All the World's a Stage

Written by Tamara Buchwald

Photos by Tony Powell

“And All the Men and Women Merely Players”

Beneath a canopy of soft crimson light, the Mellon Auditorium was transformed into something distinctly theatrical—an apt setting for the annual Shakespeare Gala. Its grand neoclassical columns glowed as though brushed with candlelight, their pale stone warmed to rosy hues that deepened the shadows and heightened the sense of drama.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company marked its 40th anniversary with the fitting theme, “All the World’s a Stage.” The evening began with cocktails and canapés in the auditorium’s elegant lobby and balcony, setting a refined and anticipatory tone. As the clock struck seven, guests were gently ushered into the formal dinner by the sound of chimes, a nod to Shakespearean times, when bells served not merely as music but as a public language marking the rhythm of daily life. As guests made their way to their tables, they were led by the spirited sounds of the Morgan State University Univest Second Line Band, whose boisterous energy provided a jubilant prelude to the evening’s festivities. Once seated, the incomparable Simon Godwin, serving as master of ceremonies, welcomed attendees and reflected on the significance of the night—the most important of the year for the company. In his remarks, he noted that the theatre has served more than 4.7 million patrons over its four decades.

Simon Godwin, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theater Company

To honor the milestone, Godwin introduced a lively tribute: performances of 40 of Shakespeare’s greatest lines, delivered by members of Washington’s own community—actors, journalists, lawyers, lobbyists, and public figures. Each participant rose to the occasion with theatrical flair. Abbe Lowell drew laughter with “Let’s kill all the lawyers” from Henry VI, while Jane Harman delivered the beloved line, “Though she be but little, she is fierce,” from A Mid Summer Night’s Dream.

Simon Godwin, Abbe Lowell,The Honorable Jane Harman,The HonorableJamesMoran, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Eugene Daniels, Shannon Davis, Maureen Dowd, Councilmember Brooke Pinto, Ed Gero and Dana Bash.

A major highlight of the evening—alongside the presentation of prestigious honors to Christine Baranski and Wendell Pierce—was the presence of Michael Kahn. Kahn served as the company’s artistic director from 1986 until his retirement in 2019, shaping it into one of the nation’s leading Shakespeare and classical theatre institutions. Prior to his tenure, he led the drama division at Juilliard School, where he mentored generations of remarkable actors including Baranski and Pierce—bringing the evening full circle.

Michael Kahn

Kahn presented the inaugural Michael Kahn Award for Distinguished Achievement in Theatre to Baranski. Though she was unable to attend due to filming commitments for The Gilded Age, she offered a gracious video message. Her longtime friend, Maureen Dowd, accepted the award on her behalf, sharing reflections on Baranski’s early inspirations—among them, Laurence Olivier’s Othello and Maggie Smith’s Desdemona. Smith, whom Baranski described as a “consummate technician,” became an enduring idol. In a moment of poetic symmetry, Baranski would later be nominated for an award alongside Smith, losing, but regarding that loss as one of her proudest achievements. Baranski’s years at Juilliard, under Kahn’s guidance, were formative. She was part of a golden era that produced talents such as Robin Williams, Patti LuPone, Kevin Kline, and Mandy Patinkin. The lifetime achievement honor carried particular poignancy, as it bore the name of the mentor who shaped her artistry over four years and remained a guiding presence for more than five decades.

Simon Godwin, Maureen Dowd and Michael Kahn

Later in the evening, Wynton Marsalis, artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, took the stage to introduce his lifelong friend, Wendell Pierce. Both hailing from New Orleans, their bond spans nearly half a century. Marsalis’s introduction underscored not only Pierce’s extraordinary career but also the depth of their shared history. In his remarks, Pierce spoke with heartfelt gratitude, framing his career as inseparable from the influence of Kahn. He credited his mentor with not only honing his craft, but also shaping his vision as an artist. With visible emotion, he expressed deep appreciation, calling Kahn a teacher, guide, and enduring source of inspiration.

Wynton Marsalis and Wendell Pierce

The evening was more than a gala—it was a gathering of kindred spirits united by a reverence for storytelling and the human experience. It offered a rare opportunity to witness humility, generosity, and gratitude from two of the most accomplished actors of our time. Above all, it was a testament to the enduring power of mentorship and the arts. It was, in every sense, a perfect evening—perhaps best captured by the Bard himself in The Merchant of Venice:

“How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!
Here will we sit and let the sounds of music
Creep in our ears; soft stillness and the night
Become the touches of sweet harmony.”