Andrew Lloyd Webber to be honored at Goodspeed Musicals’ 2026 Gala & Auction

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber, the celebrated composer behind some of the world’s most iconic musicals, will be honored by Goodspeed Musicals at the 2026 Gala & Auction on May 30. He will receive the Goodspeed Musicals Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre, recognizing his lasting impact on the art form.

Lloyd Webber’s career spans decades and includes enduring hits such as CATS, The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, and School of Rock. His shows have run continuously in London’s West End for 50 years, with Broadway productions totaling 43 uninterrupted years. In 2026, The Phantom of the Opera will mark 40 years in London’s West End and remains the longest-running musical in Broadway history.

Lloyd Webber has achieved EGOT status, winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, including a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018. His Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard in 2025 earned three Tony Awards. In April, his latest musical, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, will open on Broadway.

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Beyond composing, Lloyd Webber owns six London theatres, including the London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the latter fully restored in 2021. He also supports musical education and scholarships through the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

“I am thrilled to be honoured by Goodspeed Musicals, particularly as Goodspeed presented my favourite musical, By Jeeves,” Lloyd Webber said. “I have long admired the work at the Opera House and am delighted to be part of this occasion.”

The gala will take place at the New Haven Lawn Club, beginning at 5 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a five-course dinner, a live auction, and a gala performance celebrating Lloyd Webber’s music. Proceeds support Goodspeed’s development of new musicals and reimagining of classics.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online at goodspeed.org/gala or by contacting Frank Stilwagner at fstilwagner@goodspeed.org or 860-615-0367. VIP tickets, which include an exclusive cocktail reception with Lloyd Webber, are currently available, while standard tickets go on sale March 13.

Previous recipients of the Goodspeed Musicals Award include Julie Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth, Jerry Herman, Susan Stroman, Tommy Tune, and Stephen Schwartz.

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Andrew Lloyd Webber to be honored at Goodspeed Musicals’ 2026 Gala & Auction