Winter 2005

ASCAP presents a star-studded tribute to the late Cy Coleman on Broadway

On January 10th, ASCAP hosted a musical celebration of the life and career of legendary Broadway composer and ASCAP Board member Cy Coleman at the Majestic Theater in New York City. The tribute, which was free and open to the public and produced by Marilyn Bergman, Michael Kerker and Karen Sherry, featured some of the top performers from the Broadway musical community, as well as friends, colleagues and collaborators who shared stories of their relationship with Coleman.

With 11 Broadway scores to his credit over 45 years, Coleman was one of the industry's most diverse and accomplished composers. A member of ASCAP since 1953, Coleman also served on its Board of Directors for 38 years and was the board's Vice Chairman Writer when he died.

Coleman had premiered two new works within the last year - In the Pocket (scheduled to open on Broadway in 2006) and The Great Ostrovsky at the Prince Music Theatre in Philadelphia. At the time of his death he had been at work on a new Broadway production of Sweet Charity starring Christina Applegate, which will open at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on April 21st.

Chita Rivera and Ann Reinking lead a chorus line in a performance of "Big Spender"

ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman

Michele Lee performing the finale from See Saw

Alan Bergman performing special lyrics written with Marilyn Bergman to "Real Live Girl" and "Witchcraft"

Chita Rivera performing "Where Am I Going?"

John Schneider performing "Give A Man Enough Rope"

Wendy Wasserstein delivering a moving tribute

Judy Kaye performing "Never"

Brian Stokes Mitchell performing "The Best is Yet to Come"

A.E. Hotchner speaking about his friendship with Cy

Lucie Arnaz (right) with daughter Katharine Luckinbill at the after-party. For the tribute, the two performed "Hey Look Me Over"

Ann Reinking performing "Big Spender"

Lillias White performing "The Oldest Profession" (and earning a standing ovation)

Hal Linden and Shelby Coleman at the after-party

James Naughton and Gregg Edelman performing "You're Nothing Without Me"

Donna McKechnie performing "If My Friends Could See Me Now"

Bea Arthur performing "It Amazes Me"

David Zippel reminiscing about his collaborations with Cy

Neil Simon eulogizing Cy

Chuck Cooper performing "You There in the Back Row"

Jim Dale performing "There's a Sucker Born Every Minute"