The evening's program, which will include readings from Wasserstein's plays and essays, will be directed by her longtime artistic associate, Michael Barakiva. Other scheduled performers include Caroline Aaron, Amy Aquino, Alma Cuervo, Christine Estabrook, Lizbeth Mackay, and Mimi Lieber.

Previous recipients of the award include Jason Robards, Jr., Edward Albee, Zoe Caldwell, August Wilson, Karl Malden, and Brian Dennehy. Wasserstein will also be honored by the establishment of a named endowment to support the O'Neill Center's open submissions program in perpetuity.

For tickets and information, call 860-443-5378 ext. 217 or email shendrix@theoneill.org.