stronger as a result of his dedication, creativity, and fortitude. We are proud to have launched his career and it is with sincere admiration for his many achievements that we celebrate him with the 20th annual Monte Cristo Award this spring."
- Tom Viertel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
"I have only known one job in my life - the O'Neill - and it is with incredible mixed emotions that I announce my departure. The O'Neill truly launched me and my career, as it has launched and supported so many artists, and a piece of my heart will always be in Waterford. As one of the most special places in the American theater, I am so lucky to serve here with the staff, artists, students, and trustees: the people at the O’Neill make it special, and I thank each of them. In particular, partnering with our Chairman, Tom Viertel, over the past 16 years to revitalize and lead the O'Neill has been a joy of my life. And to be recognized with our Monte Cristo Award puts me beyond words, and humbles me completely. There are many more months ahead, and I look forward to a spectacular spring and summer of programming. Finally, I want to thank Jane Rosenthal and Berry Welsh at Tribeca, for their enthusiastic welcome as I transition to a new and exciting chapter.”
- Preston Whiteway, CEO/Producer
VICE-CHAIRS
Jason D. Crosby
Tom Viertel & Pat Daily
Steven & Debra Daren
Lynn Fusco
Martha Goode
Alva G. Greenberg
Carolyn Greenspan & Marshall Ruben
Ruth & Stephen Hendel
Peggy Koenig
James L. Nederlander
Thomas Schumacher
Sally Speer
George & Betsy White
Len & Robyn Wolman
ARTIST COMMITTEE
Kristen Anderson-Lopez
Hunter Bell
Jeff Bowen
Colman Domingo
Michael Douglas
Tom Kitt
Mike Lew
Judith Light
John Logan
Robert Lopez
Forrest McClendon
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Rita Pietropinto-Kitt
Besty Wolfe