Oskar Eustis to Receive A.R.T.’s 2011 Robert Brustein Award; Gavin Creel Among Performers at Annual Benefit

Oskar Eustis, artistic director of New York City’s Public Theater, will be the recipient of the 2011 Robert Brustein Award, which will be presented to him at American Repertory Theatre’s annual benefit party, to be held on Monday, February 14.

The award is named to honor the A.R.T.’s Founding Artistic Director Robert Brustein. Each year, Brustein presents the award to a theater artist whose work has influenced and contributed to the art and craft of live theater.

This year’s benefit party — entitled “Love Letters to the A.R.T.” — will feature a Valentine inspired environment set in the art-deco styled Dorothy Quincy Suite at the Back Bay Center in Boston. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, and performances by local luminaries and special guests including Tony Award-nominated actor Gavin Creel, singer/songwriter Sally Taylor, writer Joan Parker, best-selling author Ben Mezrich, television personality Tonya Chen Mezrich. In the spirit of the night’s theme, each performer will choose a personal love poem, a song, or a romantic scene to perform.

Eustis has a lengthy career working as a director, dramaturg, and artistic director for theaters around the country. Among his credits are stints as Associate Artistic Director of L.A.’s Mark Taper Forum and artistic director at Trinity Repertory Company. Among his directing credits are the world premiere productions of Paula Vogel’s The Long Christmas Ride Home and Rinne Groff’s The Ruby Sunrise, as well as award-winning stagings of Tony Kushner’s Homebody/Kabul and Angels in America. He was the lead producer on the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair and the acclaimed rock musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson on Broadway as well as the current acclaimed production of The Merchant of Venice.

For tickets or more information on the benefit party, call 617-496-2000×8832 or click here.