Campbell, D'Abruzzo and Urie Set for Column Theatre Awards

The Board of Directors and the Executive Director/ Producer of The Column Theatre Awards have announced that film and stage star Christian Campbell (Reefer Madness, Great Expectations, the film Trick), Tony Award-nominee Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Avenue Q, I Love You Because) and theatre veteran and "Ugly Betty" star Michael Urie will appear at the 2007 Column Awards Gala on Monday February 26th, 2007.

The Column Theatre Awards, now in its 8th year, honors excellence in theater within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. This year over a 100 theatre companies are deemed eligible, while over 300 productions are in consideration for this year's honors.

The Column Awards organization honors excellence in theater within  the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The Gala also serves as a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids (BCEFA). The big night will be held at the Courtyard Theatre in Plano, with a cocktail reception at 6:00 pm, and the awards ceremony at 7:00 pm.
Executive Director/Producer John Garcia stated, "I interviewed Christian when he was headlining the national tour of tick, tick...BOOM that came through Dallas in 2003. Since then he and I have stayed in contact and become good friends. When we presented him our offer to be one of our guest stars, I was filled with great excitement and joy that he accepted. Christian's talent is both blinding and intense. He is able  to flow easily through all genres of entertainment: film, TV, stage- giving each role depth, purpose, and truth. It is very rare in the art of acting to see actors who can easily segue through the various categories of entertainment, but Xian does. He's just a phenomenal  actor."

He also said of D'Abruzzo's upcoming appearance at the gala, "I can't tell you how excited we all  are of having Stephanie be one of our major guest stars. I saw her hysterical, rip-roaring performance in Avenue Q on Broadway that earned her a well deserved Tony nomination. She has a gorgeous set of vocal pipes and impeccable talent."

Of Urie, Garcia commented: "Talk about wishing so far out of the box! I really didn't think Michael would have the time  to come to 'The Column' Awards, let alone co-host the event. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that one of the stars from one of the biggest hits on TV this season could fit into a tight shooting schedule an Awards Gala. When he wonderfully accepted, I think I screamed so loud that I'm sure my neighbors thought I had put a cat in the microwave."

Garcia added, "This will be such an exciting night to remember! We have three amazing, dazzling, and talented stars coming to Dallas to attend our Gala."

Campbell will be performing a number from tick, tick...BOOM along with two of Dallas's best thespians. Joining him in the number will be well  known cabaret performer/actor Gary Floyd and critically acclaimed actress/singer Patty Breckenridge. The number will be musically directed by another major, highly respected talent, Lee Harris. Mr. Harris will also serve as the Resident Musical Director for the Gala.

The Column Theatre Awards also serve as a major fundraiser for the national charity, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. The Column Awards organization has now raised over $8,000.00 for BCEFA and is now part of their Angel Campaign.

There will be a cocktail reception at 6:00 pm, with the awards ceremony beginning at 7:00pm.

For ticket prices and all other info, please go to their official  website at: www.thecolumnonline.com.

Photo - Christian Campbell, courtesy of www.christiancampbell.org