What’s in Name: Ludwig Lends A Name To Support The Shakespeare Theatre

On Saturday, March 10, the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. held its annual gala. One of the most sought after auction items of the night was a name in Ken Ludwig’s next play. Patrons of the theatre bid on a number of big-ticket items; and one of the biggest of the night proved to be the right to choose the name of a character in Ludwig’s next play. It sold for $2,750, and all of the proceeds benefit the theatre’s education program. Last year, Ludwig created a similar offer which was auctioned at a benefit to support the Helen Hayes Awards. The winner used her own name: “Rebecca Klem” is now the title character in Ludwig’s new musical An American In Paris.