text: Patti LuPone has joined the lineup of performers for Vineyard Theatre's annual gala, this year honoring Tony winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The celebration will be held at the Edison Ballroom February 26.
  LuPone joins the previously announced Sara Bareilles, Chelsea Clinton, Lea DeLaria, Crystal Dickinson, Brandon J. Dirden, Michael R. Jackson, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Tony Kushner, Luke Macfarlane, Deirdre O’Connell, Zachary Quinto, Rolanda Watts, and Rosie’s Theatre Kids. The gala is co-directed by Leigh Silverman and Colin Hanlon, with musical direction by Vadim Feichtner.
  In addition to Ferguson, celebratory toasts will also be given to Rosemarie Bray, Educator at Union Square Academy of Health Sciences; and Christina Poon, General Manager of W Hotel Union Square.
  Ferguson has been involved with Vineyard since 2004, when he appeared in their production of Christopher Shinn's Where Do We Live. Later, Ferguson starred on Broadway in the solo comedy Fully Committed, which made its world premiere at Vineyard in 2016. Ferguson has also developed projects in collaboration with the Off-Broadway theatre, and hosted the company's 2005 gala with Ann Harada.
  "Jesse is an incredible and beloved artist and colleague, who we first had the joy of working with at the Vineyard nearly 20 years ago," Vineyard Artistic Director Sarah Stern said in a previous statement. "His tremendous talent, creativity, and dedication to his craft are matched by his kindness, humor and support for his fellow collaborators. Jesse is an inspiring advocate for our theatre commu,nity and for social justice and LGBTQIA+ rights, and has been a champion for the Vineyard's work and artists over two decades. We are truly excited to honor and celebrate Jesse at our Gala—it's going to be a very fun and special night!"
  The gala will include cocktails, dinner, an auction, and live performance. Proceeds will support Vineyard's 2023-2024 season and its Good Neighbor ticket accessibility program, which provides free and low-cost tickets to New Yorkers. Gala performers will be announced at a later date, and tickets will be available for purchase later this month.