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By Mabel Pais
Laura Benanti, Tony Award winner and Norm Lewis, Tony Award nominee, will perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) annual fundraiser, the Women@NJPAC Spotlight Gala on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
‘An Evening with Laura Benanti and Norm Lewis,’ will feature the stars performing numbers from the Broadway musicals they’ve made famous, as well as surprise song selections.
HONOREES
The evening will also see two longtime NJPAC supporters presented with the Founders Award, the sole honor that the Arts Center presents each season. This event will support initiatives to advance the Arts Center’s indispensable social impact work in arts education, community engagement and arts and well-being.
Darrell K. Terry, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, is an NJPAC Board Member and one of the architects of NJPAC’s Arts & Well-Being programming, which uses the performing arts to advance community health. Several of these programs bring performances to Beth Israel for the hospital’s staff, visitors, and even patients at their bedsides.
Noted philanthropist Mindy A. Cohen is also an NJPAC Board Member, as well as a Member of the Board’s Executive Committee, and the Co-President of Women@NJPAC. Over the course of a career that spanned politics, fundraising and event planning, Cohen helped elect New Jersey leaders like Senator Frank Lautenberg, founded the prestigious consulting firm Evergreen Partners, and supported arts nonprofits, including Newark’s jazz radio station WBGO and the New Jersey Symphony, as well as NJPAC. She also served as Chair of the Arts Center’s Spotlight Gala, a record six times.
“Mindy and Darrell have both built remarkable careers that have had an impact on so many across New Jersey. I am beyond grateful that they also chose to devote their time, insight and expertise to helping NJPAC grow into the anchor institution it is today — and to positioning the Arts Center to accomplish even more in the seasons to come,” said John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC.
The Women@NJPAC Spotlight Gala, often called the “party of the year,” treats Arts Center supporters to a night of dinner in NJPAC’s theaters and gathering spaces, followed by a headlining performance in Prudential Hall and an after-party that includes the Arts Center’s famous dessert buffet and dancing to tunes spun by DJ Kiss.
PROGRAM
For the complete program, visit njpac.org/event/2025-spotlight-gala.
TICKETS
For the first time this year, the Arts Center is offering a special New Member Spotlight Gala Ticket. This ticket includes access to the performance and the afterparty, as well as a year-long NJPAC membership. Those who are already NJPAC Members can buy a ticket to the performance and afterparty for a discounted price. Tickets are available at njpac.org/event/2025-spotlight-gala.
GALA CHAIRS
Philanthropist and Women@NJPAC Vice President Patricia L. Capawana, and Balpreet Grewal-Virk, Senior Vice President of Community Health for RWJBarnabas Health and Women@NJPAC Trustee, chair this year’s Spotlight Gala. Prudential Financial is the lead sponsor of the 2025 Gala.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
NJPAC, located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is the most diverse performing arts center in the country, and the anchor cultural institution for both the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey. It is an artistic, cultural, educational and civic center where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC Arts & Well-Being develops initiatives and programs that amplify the health benefits of the arts and measure the impact of the Arts Center on community health and well-being. NJPAC has attracted more than 12 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit njpac.org for more information.
NJPAC
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
njpac.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand
Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Business, Spirituality, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, Education, and Cuisine.
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