Bob Balaban & The Flying Karamazov BrothersGuild Hall of East Hampton held their 25th anniversary Lifetime Achievements Awards Dinner at Cipriani on 42nd Street in New York. The annual event, a highlight of Guild Hall’s social season, honored film director Bob Balaban, playwright Marsha Norman and visual artist Richard Prince. Also recognized at the celebratory evening hosted by comedian Angela LaGreca were Susan and Alan Patricof for their leadership and philanthropic endeavors.
Photography: Barry Gordin

Jack Lenor Larsen, Edward AlbeeEdward Albee, a two time t, hosted an intimate private/cocktail party in his enormous art-filled loft dominated by 90-100 pieces of African art. They are displayed in dynamic juxtaposition with adventurous contemporary art that he has been accumulating for around five decades. Most of the pieces were not high priced when he acquired them and many were gifts from the artists themselves, but today several of the artists, like Chagall and Milton Avery are renowned.  Early on the 80 year old playwight, who has won two Tonys and two  Drama Desk Awards, developed an enthusiasm for African masks and sculpture in general, which began his journey.

                 By Patrick Christiano
The York Theater Company’s new musical, YANK! set during World War II weaves a compelling romantic tale about two gay servicemen long before the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy.  Openly gay brothers, Joseph Zellnik (music) and David Zellnik (book & lyrics), have created a musical in the old fashioned style of the period, which echoes shades of pop music from the era, while crafting a timely tale that delves into questions of prejudice, courage and survival.

Review By Jason Clark ***Stephen Dillane is a thin, wiry Brit who-if you passed him on the street-might seem vaguely familiar to you but you would never feel inherently threatened by. Somehow, though, he is also one of those actors (like Ian McKellen) who always seem to loom large once you put them on a stage. Playing one of the grandest of Shakespeare's main men, Dillane goes a different route than most who take on this titan. Instead of bellowing to the hills, he draws you in every so slightly but never sacrifices the power of the role.

Review By Jason Clark *1/2Douglas Carter Beane, of late, seems to be literally writing off the top of his head, not attuned to his characters. In his tedious new comedy Mr. & Mrs Fitch, two married gossip columnists, constantly spew floral witticisms thought up by the clever playwright, which are usually pretty funny, but the barrage of sharp banter feels throw in leaving the audience confused. The effect is like being held prisoner by a relentless stand-up comic in an ascot. Early on in Beane's self-immolating Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, Mrs. Fitch (Jennifer Ehle) herself recalls asking Anna Deavere Smith and Moises Kaufman how they come up with ideas for their shows.

        Over 40 Years Later, Mart Crowley Revisits
                        The Boys in the Band

                            By Ellis Nassour
In 1967, when "starving" writer Mart Crowley "on the brink of destitution" but sitting in the lap of luxury finished his play The Boys in the Band, he says he intended it to be controversial. But, having distanced himself from gay politics, he didn't set out to be an rights activist. "I probably didn't even know what that meant," he laughs.

Terri White, Jamie deRoy, Larry GatlinJamie deRoy & friends performed The OSCAR SHOW !!! at  Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, on Sunday February 28 at 6pm. Jamie's standout revue of Academy Award winning songs and movies has become a popular annual happening starring John McDaniel, Peter Sachon,Terri White, Gregg Edelmanm Christina Bianco, Bonnie Langford, Larry Gatlin and the incmparable Jame deRoy. The show was Directed by Barry Kleinbort and Musical Direction by Lanny Meyers.
Photography: Barry Gordin

Randie Levine-Miller, Len CariouRandie Levine-Miller presented DIVO NIGHT, a splendid musical evening of only male vocalists, at The Friars Club.  Some of the finest Broadway and Cabaret performers in the business including Frank Basile, Tom D'Angelo, Zero Mostel  (aka Jim Brochu!), Martin Vidnovic, Len Cariou, John De Marco, Myles Savage, Sal Viviano and Paul Chamlin performed to an appreciative packed house.  Randie not only hosted this terrific show, but added a little spice by singing as well. Look for more of these wonderful evenings, which Randie produces at The Friars Club.

Dustin Lance Black, Leo Preziosi, Jr.
Live Out Loud held a festive benefit @ Clodagh for The Homecoming Project, a program that brings lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) leaders back to their high schools to share their personal stories and life lessons with today's students. Oscar winner Lance Black ("Milk") was on hand and answered questions about the documentary film  about his experiences returning to his high school, which made a lasting impression on thousands of students which is inspiring other schools.
Photography: Barry Gordin

    Angela Lansbury, Stewart Lane, Bonnie Comley, Jano Herbsch           By: Ellis Nassour
A galaxy of stars honored theater legend and five-time Tony winner Angela Lansbury at the Drama League benefit gala, A Musical Celebration of Broadway, Monday, February 8, at the Pierre Hotel.

Performing and paying tribute were James Barbour, Charles Busch, Ann Hampton Callaway, Len Cariou, Will Chase, Edie Falco, Beth Fowler, Victor Garber, Alexander Gemignani, Malcolm Gets, Dee Hoty, Cheyenne Jackson, Chad Kimball, Donna Murphy, Bernadette Peters, Christopher Sieber, Will Swenson, and, among others, Catherine Zeta-Jones.