Celebrating Tom Kirdahy at the New York Public Library

On September 19, the New York Public Library hosted a special panel honoring Tony and Olivier Award-winning producer Tom Kirdahy, celebrating both his groundbreaking career and his commitment to uplifting the next generation of storytellers.

The event, titled Tom Kirdahy: Upholding Legacy and Championing New Storytellers, brought together an extraordinary lineup of panelists who have collaborated with and been inspired by Kirdahy. The discussion featured Jonathan Groff, fresh off his Tony win for Merrily We Roll Along and Broadway run in Just in Time, director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), Academy Award-winning filmmaker Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Chicago, Beauty and the Beast), and Tony-winning producer and actor Lamar Richardson (Gypsy).

Together, the panel reflected on Kirdahy’s expansive body of work, which includes recent productions such as Just in Time, Gypsy, and the upcoming film adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman. They also highlighted his dedication to championing new voices and innovative theater.

For decades, Kirdahy has shaped the Broadway and international theater landscape with productions like Hadestown, The Inheritance, Ragtime, and Little Shop of Horrors. Beyond the stage, his early work as an attorney for people living with HIV/AIDS underscores his lifelong commitment to justice and community advocacy.

This conversation at the Library served not only as a tribute to Kirdahy’s remarkable career but also as a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and mentorship in shaping the future of the arts.