Tag: artistic excellence

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe support Princess Grace Awards 2025

The 2025 Princess Grace Awards Honor a New Era of Artistic Excellence

A new generation of visionaries carries forward Princess Grace’s enduring legacy in theater, dance, and film.

Each autumn, the Princess Grace Foundation–USA gathers artists, patrons, and luminaries in celebration of creative achievement and timeless legacy. The 2025 Princess Grace Awards reaffirm the Foundation’s role as one of the most significant supporters of emerging talent in the performing arts, continuing a mission rooted in the ideals of Princess Grace of Monaco. Since its founding in 1982, the Foundation has recognized over nine hundred artists who have gone on to shape the cultural landscape of theater, dance, and film. This year’s honorees stand as the latest in a distinguished lineage, representing both the diversity and excellence that define the Foundation’s impact.

The Princess Grace Foundation–USA was established to carry forward Princess Grace’s belief that art, when nurtured with integrity and opportunity, holds the power to enrich lives and connect communities. That philosophy continues to guide the Foundation’s programs, grants, and mentorships, which provide vital resources to early-career artists. Under the leadership of its Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Hon. John F. Lehman and Vice Chairman Robert O. Marx, the Foundation’s work reflects a perfect balance between royal heritage and contemporary innovation. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Vice Chairman of the Foundation, and Her Royal Highness The Princess of Hanover, Chairman of the Princess Grace Foundation, Monaco, maintain the direct familial connection to the legacy of Princess Grace. Their involvement, alongside Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco and Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, ensures the enduring presence of Monaco’s royal family at the heart of this philanthropic endeavor.

At the center of the Foundation’s vision stands President Diana Kemppainen, whose leadership unites tradition with modern progress. Working closely with Chief Philanthropy Officer Patricia Leonard, Chief Relationship Officer Catharina Nystrom, Grants Manager Olivia Lichens, and Philanthropy Manager Josephine Smolsky, she guides the Foundation’s programs with precision, inclusivity, and an unwavering focus on artistic excellence. Together, this leadership team ensures that each award reflects not only financial support but also the mentorship and recognition essential for a young artist’s growth.

This year’s Princess Grace Awards celebrate eighteen new Award winners and twelve Honoraria recipients across theater, dance, and film—each selected for their ability to redefine their discipline through imagination, rigor, and originality. The 2025 honorees join a legacy that includes some of the most influential artists of the past four decades, marking a new generation of voices shaping the future of performance.

At the pinnacle of recognition stands the Princess Grace Statue Award, the Foundation’s highest honor, reserved for past Award recipients who have continued to make significant contributions to their fields. In 2025, this distinction is bestowed upon ballerina Isabella Boylston and filmmaker Sky Hopinka. Boylston, originally recognized in dance in 2009, has become one of the foremost figures in contemporary ballet, while Hopinka, honored in film in 2015, has emerged as a leading voice in Indigenous cinema and experimental storytelling. Their achievements embody the Foundation’s belief in lifelong artistic evolution and the enduring impact of its support.

Theater remains one of the Foundation’s most dynamic categories, representing the power of storytelling to transform and connect. Among the 2025 honorees are Tramaine Raphael Gray of the California Institute of the Arts School of Theater, Christine Lyons of The Denyce Graves Foundation, and Germán Martinez of INTAR Theatre. Each brings a singular vision to performance, direction, and design. Dionne McClain-Freeney of Target Margin Theater and Taji Senior, nominated by Jesús I. Valles, continue the tradition of exploring identity, rhythm, and narrative through multidisciplinary approaches. The Theater Honoraria expand the scope further, honoring Hamid Dehghani, Dina El-Aziz, Maleek Rae, and Roman Sanchez for their contributions to stagecraft, costume design, and storytelling. Playwright Zoë Rhulen, recipient of the New Dramatists Playwriting Fellowship, joins this distinguished cohort with a body of work marked by clarity and emotional depth.

Dance, long a cornerstone of the Princess Grace Foundation’s mission, finds new vitality in the work of this year’s honorees. Madison Jenne’ Brown of American Ballet Theatre receives the Chris Hellman Dance Honor for her artistry and refinement, while Kayla Mak of The Juilliard School and William Okajima, nominated by Kyle Abraham, represent the next evolution of expressive movement. The Honoraria in dance celebrate Anna Mains of Charlotte Ballet and Cyrie Topete of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, whose artistry bridges community and innovation. Choreographers Hannah Garner, Houston Thomas, and Christian A. Warner bring fresh approaches to movement and performance, joined by Marco Palomino of Visceral Dance Chicago and Ogemdi Ude of Danspace Project, whose work expands the dialogue between identity, body, and culture.

Film and animation continue to serve as platforms for new narrative and visual experimentation. Isabela Fraga-Abaza, Luke Alexander Harris, Haisi Hu, Gabriella Mykal, Philip Thompson, and Fatima Wardy lead this year’s cohort, each distinguished by their ability to explore emotion and perspective through motion and sound. Fraga-Abaza receives the Stephen Hillenburg Animation Honor, while Harris is awarded the John H. Johnson Film Honor. Gabriella Mykal, Philip Thompson, and Fatima Wardy each bring originality to contemporary storytelling, representing the breadth of voices that define today’s independent cinema. The Film Honoraria include Matt Feldman, Jared Hall, Karina Lomelin Ripper, and Loren Waters, whose works reflect themes of identity, resilience, and heritage.

Beyond the core awards, the Foundation continues to invest in its community through Special Project Grants and Artist Fellowships. The 2025 recipients—Nicole Chi Amén, Dahlak Brathwaite, Desdemona Chiang, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Bridget L. Moore, Barkha Patel, and Sergio Mata’u Rapu—represent the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the creation of new work. The Princess Grace Artist Fellowship, developed in partnership with MAP Fund, offers four Fellows—Chih-Jou Cheng, Roderick George, Evan Silver (also known as Tiresias), and Nesaru Tchaas—direct funding and professional development to further their artistic growth.

The Foundation’s educational mission continues through the Grace Kelly Scholarships for Thespian Excellence, presented in partnership with the Educational Theatre Foundation. These scholarships empower high school performers and designers, offering them the mentorship and support to pursue creative careers. The 2025 recipients, including Gulse Polat, Alana Rock, Nicholas Santes King, Abber Siddiqui, and Kaylah Spaulding, represent the next generation of theatrical artistry.

From its inception under the vision of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace to its contemporary stewardship under Prince Albert II and the Foundation’s distinguished Board, the Princess Grace Foundation–USA has sustained a singular mission: to honor and nurture creative excellence. The 2025 Awards reaffirm that commitment with every artist celebrated and every performance inspired.

In every discipline, from stage to studio, the Foundation’s work continues to echo Princess Grace’s belief that art embodies humanity’s most meaningful aspirations. The 2025 Princess Grace Awards stand not only as a celebration of individual achievement but as a living tribute to the enduring power of imagination, discipline, and grace.

Princess Grace Foundation USA, Princess Grace Awards, Grace Kelly, Princess Grace of Monaco, HSH Prince Albert II, HRH The Princess of Hanover, HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco, HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco, Diana Kemppainen, Patricia Leonard, Catharina Nystrom, Olivia Lichens, Josephine Smolsky, Isabella Boylston, Sky Hopinka, Tramaine Raphael Gray, Christine Lyons, Germán Martinez, Dionne McClain-Freeney, Taji Senior, Hamid Dehghani, Dina El-Aziz, Maleek Rae, Roman Sanchez, Zoë Rhulen, Madison Jenne’ Brown, Kayla Mak, William Okajima, Anna Mains, Cyrie Topete, Hannah Garner, Houston Thomas, Christian A. Warner, Marco Palomino, Ogemdi Ude, Isabela Fraga-Abaza, Luke Alexander Harris, Haisi Hu, Gabriella Mykal, Philip Thompson, Fatima Wardy, Matt Feldman, Jared Hall, Karina Lomelin Ripper, Loren Waters, Nicole Chi Amén, Dahlak Brathwaite, Desdemona Chiang, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Bridget L. Moore, Barkha Patel, Sergio Mata’u Rapu, Chih-Jou Cheng, Roderick George, Evan Silver, Tiresias, Nesaru Tchaas, Gulse Polat, Alana Rock, Nicholas Santes King, Abber Siddiqui, Kaylah Spaulding, Educational Theatre Foundation, MAP Fund, American Ballet Theatre, The Juilliard School, INTAR Theatre, Target Margin Theater, The Joffrey Ballet, Danspace Project, Visceral Dance Chicago, Northlight Theatre, Noor Theatre, The Tank, CalArts, New Dramatists, Dell’Arte International, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, performing arts philanthropy, Monaco, cultural foundation, emerging artists, artistic excellence, dance, theater, film, Princess Grace legacy, creative mentorship, nonprofit arts leadership, arts education, international arts, contemporary choreography, storytelling in film, American arts organizations

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Helloween Is GRAND at Leesa Rowland And Larry Wohl!

Hollywood’s Leesa Rowland and Larry Wohl Host a Met-Themed Halloween Spectacle

A shimmering world of glamour and imagination came alive when Hollywood actress Leesa Rowland and New York’s Larry Wohl hosted an extraordinary Halloween celebration inspired by the Met Gala. The event, produced by Revel Rouge Productions in collaboration with Norah Lawlor Media, transformed the evening into a breathtaking homage to fashion, art, and creative expression, reaffirming the duo’s place among the city’s most distinguished hosts.

Set against a backdrop of grandeur, the Halloween gala unfolded as a living tribute to the spirit of couture. Guests arrived in magnificent ensembles that captured the artistry of costume design while embracing the allure of masquerade. The theme, styled as a high-fashion interpretation of the Met Gala, encouraged each attendee to embody the drama and sophistication for which the iconic museum event is known.

Leesa Rowland, celebrated for her career in Hollywood and recognized for her graceful presence in both film and philanthropy, brought her signature refinement to the evening. Her flair for the theatrical blended effortlessly with the elegance of Larry Wohl, whose expertise in hosting and event conceptualization shaped a night that felt both cinematic and socially resonant. Together, they created a gathering that bridged the worlds of film, fashion, and society.

Revel Rouge Productions, renowned for its mastery of immersive design, delivered an environment that felt both regal and contemporary. Each detail, from the dramatic lighting to the architectural styling, echoed the aesthetics of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s grand tradition while introducing a modern sense of play. Norah Lawlor Media ensured that the evening’s refinement and creative depth would be elegantly captured and communicated, curating the event’s public presence with the precision and grace that define the firm’s work.

The guest list reflected a blend of artistic, philanthropic, and social figures drawn from across the creative spectrum. Artists, designers, and tastemakers mingled beneath grand installations inspired by legendary exhibitions, each crafted to evoke the spirit of haute couture. The interplay of color, texture, and movement transformed the setting into a living gallery, where fashion became both performance and conversation.

For Leesa Rowland, whose Hollywood career has been defined by versatility and a commitment to expression, the evening represented a seamless extension of her artistic philosophy. Her fascination with transformation and performance found its natural counterpart in the world of high fashion, where identity and imagination intertwine. She greeted guests with warmth and presence, embodying the essence of the night’s theme—a fusion of art and persona.

Larry Wohl’s reputation for refined hospitality was fully realized through his orchestration of the event. His understanding of social rhythm and atmosphere ensured that each moment flowed effortlessly into the next, creating a sense of continuity that balanced grandeur with intimacy. Together, Wohl and Rowland curated a celebration that reflected both the elegance of New York society and the creative energy of Hollywood’s storytelling tradition.

As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed a menu designed to complement the visual richness of the surroundings. The culinary presentation emphasized balance and detail, offering sophisticated interpretations of seasonal ingredients with understated luxury. Each course mirrored the artistry of the costumes and décor, reinforcing the event’s commitment to aesthetic harmony.

Entertainment followed the same refined approach. Live performances and subtle theatrical moments punctuated the night, offering guests moments of awe and delight without ever disrupting the natural flow of conversation and connection. Every performance was a gesture of artistry that underscored the theme of transformation—the essence of both Halloween and high fashion.

Norah Lawlor Media’s expertise ensured that the evening’s grandeur extended beyond the venue. Through precise coordination and media engagement, the company shaped the event’s public image with elegance, capturing the authenticity and glamour that defined the celebration. The result was a narrative of creativity and collaboration that resonated well beyond the night itself.

For Revel Rouge Productions, the gala was another testament to its mastery of experience-driven design. Each detail reflected the company’s deep understanding of narrative structure, treating the event as a form of live art. The seamless coordination of visual, spatial, and emotional elements created an atmosphere that transcended the expectations of even the most seasoned guests.

The collaboration among Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl, Revel Rouge Productions, and Norah Lawlor Media demonstrated the vitality of cross-disciplinary creativity in modern event culture. Each brought a distinct strength—cinematic imagination, social sophistication, design artistry, and media strategy—that together formed a singularly memorable experience.

As the evening reached its height, the dance floor filled with the sounds of celebration. Costumes shimmered beneath the light, laughter carried across the room, and the air was filled with the quiet recognition that something remarkable had been achieved. The event succeeded not only as a glamorous celebration but as a cultural moment that reflected the evolving dialogue between art and society.

Leesa Rowland’s dual legacy—as a Hollywood actress and as a figure deeply involved in philanthropy and creative collaboration—gave the night a sense of purpose beyond spectacle. Her commitment to creativity and compassion was reflected in every aspect of the event’s design. Larry Wohl’s partnership provided the grounding presence and attention to detail that transformed vision into reality. Together, they created an evening that will be remembered not only for its visual splendor but for its spirit of community and shared artistry.

In the end, the Met-themed Halloween celebration was more than a social event. It was a reflection of the enduring power of collaboration, a meeting point between the film world and the art world, and a testament to how modern society continues to find meaning through shared creativity. Every element of the night—from the curated fashion to the impeccable production—spoke to the sophistication of those who conceived it and the lasting impact of those who attended.

* His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal, award winning TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse author, Public Speaker and Philanthropist ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, Lübeck and Kiel. ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: A Chorus Line: The Next Generation Shines at Macy’s Parade

A dazzling revival of the Broadway classic marks a powerful return to the spotlight at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

When the first glittering notes of “One” echo across Herald Square on Thanksgiving morning, the magic of Broadway will be front and center once again. This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature a special performance of A Chorus Line: The Next Generation, directed by Tony Award recipient Baayork Lee. The celebrated director and original cast member of the 1975 production brings together an inspiring ensemble of alumni and students from New York City public schools, uniting generations through one of Broadway’s most enduring musical masterpieces.

For decades, A Chorus Line has embodied the passion and perseverance of performers whose lives unfold behind the stage lights. Its signature finale, “One,” with its precise choreography and shimmering gold costumes, has come to represent the very essence of show business. As this new generation steps into the spotlight on 34th Street, the energy and excellence that defined the original production are being passed to a new lineage of dancers and dreamers.

Baayork Lee’s direction of this performance continues her lifelong dedication to preserving the legacy of A Chorus Line. Having originated the role of Connie in the original production, Lee has spent years mentoring young performers and restaging the show around the world. Her work at the parade highlights her enduring commitment to arts education and her belief in the transformative power of dance and theatre for young artists.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has long been a showcase for Broadway’s finest, bringing the art form to millions of viewers across the nation. This year, its collaboration with New York City public schools deepens that tradition, offering students the chance to perform alongside professionals who once stood in their very shoes. Alumni from previous revivals of A Chorus Line join the students on stage, bridging decades of performance history in one spectacular moment.

The visual impact of the number promises to be as captivating as ever. Rows of dancers in matching gold top hats and sequined costumes will move in perfect unison down Herald Square, a scene that has come to symbolize the elegance and discipline of Broadway choreography. For many in the audience, it will be both a nostalgic tribute and a fresh celebration of what the next generation brings to the stage.

As A Chorus Line: The Next Generation takes its place in the parade lineup, it stands as both homage and evolution. The production honors the legacy of Michael Bennett’s groundbreaking original while reflecting the diverse talent and creativity that define New York’s performing arts community today. Each step in the routine, each gleaming hat tip, tells a story of aspiration, dedication, and artistic continuity.

In celebrating this union of past and present, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to affirm its place as one of the most beloved cultural events in America. It transforms a city street into a living stage, inviting audiences everywhere to witness the beauty of collaboration and the enduring pulse of musical theatre.

Baayork Lee’s vision for this year’s performance extends beyond spectacle. It represents an ongoing commitment to nurture the future of Broadway by investing in young artists. Through mentorship and performance, she ensures that the legacy of A Chorus Line remains alive not only in history but in the hearts and movements of new performers who carry it forward.

The parade’s live broadcast will bring this moment to millions of homes across the country, allowing viewers to experience the unity and artistry that have made both A Chorus Line and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade cultural treasures. For the dancers, it will be a defining milestone — a chance to join an American tradition that merges art, education, and community in a single breathtaking event.

The collaboration between Broadway veterans and public school students illustrates the inclusivity and reach of musical theatre. By stepping into this shared spotlight, they embody the message that art belongs to everyone, and that the next generation of performers is ready to honor its history while shaping its future.

When the music fades and the final bow concludes, the performance will leave an impression that extends well beyond the parade route. It will stand as a symbol of endurance, excellence, and artistic generosity, reaffirming that Broadway’s spirit continues to thrive through mentorship, opportunity, and shared passion.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Adrienne Haan Returns to New York with Two Dazzling November Performances

The internationally acclaimed chanteuse celebrates the soul of New York and the power of remembrance with two unforgettable concerts this fall.

Adrienne Haan, the celebrated Chanteuse Internationale and Comédienne par Excellence, returns to New York City in November with two extraordinary and distinct performances that highlight the full scope of her artistry. Known for her powerhouse vocals, emotional depth, and magnetic stage presence, Haan continues to prove that her command of cabaret and musical theater transcends genres and languages. Her November engagements—New York, New York at The Triad Theater on November 4 and Tehorah at The Actor’s Temple on November 19—invite audiences to experience the brilliance of one of Europe’s most dynamic international performers.

The first of these events, New York, New York, marks a joyous return to her longtime artistic home, The Triad Theater. It is her personal love letter to the city that shaped her, a witty, moving, and musically rich celebration of the Big Apple’s spirit. Haan will share the stage with Broadway actress and singer Brittany Baratz, whose strong vocal command and charisma make her an ideal partner for this energetic evening. Together, accompanied by music director Richard Danley on piano, they will revisit the city’s most beloved songs—from New York, New York and My Way to Cabaret, On Broadway, and Everything’s Coming Up Roses.

After 28 years in New York, Adrienne Haan brings to this performance the humor, candor, and warmth that define her connection to the city. Her show tells the story of survival and triumph in show business—the struggles, the laughter, and the love affair with the city that never sleeps. Unlike any cliché tribute, New York, New York offers insight into her personal journey through the stages and streets of Manhattan, brought to life through powerful songs and sharp storytelling.

Each performance is expected to be electric, as Haan’s energy and presence fill the room with both intimacy and spectacle. Critics have called her “an entertainer of the highest caliber” and “a sterling example of a one-woman performance,” and it is this combination of precision and exuberance that defines her concerts. The chemistry between Haan and Baratz promises a night of laughter, nostalgia, and musical mastery, wrapped in the unmistakable glow of the city that inspired it.

Two weeks later, Adrienne Haan turns from celebration to remembrance with Tehorah (טהורה), presented at The Actor’s Temple and produced by Carol Ostrow. The concert, whose title means “pure” in Hebrew, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust. Written, directed, and performed by Haan, Tehorah is a deeply moving musical journey told in German, English, Yiddish, and Hebrew. It explores loss, resilience, and hope through music composed by Jewish writers and composers before, during, and after the Second World War.

Originally premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2015 and reprised in 2023 under the patronage of the German and Israeli ambassadors to the United Nations, Tehorah has since been performed around the world. Its powerful message has resonated in venues from the Ravinia Festival in Chicago to the Jewish Culture Days in Berlin and the Holocaust Museum in Cape Town. Haan’s voice, described by critics as both commanding and tender, brings each song to life with profound emotional range.

On stage with her for Tehorah will be pianist Udi Gershuni and violinist Leerone Hakami, both of whom bring exceptional sensitivity to the program. The performance traces a historical and poetic arc—from the cabarets of 1920s Weimar Berlin to the ghettos of Łódź, and finally to the Promised Land, represented through moving Hebrew works of faith and rebirth. The evening is not only a concert but a living testimony to the endurance of art and memory.

For Adrienne Haan, Tehorah stands as both a personal mission and a universal reminder. It reflects her belief in music’s ability to heal and to remind the world of the consequences of forgetting. In her hands, every song becomes a vessel of storytelling, a thread connecting past and present, sorrow and hope.

The contrast between New York, New York and Tehorah demonstrates Haan’s extraordinary versatility. In one performance she embodies the wit and optimism of the Great American Songbook; in the other, she channels the solemn beauty of remembrance and survival. Both showcase her ability to move fluidly between entertainment and enlightenment, celebrating the full human spectrum of joy and reflection.

Critics have long hailed her for this rare balance. The New York Times has praised her as “an entertainer of the highest caliber,” while The Huffington Post calls her performances “powerful and enigmatic.” The New York Concert Review has described Tehorah as “one of the most important soirées in today’s world,” a statement that underscores the relevance of her artistry in an era searching for connection and empathy.

Haan’s performances are more than concerts—they are experiences that bridge art, history, and emotion. Whether she is dazzling audiences with Broadway flair or moving them to tears with songs of remembrance, her command of the stage is absolute. Her ability to blend theatrical storytelling with deep musicianship has earned her recognition as one of the most versatile voices in international cabaret.

In these two upcoming performances, audiences will have the rare opportunity to witness the full breadth of Adrienne Haan’s artistry. New York, New York captures her love affair with the city that defined her creative journey; Tehorah reflects her moral and cultural commitment to remembrance, healing, and peace. Together, they offer a complete portrait of an artist who continues to redefine what it means to perform with heart, intellect, and conviction.

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