Jennifer Naimo

Well, this past Monday night I was invited to be a part of Tisch on Broadway. It was a huge Gala of NYU alumni, grads and undergrad programs that honored Gerald Schoenfeld, Felicity Huffman, George C Wolfe and Tony Kushner. I initially was going to sing but so many celebrities wanted to participate that instead I presented Mr. Schoenfeld with a lifetime achievement award and than onstage presented Tony Kushner (who was in my NYU Grad Acting year as a director) his award. John Levelle (The Graduate, Burleigh Grimes) and I walked on stage together to give my award to Tony and he gave his to George C Wolfe…honoring their achievement with Caroline or Change…when Tony realized it was me he grabbed me and swooped me back in a fantastic dance move. When they introduced me…it was none other than Alec Baldwin, who said I was an NYU grad acting grad and wowing them every night as Frankie Valli’s wife in Jersey Boys.

I got to share this night with Tim, which always is perfect. Billy Crystal hosted the entire night and he was hilarious and his timing impeccable. Marc Shaiman wrote his script and students from Cap21 led by Frank Ventura in choreography and Artie Masella (Hal Prince’s 2nd hand man) in direction of the evening.

I met Felicity Huffman and her sweet, humble, enormously talented husband Bill Macy (who gave Felicity her award and such a moving, funny speech about her) Marcia Gay Harden gave Tony and George their speech. I performed with Billy Crudup, Jesse Martin, Manuel Feliciano, Jenn Gambatese, Matthew Morrison, Danny Pino (Cold Case), Victor Williams (King of Queens), Steve Kazee, David Costable, Bernie Telsey, Catherine Kellner…It was amazing. And after we were escorted to a private party at Blue Finn in the W Hotel. Clive Davis attended, Margo Lion produced it…check out the photos here and at Broadwayworld.com and Broadway.com.