Peter’s Legacy

A Generous Gift. An Enduring Legacy.

Peter J. Hengel’s generosity made the National Foundation for Musical Theatre possible. His gift continues to shape our purpose: helping artists develop new musicals and bring their creative possibilities closer to the stage.

The Peter J. Hengel Award for New Musical Theatre bears his name in recognition of that generosity and the opportunities it continues to create.

Generosity That Creates Opportunity

A new musical begins with imagination, but its development requires people, time, and resources. Support can give artists the opportunity to gather, listen, revise, and discover what their work can become.

Through the award, Peter’s gift helps make that creative work possible. A $25,000 investment can help an exceptional musical take an important next step in its journey.

Carrying Peter’s Legacy Forward

We honor Peter by putting his generosity to work. Each award connects the gift that made the Foundation possible with artists creating something new.

As those artists develop their musical, Peter’s legacy becomes part of its story—a lasting contribution to the work, the people who create it, and the audiences it may one day reach.

His generosity continues through our commitment to making musicals happen.