Tonya Pinkins, Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley. Photo by Jillian Nelson
New York’s theater community turned out in force at Green Room 42 in Times Square for the 2026 TRU Love Benefit, an annual fundraiser hosted by Theater Resources Unlimited. The event, themed Changing Hearts… the Power of Theater, spotlighted some of Broadway’s most respected figures while raising funds to support the next generation of producers.
Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins received the TRU Humanitarian Award, recognized not only for her celebrated stage career but also for her long-standing advocacy for equity and inclusion in the performing arts. Pinkins, whose Broadway credits include Jelly’s Last Jam, Caroline, or Change, and Merrily We Roll Along, was honored with live musical tributes and a dramatic monologue from A Raisin in the Sun. The performances reflected the range of a career that has spanned decades and shaped conversations around representation on stage.
The TRU Spirit of Theater Award went to producing partners Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane. The duo has been behind several major Broadway productions and co-founded BroadwayHD, a streaming service that has expanded access to filmed stage performances worldwide. Musical selections from La Cage aux Folles, The Will Rogers Follies, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder highlighted their production legacy.
Directed by Jonathan S. Cerullo with music direction by Clare Cooper, the afternoon featured established Broadway performers alongside emerging talent. Guest presenters underscored the industry stature of the honorees, while organizers also paid tribute to the late producer Jack W. Batman, a longtime TRU advisory board member.
Beyond the applause, the gala served a clear purpose. Theater Resources Unlimited continues to provide mentorship, training, and professional development programs for producers at all career stages. Proceeds from the event will fund educational initiatives and scholarships aimed at diversifying the pipeline of theatrical leadership.
In a season marked by economic pressure and shifting audience habits, the 2026 TRU Love Benefit delivered a strong message: Broadway’s future depends as much on mentorship and access as it does on marquee names.