Alan Menken receives Howard Ashman Award at GMHC fundraiser

Alan Menken accepts the Howard Ashman Award at GMHC's fundraiser on Feb. 26.
Alan Menken accepts the Howard Ashman Award at GMHC’s fundraiser on Feb. 26.
Donna Aceto

GMHC hosted its ninth annual cabaret fundraising event on Feb. 26 in front of a sold out crowd at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, where decorated composer Alan Menken received this year’s Howard Ashman Award.

The event featured more than a dozen special guests throughout an evening filled with entertainment — including a piano performance by Menken, whose Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards have elevated him to EGOT fame. He worked with Ashman, a lyricist who won multiple Academy and Grammy awards and was known for his work on hits like “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Aladdin.” Ashman died of AIDS complications in 1991.

Other special guests included Morgan Bryant, Cacophony Daniels, John Edwards, Claybourne Elder, J Harrison Ghee, James Monroe Iglehart, Arielle Jacobs, Kara Lindsay, Mauricio Martinez, Johnny Newcomb, Jelani Remy, Tim Rice, Khadija Sankoh, Stephen Schwartz, and Tiffany Renee Thompson.

Below are photos from the event:

Stephen Schwartz presents Alan Menken with the Howard Ashman Award.
Stephen Schwartz presents Alan Menken with the Howard Ashman Award.Donna Aceto
Jelani Remy and Arielle Jacobs sing "Suddenly Kiss the Beauty There."
Jelani Remy and Arielle Jacobs sing “Suddenly Kiss the Beauty There.”Donna Aceto
J Harrison Ghee sings "Feed Our Poisons."
J Harrison Ghee performs “Feed Our Poisons.”Donna Aceto
Khadija Sankoh sings "Mean Green Mother."
Khadija Sankoh sings “Mean Green Mother.”Donna Aceto
Mauricio Martinez and Cacophony Daniels sing "Growing Boy."
Mauricio Martinez and Cacophony Daniels sing “Growing Boy.”Donna Aceto
Howard Ashman's sister, Sarah Ashman Gillespie, recalls the relationship between Ashman and Menken.
Howard Ashman’s sister, Sarah Ashman Gillespie, recalls the relationship between Ashman and Menken.Donna Aceto