De Shields Honored at 5/7 Classical Theatre of Harlem Gala

The 3rd Annual Classical Theatre Of Harlem Gala by Moët Hennessy The Classical Theatre of Harlem, a not-for-profit theatre dedicated to producing theatre that truly reflects the diversity of ideas and racial tapestry that is New York City, will hold their 3rd annual benefit on Monday, May 7th at the Low Memorial Library at Columbia University (116th Street & Broadway). 

Sponsored by Moët Hennessy, the benefit will honor New York State Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson, two-time Tony nominee André De Shields (The Full Monty, Play On, Ain't Misbehavin,' The Wiz), and star of HBO's hit drama, "The Wire," Wendell Pierce.  Acclaimed actor and director Mario Van Peebles will serve as master of ceremonies.  Lieutenant Governor Paterson will receive The CTH Community Citizenship Award, De Shields will receive the Award for Sustained Excellence in the Theatre, and Pierce will receive the Award for Distinguished Performance in the Theatre. The event will feature a cocktail party, entertainment, dinner, and an auction.

"Since its founding in 1999, the Classical Theatre of Harlem has presented twenty-nine productions that among others have included numerous works by Shakespeare, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Euripidies' Trojan Women, Derek Walcott's Dream on Monkey Mountain, Melvin Van Peebles' Ain't Supposed To Die A Natural Death, Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard and the company's most striking success, Jean Genet's seminal political drama, The Blacks: A Clown Show, which received four 2003 OBIE Awards. It is the vision of the Classical Theatre of Harlem to create the next great American theatre company whose value to its community is inherent and essential, a company that is engaged in producing theatre that has the capacity to change lives and truly reflects the diversity of ideas and racial tapestry that is New York City," state press notes.

Cocktails at 6:00pm, dinner at 7:00pm, entertainment and awards ceremony at 8:00pm.  $250 per person to raise money for the Classical Theatre of Harlem, includes cocktails, dinner and entertainment.  To order, call (212) 868-4444.  Visit www.classicaltheatreofharlem.org for more information.

Photo - Andre De Shields

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