Matthew Bourne is one of the honorees at this year’s CTG Gala. (photo courtesy of Center Theatre Group)

Matthew Bourne, the director and choreographer of “Romeo and Juliet,” now playing at the Ahmanson Theatre, has been named the inaugural artistic honoree for CTG: The Gala 2024 on Sunday, April 28, at the Mark Taper Forum. Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, recently on the West End in “Old Friends” directed by Bourne, will be the evening’s headlining performer. Performances will also include an excerpt from Bourne’s groundbreaking “Swan Lake” by Jackson Fisch and Rory Macleod.

“We are overjoyed to honor the Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne, who has been sharing his memorable dance theatre productions with the CTG community and L.A. audiences for over 25 years,” CTG artistic director Snehal Desai said. “Matthew is not only a singular artist but someone who has been dedicated to making sure the next generation of artists and audiences have access to the arts. We could not think of a better or more deserving person to honor at this year’s gala. We are also honored and delighted that Lea Salonga will be returning to the Mark Taper Forum for the first time since her unforgettable performance in ‘Flower Drum Song’ back in 2001. Lea is one of the greatest musical theater stars of all time, and it will be a very special night to welcome her back to CTG and the Taper. We are thrilled that both Matthew and Lea have agreed to join us for what will be an unforgettable evening.”

As CTG’s largest annual fundraiser, proceeds from the event will help the theatre company further its mission to serve the diverse audiences of Los Angeles by producing and presenting world-class theater, by nurturing rising artists, and by attracting new audiences.

“CTG’s annual gala is one of my personal favorite nights of the year,” said CTG managing director/CEO Meghan Pressman. “Nothing makes me prouder than to see our community of arts lovers gather on the plaza to both celebrate and support the best live theatre in Los Angeles. We have a lot to celebrate this year, but we also have a lot of work to do in order to help close the financial gap, and raise necessary funds needed to return to season programming at the Mark Taper Forum, while continuing to also program the Ahmanson and Kirk Douglas Theatre. CTG: The Gala 2024 is going to be an incredible one-night-only event, and we hope it goes a long way towards accomplishing these goals. We can’t wait to see you there.”

Bourne is renowned for shattering stereotypes and exploring and pushing boundaries in dance. “The New Yorker” has said that Bourne is “the most popular choreographer of theatrical dance in the western world.” CTG has been his American home since 1997, when the company presented the U.S. premiere of his groundbreaking “Swan Lake” at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Salonga most recently starred in and produced the new musical “Here Lies Love” at the Broadway Theater and headlined “Old Friends” (alongside Bernadette Peters) directed by Bourne on London’s West End. She is best known for her Tony Award-winning role in “Miss Saigon.” She has also won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards. On Broadway, Lea starred in the 2018 Tony Award winning Broadway revival of “Once on This Island,” “Allegiance,” and “Flower Drum Song.

The evening will begin with cocktails and dinner in Eva & Marc Stern Grand Hall in the historic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, followed by a special intimate production featuring musical performances from Lea Salonga and tributes to Matthew Bourne at the Mark Taper Forum. The night will conclude with food, drinks and dancing on the Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. CTG board member Jana Bezdek returns as this year’s gala chair. Gala packages begin at $3,000 and are on sale now. Tickets for the one-night-only benefit performance begin at $250 and will go on sale at a later date.

For information, visit CenterTheatreGroup.org.