New York Times Auction Offers Bway Treasures Through Jan. 4

To launch its New York Times' 5th Anniversary "Arts and Leisure Weekend," running from January 5th through 9th, 2006, the newspaper will present the first-ever New York Times Auction for The Arts, hosted by Christie's on January 5 and with net proceeds benefiting The Actors' Fund of America. Online prebids start now and end on Wednesday, January 4, 2006, at 12 noon E.S.T.  

Among the Broadway-related events and items up for auction are tickets to see The Odd Couple as the V.I.P. guest of Matthew Broderick, a Broadway debut in Rent (and singing during "Life Support" and "No Day but Today"), voice lessons with Broadway legend Barbara Cook, a Broadway show and tea with playwright Tina Howe (Coastal Disturbances), a Great Performances 30th Anniversary lithograph by Al Hirschfeld and VIP tickets to Nilo Cruz' Beauty of the Father, where the recipient will also meet the playwright. Also up for auction are a lithograph by Christo, a chance to wear Lou Reed's autographed leather jacket, golf and lunch with Bill Murray, and singing for Renée Fleming at a private voice lesson.

The "Arts and Leisure Weekend" will also feature special admissions and offers for theater, music, film, museums, dance and more, and New York Times journalists in conversation with today's top talents and thinkers.

Actors' Fund of America, a nonprofit organization founded in 1882, provides for the social welfare of all entertainment professionals--designers, writers, sound technicians, musicians, dancers, administrators, directors, film editors, stagehands--as well as actors. Professionals in film, television, radio, theatre, dance and music all turn to The Actors' Fund in times of need. Headquarters and The Aurora Residence are located in New York City, with regional offices in Los Angeles and Chicago. The Lillian Booth Actors' Home of the Actors' Fund of America in Englewood, New Jersey. The Actors' Work Program has offices in New York and Los Angeles.

The complete list of auction items appears at this link. To prebid, click on "Auction for The Arts Absentee Bid Form." Fill out the requested information and fax to The Actors' Fund as directed.

For more information on the New York Times' "Five Day Weekend," visit this link.