Sofitel New York showcases iconic art of Broadway in Fraver Art Gallery

In celebration of the Tony Awards, Sofitel New York today unveiled a transformation of its lobby into the Fraver Art Gallery. Through June 30, theatergoers and art lovers alike can view works by theater poster legend Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: General view of Broadway Posters as part of the Farver Exhibit in the lobby at the SOFITEL New York Hotel on May 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

As the Official Hotel Partner for the 2018 Tony Awards, Sofitel New York curated 36 of Fraver’s most iconic posters to display in the gallery – all of which were designed for Tony Award-winning and/or -nominated productions on Broadway. Selecting the works was no small feat as Fraver has created over 300 pieces for Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional and international productions throughout his career.

“Through the Fraver Art Gallery we have a unique opportunity to honor one of the industry’s greatest talents,” said Marie-Paule Nowlis, hotel manager of Sofitel New York. “We encourage guests, local residents and visitors to New York City to come and see these iconic works by a man who has undeniably helped shape the face of theater.”

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: General view of Broadway Posters as part of the Farver Exhibit in the lobby at the SOFITEL New York Hotel on May 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Displayed works are accompanied by anecdotes from Fraver, allowing guests to connect with the artist on a more personal level. These include Sunday in the Park with George, which was recognized for Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting in 1984, in addition to being nominated in nine other categories that year; Sweeney Todd, winner in eight categories at the 33^rd Annual Tony Awards in 1979, including Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical; and The Lion King, 1998’s Best Musical, which also took home wins for Best Costume Design, Best Choreography and Best Lighting Design, as well as nominations in five other categories.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: General view of Broadway Posters as part of the Farver Exhibit in the lobby at the SOFITEL New York Hotel on May 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

“What better way to celebrate the 72^nd Annual Tony Awards, then with such an inspirational exhibition of Fraver’s most inspired work,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theater Wing. “We are thankful to Sofitel New York for giving theater fans the opportunity to enjoy our Tony history!”

The Fraver Art Gallery opens just weeks before the launch of Fraver’s book, Fraver by Design – a celebration of Fraver’s award-winning artwork spanning five decades in the industry. Among 250 of his theater poster designs, the monograph collection will feature an additional 40 unpublished, never-before-seen poster sketches for some of Broadway’s favorite shows. Anecdotes from Fraver’s career will also be found in the book, along with commentary from 22 theater glitterati, including Bernadette Peters, Dean Pitchford, Ted Chapin, Judy Kaye, Liz Callaway and Jack Viertel.

The Tony Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theater Wing, will air live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS on Sunday, June 10. 

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: General view of Broadway Posters as part of the Farver Exhibit in the lobby at the SOFITEL New York Hotel on May 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

About Sofitel New York

Sofitel New York, part of AccorHotels group, is a stylish Midtown hotel with a decidedly French accent in its contemporary décor, sophisticated artwork, brasserie cuisine and cosmopolitan service. It features 398 guest rooms, including 52 suites; function space that serves small-to-mid-sized events; and an outstanding restaurant, Gaby Brasserie Française. Sofitel New York is ideally located at 45 West 44^th Street, affording easy access to Fifth Avenue and the Times Square Theater District. For reservations, call 212-354-8844 or visit www.sofitel-new-york.com/.

Sofitel New York is the Official Hotel Partner of the 2018 Tony Awards. 

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: General view of Broadway Posters as part of the Farver Exhibit in the lobby at the SOFITEL New York Hotel on May 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

About Sofitel

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts is an ambassador of modern French style, culture and art-de-vivre around the world. Established in 1964, Sofitel is the first international luxury hotel brand to originate from France with over 120 chic and remarkable hotels in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Sofitel exudes a refined and understated sense of modern luxury, always blending a touch of French decadence with the very best of the locale. The Sofitel collection includes such notable hotels as Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. Sofitel is part of AccorHotels, a world-leading travel and lifestyle group which invites travelers to feel welcome at more than 4,300 hotels, resorts and residences, along with some 10,000 of the finest private homes around the globe. 

sofitel.com | accorhotels.com 

About the Tony Awards

The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. At The Broadway League, Thomas Schumacher is Chairman and Charlotte St. Martin is President. At the American Theatre Wing, David Henry Hwang is Chair and Heather A. Hitchens is President & CEO. Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment are the Executive Producers of the 2018 Tony Awards. Mr. Weiss will also serve as Director of the 2018 Tony Awards.