TRU to honor Tonya Pinkins, BroadwayHD founders at 2026 TRU Love Benefit

Theater Resources Unlimited will celebrate the power of theater and its impact on community and social change at the 2026 TRU Love Benefit, set for Sunday, Feb. 8, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Green Room 42 in Manhattan.

The annual benefit, themed Changing Hearts… the Power of Theater, will honor Tony Award-winning performer Tonya Pinkins with the TRU Humanitarian Award for her lifelong advocacy for equality, justice and inclusion through her art and activism. Producers Bonnie Comley and Stewart Lane, founders of BroadwayHD, will receive the TRU Spirit of Theater Award for their leadership in expanding global access to live theater through digital platforms.

The event will also pay tribute to the late Jack W. Batman, a prolific Broadway and London producer and longtime member of TRU’s advisory board, whose contributions helped shape the organization’s mission and reach.

The celebration will include a cocktail hour, a three-course luncheon, an awards ceremony and live performances honoring the year’s recipients and the broader theater community. The program will be directed by Jonathan S. Cerullo, with music direction by Clare Cooper and stage management by Natalie Thomas.

A distinguished Honoree Benefit Committee of theater artists and producers is supporting the event, including Veanne Cox, Cady Huffman, Michael R. Jackson, Erik Liberman, Mandi Masden, Juney Smith, Kim Sykes, Elly Tatum and Cheryl Wiesenfeld, among others.

The benefit will take place at Green Room 42, 570 10th Ave., at West 42nd Street. Tickets range from $165 to $325 and include the cocktail hour and luncheon, with proceeds supporting TRU’s ongoing programs that nurture producers and foster new theatrical work.

Founded to provide support and resources for the theater-producing community, Theater Resources Unlimited continues to champion the idea that theater can spark empathy, build understanding and inspire lasting change. The 2026 TRU Love Benefit underscores that mission by honoring artists and leaders whose work reflects the transformative power of the stage.

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