Gemze De Lappe, Alyce Gilbert, Neil Mazzella and Seymour "Red" Press have been awarded the 2007 Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre. The Tony Honors, which recognize contributions to the field of theater for individuals and organizations that are not eligible in any of the established Tony categories, are chosen by the Tony Awards Administration Committee. This year's winners will be honored at a luncheon at Tavern on the Green on October 30.
Known in the ballet and dance world as a replicateur, De Lappe for many years has been the go-to person to recreate much of the choreography of Agnes de Mille. She danced in the original production of Carousel and has been mounting productions of Oklahoma!, Brigadoon and Carousel, as well as staging de Mille ballets, for many years. Gilbert, a veteran wardrobe supervisor, has worked both on and off-Broadway for nearly 40 years. She is currently the wardrobe supervisor on Wicked.
As the proprietor of Hudson Scenic Studios, Mazzella has built scenery for more than 200 Broadway and touring productions and has been an unsung hero to many producers, directors and designers over the past two decades. Press began his career 50 years ago in the orchestra of the Broadway musical The Body Beautiful and has gone on to serve as musical coordinator or contractor in more than 58 Broadway productions.
