Tony nominee Justin Vivian Bond will be honored at the 12th annual Night of a Thousand Judys with the first Judy Icon Award. As previously reported, the concert will be presented June 3 at 7 PM at Joe's Pub, the intimate cabaret located within Off-Broadway's Public Theater.
Written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, the annual Pride concert benefits The Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest agency dedicated to helping LGBTQIA+ homeless youth. The new Judy Icon Award recognizes the recipient's contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community, following in the footsteps of late entertainment icon Judy Garland.
Bond made their Broadway debut as KiKi DuRane in Kiki & Herb, a duo cabaret with pianist Kenny Mellman. The pair began performing in San Francisco in the 1990s, and played numerous cities and famed venues like Carnegie Hall before their Broadway run. The show was nominated for a 2007 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. Bond has also appeared Off-Broadway and in London's West End, and has been widely recognized for their activism for the trans community.
“I’ve said this loud and often, but there is no other icon than Justin Vivian Bond," Sayre said in a statement. "Chanteuse, provocateur, artist, sage, truthteller, style maven, V is the icon of downtown. I adore all that she is and all that she does. Even for me, there will only be one Justin: Justin Vivian Bond.”
Night of a Thousand Judys honors Garland with songs from her career as movie star, recording artist, and stage performer. Peter James Cook will direct the evening with choreography by Jason Wise and music direction by Drew Wutke.
Guest performers will be announced at a later date.
Through its 24/7 Drop-In Center, Ali’s Place, and a network of 13 emergency and transitional housing sites, the Ali Forney Center serves over 2,200 LGBTQIA+ young people. The Center also supports organizations to utilize its expertise to replicate its model of success around the world.
Night of a Thousand Judys is produced by Dan Fortune and Adam J. Rosen, with Fortune serving as executive producer.
For ticket information click here.
