Tony-nominated actress Justin Vivian Bond will be recognized with a new award from the 12th annual "Night of a Thousand Judys," receiving the inaugural Judy Icon Award, which will be presented on June 3 at 7 PM local time in Joe's Pub within the Public Theater in New York.
Written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, the yearly Pride concert is set to benefit the Ali Forney Center in the upcoming iteration. This particular agency is the largest in the nation and dedicates its efforts to assisting the homeless youth of the LGBTQ+ community.
The event honors the late Broadway and film icon Judy Garland by showcasing her monumental and ever-beloved songs from her career on the stage, on the silver screen, and even in the music industry,
Directing the evening show is Peter James Cook, with choreography from Jason Wise and music direction from Drew Wutke.
About the Judy Icon Award and First Recipient Justin Vivian Bond
The award is given to Bond to honor her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and affirm their achievement in acquiring legendary status, accomplishments that follow in the footsteps of the honor's namesake.
Bond made their Broadway debut in the "Kiki & Herb" duo cabaret production with pianist Kenny Mellman, playing the role of the now-iconic KiKi DuRane. The two started performing in San Fransisco in the 1990s and running through various cities and their famed venues.
One of these famous locations is Carnegie Hall, where the performance took place ahead of the duo's Broadway opening. In 2007, the production was nominated for the 2007 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event.
Bond's other credits also reach both Off-Broady and West End productions. They are also known for their activism concerning the trans community.
Of this honor, would-be host Sayre said: "I've said this loud and often, but there is no other icon than Justin Vivian Bond."
"Chanteuse, provocateur, artist, sage, truthteller, style maven, V is the icon of downtown," she continued. "I adore all that she is and all that she does. Even for me, there will only be one Justin: Justin Vivian Bond."
Announcements for guest performers will be held at a later date. For ticketing information, visit the Public Theater's official website.
