Edwin Forrest Award

The Edwin Forrest Award was established in 1990 to recognize the long-term, significant contribution to American theatre by an individual or organization. It was named in honor of actor Edwin Forrest (1802-1872), a native Philadelphian often described as America's first great tragedian. Forrest made his stage debut in 1820 in the Walnut Street Theatre production of John Hume's tragedy, Douglas.

Forrest encouraged the development of a truly American theatre that would reflect the tenets of the new republic. He commissioned playwrights to create new works in which he and other American actors could perform. As a final testament to his commitment to the theatre, he endowed his home to be used by indigent actors.

2026 Recipients: Francis J. and Marianna Mirabello

Francis “Frank” and Marianna Mirabello met while going to school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Marianna received a degree in Special Education from Lesley University and Frank a law degree from Harvard Law School. After graduation and marriage, they moved to Los Angeles, California, where Marianna taught in the LA School System and pursued her masters degree. Frank joined an LA law firm specializing in estate and personal tax planning.

In 1981 they moved to Haverford, near where Marianna grew up, and still reside in the house they bought 45 years ago. Marianna taught at private schools on the Main Line until she retired to raise their family; their daughter, Diana, who lives in Stoneham Massachustts with her husband, David, and 9 year old son, and their son, Paul, whose family of wife, Sarah, and 3 children (and one on the way) live in Media. Frank joined the Private Client Group of Morgan Lewis and Bockius in Philadelphia, ultimately becoming the managing partner of the practice group, a position he held for over 25 years.

Marianna and Frank have always been involved in giving back to the communities in which they raised their family. With Marianna’s support holding down the home front, Frank has served on many Boards in the region, including The Philadelphia Foundation, Episcopal Academy, Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, Xaverian High School, The LaNapoule Art Foundation where Marianna also serves on the international advisory board, the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, a Co-Trustee with Marianna of The Hawkins Charitable Foundation, and the Walnut Street Theatre where he is currently Chair of the Board.

Marianna and Frank have been ardent supporters of the Walnut for nearly 25 years. They have been major contributors to the Theatre’s education program and to the renovation of the historic building and very generous of their time and energy in support of its programs. Marianna’s parties hosting the Board, staff and artists are legendary and a much anticipated holiday treat for all.

Past Award Recipients