The New York Classical Theatre Board of Directors
cordially invites you to the
6:30pm Cocktails | 7:30pm Dinner
The Manhattan Penthouse
80 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
with live performances and Royal Tributes
Peter Marks
Former Chief Theatre Critic of The Washington Post (2002–2023)
and
Susan & Ethan Falkove
Philanthropists & Steadfast NY Classical Supporters
A Celebration to Support
Free Theatre for All!
Join us on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the stunning Manhattan Penthouse for New York Classical Theatre’s annual Gala—an unforgettable evening inspired by the grandeur and intrigue of ancient Rome.
While the world around us feels increasingly uncertain, one thing remains clear: access to art and culture should not be a luxury. At a time when one in four New Yorkers is struggling to afford basic necessities, New York Classical Theatre offers something increasingly rare: the chance to experience world-class theatre—for free, in the heart of the city.
Now in our 27th season, NY Classical has presented over 930 performances to more than 335,000 New Yorkers in parks and public spaces across the city. Our productions invite audiences of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy, power, and beauty of live performance—no tickets, no barriers, just great theatre under the open sky.
Since 2000, we’ve striven to master the art of outdoor performance in New York City—creating unforgettable moments where families picnic under the stars, students see Shakespeare come alive for the first time, and neighbors come together to celebrate what makes this city extraordinary: great art, shared freely.
Proceeds from Gala 2026 will support this summer’s production (set in Rome) and ensure that Free Theatre for All continues to thrive in the year ahead.
Dress: Formal & Fabulous
Stay tuned—our 2026 show will be announced in early February!
Join Our Host Committee!
Support the gala at one of these exclusive levels:
Noble Supporter: Purchase 2 premium gala tickets.
Royal Patron: Purchase 4 premium gala tickets or a half-table for your group.
Crown Champion: Purchase 8 premium gala tickets or a full table for your group.
For questions or to make a pledge, contact Colin Knapp, Director of Development and Communications, at colin@nyclassical.org or (212) 662-0760.
Our Honorees
Peter Marks was the Washington Post's chief theater critic from 2002 to 2023. Prior to that he spent nine years at The New York Times, where he was a theater critic and reporter, and also spent a year as a political correspondent during the 2000 presidential election. He served five times on the jury for the Pulitzer Prize for drama, including three as its chair. A recipient of the Helen Hayes Tribute Award, recognizing contributions to theater in the nation's capital, he is currently co-host of a theater podcast, Marks & Vincentelli, and, having spent the summer in the Shakespeare Summer School at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, is working on a book about his own journey, from theater critic to actor. A graduate of Yale and currently a member of the Tony Nominating Committee, he lives in Manhattan with his wife, Valerie.
Susan and Ethan Falkove are longtime Long Island residents whose professional and civic lives reflect a deep commitment to leadership, education, and public service. They live in Muttontown with their four children: Max, Mollie, Benji, and Ellie.
Ethan Falkove is a Managing Director at Neuberger Berman, where he serves on the Secondary, Strategic Capital, and Real Estate Secondary Investment Committees. He has been actively involved in a range of philanthropic and civic initiatives, particularly those supporting families, education, and community engagement across Long Island.
Ethan earned his Bachelor of Science from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and his MBA from Columbia Business School. He grew up in Oyster Bay.
Susan Falkove has devoted much of her career to education and advocacy. She is entering her sixth year as a trustee on the Syosset School Board and previously served as a PTA president within the district. A graduate of Penn State and Fordham Law School, Susan is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Adelphi University. Her community leadership has included service on regional initiatives addressing antisemitism in K–12 education and hands-on volunteer work supporting vulnerable populations, including Holocaust survivors.
Together, Susan and Ethan emphasize the importance of civic responsibility and service within their family, encouraging their children to engage meaningfully with the communities around them.