Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani celebrated New York City's famed theatre by honoring CBS and PBS -- Thirteen, WNET-TV, for their commitment to airing the Tony Awards. The Mayor also proclaimed the week of May 28th through June 3rd as "Theatre Week" in New York City and recognized the contributions of those on stage and behind the scenes in New York theatre at the annual Salute to the Theatre Reception held at Gracie Mansion.

Also in attendance were Patricia Reed Scott, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting (MOFT&B); William F. Baker, President and CEO of Thirteen WNET-NY; Jack Sussman, Senior Vice President of Television Specials for CBS; Jed Bernstein, President of the League of American Theatres and Producers; Roy Somlyo, President of the American Theatre Wing; and James Nederlander, Jr. of The Nederlander Organization.

Mayor Giuliani said, "CBS and PBS have dedicated themselves to the growth of the theatre industry. Their national broadcasts of the Tony Awards bring a tremendous amount of attention to Broadway and help build more interest in New York theatre throughout the country. The Tony Awards help to keep the theatre, which is one of the City's great cultural and economic engines, in the national spotlight.

"I am also proud to proclaim the week of May 28 through June 3 as 'Theatre Week' in New York City. This year a near-record attendance of 11.6 million people at Broadway shows is projected," the Mayor concluded.

Commissioner Scott said, "The theatre community is often spoken of in terms of family and its traditions. This year, we acknowledge the tradition of two great networks, CBS and PBS, who have committed to celebrating and translating the traditions of the theatre to a national television audience. They, too, have proved themselves part of the theatre family. We welcome and honor them here today."

Christine Pedi and cast members of Forbidden Broadway, the long-running spoof of Broadway shows and their stars, treated the Mayor and guests at the reception to a performance. Now in its 20th year, Forbidden Broadway moves this year from Ellen's Stardust Theatre, making its new home at the Douglas Fairbanks Theatre (432 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

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