2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105362D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 150

Offered March 2, 2026

Commending Sam Pinkleton.

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Patron—Aird

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WHEREAS, Sam Pinkleton, an acclaimed theater director and choreographer and native of Hopewell, received an Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre for Best Direction of a Play at the 78th Tony Awards on June 8, 2025; and

WHEREAS, after attending Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell, Sam Pinkleton enrolled at the Appomattox Regional Governor's School for the Arts and Technology in Petersburg, where he was first exposed to theater production; and

WHEREAS, Sam Pinkleton relocated to New York City to study musical theater and directing at New York University and soon thereafter received his first Broadway credit as the assistant director of the production of “The Lyons” at what was formerly the Cort Theatre; and

WHEREAS, Sam Pinkleton was presented the Tony Award by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League for his accomplishments directing the historical comedy, “Oh, Mary!,” by Cole Escola, a satirical reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln's life as an aspiring cabaret performer; and

WHEREAS, following a tremendously successful off-Broadway run at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York, “Oh, Mary!” first opened on Broadway on July 11, 2024, at the Lyceum Theatre, marking the first time that a play directed by Sam Pinkleton appeared on Broadway; and

WHEREAS, in addition to Best Direction of a Play, Sam Pinkleton's “Oh, Mary!” was nominated for four other Tony Awards, including Best Play; later he was nominated for Best Choreographer in 2017 for his work on “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”; and

WHEREAS, Sam Pinkleton's accomplishments have brought great pride to the Commonwealth, and they will be an inspiration to young actors, playwrights, and directors in the Commonwealth for many years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Sam Pinkleton for receiving the 2025 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Sam Pinkleton as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his achievements and best wishes for his continued success.