New York City Center President & CEO Arlene Shuler has announced that Jack Viertel will step down as Artistic Director of Encores! at the end of the 2020 series—after twenty seasons as the renowned leader of the Tony-honored musical theater series. Viertel began his relationship with the venerable series as a member of the founding Advisory Committee. He was appointed Artistic Director of Encores! in 2000 and along with music directors Rob Fisher, Paul Gemignani, and for the last 12 seasons, Rob Berman, Viertel has overseen more than 60 productions (including gala presentations and Encores! Summer Stars). He will continue to play an active role at City Center in the new position of Consulting Producer for Musical Theater. In recognition of Viertel’s service to New York City Center and the art form, City Center Board Co-Chair Stacey Mindich will establish the Jack Viertel Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement to be awarded annually to an artist or creative team member who has contributed to a musical theater production at City Center during the past year and who exemplifies excellence in their craft. The recipient will be recognized with an award of $10,000. City Center plans to announce a successor before the end of 2019 so that they might work alongside the Encores! team throughout the 2020 season. Press contact: Joe Guttridge (212/763-1279)...