The Beverly Hilton transformed into New York City’s Broadway institution Sardi’s for the 22nd Annual “A Night at Sardi’s” in support of the Alzheimer’s Association on Wednesday.
Country Hall of Famer Glen Campbell was honored with the first Glen Campbell Courage Award. His wife, Kim, accepted the award on his behalf.
The country legend came forward in 2011 and announced to the public he had been diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s disease and went on his final “Goodbye Tour.”
Kim Campbell said that even while in respite care Campbell performs for all of the other patients and at he end, he says, “Thank you for coming.”
Bob Newhart presented the cast of CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” with the Abe Burrows Entertainment Award for their consistent support.
For the past six years, the cast — Mayim Bialik, Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Melissa Rauch and Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting — have performed hits from “The Rocky Horry Picture Show” and “Hair.” Parsons has dressed in drag and Helberg has worn a nude suit with a slinky hanging in a questionable location all to support this disease.
This year it was Steven Weber’s turn to dress as a woman as he took on “The Smell of Rebellion” from the musical “Matilda.” Weber performed as Miss Trunchbull complete with hair bun, thick knee socks, and enormous warts on his face.
New Kids On the Block singer Joey McIntyre said this event is “bittersweet” since his mother suffers from Alzheimer’s. He gave his best Elvis Presley in a “Jailhouse Rock” mash up. Other performers included Beth Behrs, Jonathan Kite, John Stamos and Robert Morse.
The night switched from Broadway’s best to country grassroots with a tribute to Campbell featuring Jimmy Webb, Keith Carradine, Grace Potter, and Campbell’s children, Ashley and Shannon Campbell.
The Campbell singing duo, Victoria Ghost, received a standing ovation after playing “Remembering” a moving song about Ashley Campbell’s relationship with her father.
“We can talk until you can’t even remember my name. Daddy, don’t you worry I’ll do the remembering,” sang Campbell’s children.
“Tip your hats to Glen,” said Laurie Burrows Grad, who began “A Night at Sardi’s” in honor of her father, the late playwright/director Abe Burrows. She wore a cowboy hat in his honor.
The night came to a close with the entire cast singing “Rhinestone Cowboy,” all sporting cowboy hats to to honor Campbell.
“Mad Men’s” Ben Feldman and “Suits” actress Sarah Rafferty hosted the evening with appearances by Lizzy Caplan, Teddy Sears and James Burrows.
