Monday, April 16, 2012

O'Neill Theater Center Honors Michael Douglas Tonight

The White House at the O'Neill in Waterford.
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center will honor long-time Trustee Michael Douglas' contributions to the American Theater at a star-studded event tonight in New York City.

The 12th Annual Monte Cristo Award will be presented to Douglas by his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. Red carpet begins at 6:30pm at the Edison Ballroom on West  47th Street, followed by a cocktail reception, dinner, and program.

Directed by Marc Bruni, the program will feature stage acts, videotributes, musical adaptations, and remarks by close friends and colleagues,paying homage to one of America’s most iconic film stars.   Program guests include Joel Schumacher,Lorne Michaels, performances by Colin Donnell, Laura Osnes, John Tartaglia andColman Domingo, and messages from Barbara Walters and Brian Williams.  O’Neill Executive Director Preston Whitewayand Chairman Tom Viertel will also take part in the evening.
Douglas, who credits the O’Neill with his acting start as a teenager inthe 1960s, has been a Trustee since 1980.

 “My time at the O’Neill is one ofthe greatest influences on my life and career”, says the film star. “Foran artist, it is a place unique in the world.”
The Monte Cristo Award is given to a prominent theater artist inrecognition of a  distinguished careerexemplifying Eugene O’Neill’s “pioneering spirit, unceasing artisticcommitment, and excellence.”  Pastrecipients of the Award include James Earl Jones, Harold Prince, Kevin Spacey,Wendy Wasserstein, and Douglas mentor, Karl Malden.
“It is a rare moment when theO’Neill can honor an individual with such far reaching impact on ourinstitution”, remarks Executive Director Preston Whiteway. “Michael Douglas defines the ethos of the Monte Cristo Award – pioneering, artisticexcellence, and a commitment to theater. His connection to the O’Neill and to founder George White is profound,and helped to make the O’Neill what it is today.  I look forward to a fabulous evening.”

For more information about the 12th Annual Monte CristoAward or the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, visit www.theoneill.org.

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