Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse welcomed supporters, artists, and community leaders to its 2026 Annual Gala, A Vision for the Future, on Friday, May 8, at the Hilton Short Hills, raising over $1.3 million in support of its artistic, education, and community outreach programs.
The evening celebrated the power of live theater and Paper Mill’s bold vision for the future, highlighted by its ambitious Next Act capital campaign—a transformational initiative that continues to modernize the theater’s campus and elevate the audience experience.
“This is one of the most important nights of the year for Paper Mill Playhouse,” said Mike Stotts, Executive Director. “The generosity of this community fuels everything we do — from productions on our stage to education programs that reach tens of thousands of students each year. Tonight’s support ensures that our mission continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson
Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee reflected on the organization’s momentum and future vision: “We are not standing still. We are growing, evolving, and moving boldly into the future. This Gala is not only a celebration of what we’ve accomplished, but a powerful reminder of what’s still to come.”
The Gala was chaired by Richard L. Davis and Heather Jenquine Davis, whose leadership helped shape an inspiring and impactful evening.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in supporting Paper Mill Playhouse,” said the Davises. “This organization is a cornerstone of our community, and it’s an honor to help ensure its future remains as vibrant as its past.”
Carolyn Ferolito, Chair of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the broader impact of the evening: “Paper Mill Playhouse has been transforming lives through theater for nearly nine decades. The extraordinary generosity we saw at this year’s Gala reflects a shared commitment to sustaining that legacy and expanding access to the arts.”
The evening featured special recognition of distinguished honorees:
* Dr. Jack and Suzanne Bonamo, recipients of the Antoinette Scudder Patron of the Arts Award, honored for their longstanding philanthropic leadership and dedication to advancing accessibility and arts education.
* John Brucker, recipient of the Byrne/Kean Arts Advocate Award, recognized for his leadership and hands-on role in guiding the theater’s campus transformation projects.
* Thomas Brennan, recipient of the Frank Carrington Award for Excellence in the Arts, celebrated for nearly 50 years as Master Head Carpenter at Paper Mill Playhouse.
Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson
The Gala also highlighted the organization’s artistic excellence through performances by Belinda Allyn, Jeannette Bayardelle, Sam Gravitte, and 55 students from Paper Mill Playhouse’s education programs, showcasing both established talent and the next generation of artists.
Jerry Rose of Jerry Rose Floral and Event Design once again transformed the ballroom into a theatrically stunning setting for the evening, a signature vision he has brought to the Gala for more than 20 years.
Funds raised during the evening will directly support Paper Mill Playhouse’s productions, education initiatives serving more than 40,000 students annually, and community outreach programs that expand access to the arts.
As Paper Mill Playhouse continues its Next Act Campaign — having already raised more than $40 million toward its $48.7 million goal — the success of the 2026 Gala underscores the strength and commitment of its community.
Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson
PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE, recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, is a nationally renowned not-for-profit theater under the direction of Mark S. Hoebee (Producing Artistic Director) and Michael Stotts (Executive Director). A beloved New Jersey arts institution since 1938, Paper Mill creates and produces groundbreaking new musicals and reimagined classics. Several productions have gone on to Broadway and launched national tours, including The Great Gatsby, Disney’s Newsies, Bandstand, Honeymoon in Vegas, A Bronx Tale, and Les Misérables (25th Anniversary production). The theater is also the home to an award-winning center for musical theater education and artist training, with outreach programs that impact thousands of students each year. As one of the nation’s premier musical theaters, Paper Mill fosters a creative environment to advance the art form, educate students, develop future theater lovers, nurture inclusion, and provide access for all.
Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
