ASU trustee, local philanthropists and Tony Award-winner to be honored by ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage will recognize arts champions Laurie and Chuck Goldstein and acclaimed director George C. Wolfe at the annual Gammy & Jerry Awards celebration March 27.

Valley philanthropists Laurie and Chuck Goldstein will receive the 2017 Jerry Award. The Goldsteins have a long history of giving back to the community and elevating the arts. They are ASU Gammage 50th Anniversary Leadership Board members and recently made an additional gift that capped off ASU Gammage’s Elevate & Alleviate campaign. Laurie is also an ASU trustee.

The Jerry Award is named for the late Jerry Appell who was one of ASU Gammage’s most ardent supporters and posthumously received the award in 2015.

"Laurie and Chuck Goldstein epitomize the gold standard for philanthropists,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director for ASU Gammage and associate vice president cultural affairs for ASU. “They are passionate about ASU Gammage engaging all communities through performing arts, culture and education. Laurie and Chuck are brilliant and truly live deep in their own curiosities, consistently exploring new horizons. They are doers and committed to rolling up their sleeves and helping in the effort.  All this and their love of theatre makes them the ideal recipients of The Jerry Award."

The legendary Tony Award-winning playwright and director George C. Wolfe will be honored with the 2017 Gammy Award for his incredible contributions to Broadway and for helping to "Connect Communities" through the arts.

George C. Wolfe. Photo by Carolyn Contino

Wolfe won a Tony Award in 1993 for directing "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches" and another Tony Award in 1996 for his direction of the musical "Bring In 'Da Noise/Bring In 'Da Funk." Wolfe is known for his unique story and visionary direction that has captivated audiences for more than three decades. Wolfe also helmed critically acclaimed productions of "Jelly's Last Jam," "Angels in America: Perestroika," "On the Town," "Topdog/Underdog," "Caroline or Change," "The Normal Heart" (2011), and the 2016 smash hit "Shuffle Along, or, The Making of The Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed." Additionally, Wolfe served as artistic director of The Public Theater from 1993 until 2004.

The 2017 ASU Gammage Gammy & Jerry Awards will be presented Monday, March 27 prior to the 2017-2018 Broadway Season announce event at ASU Gammage.