Urban Stages Annual Benefit to Honor Lionel Larner

Urban Stages will celebrate its 30th anniversary with its annual benefit at the Boathouse in Central Park on May 20. The event will honor the talent agent Lionel Larner for his contributions to the theater community as well as to the many artists who have made Urban Stages a theatrical staple in New York City. Tony Award winner Dame Diana Rigg will present the Theatre Luminary Award to Larner.

"Over the past 30 years Urban Stages has worked very hard to foster a creative community of talented artists, on stage and off," said the founding artistic director of Urban Stages, Frances Hill, in a statement. "For this landmark celebration, we are very proud to honor the legendary Lionel Larner, who has been a great supporter of Urban Stages over the years."

The actors who will be honored include Bill Bowers, Jim Brochu, Tina Chen, Brigitte Viellieu-Davis, Susan Louise O'Connor, Tonya Pinkins, Paul Sparks, Danielle Thompson, Josh Tower, and Kenita Miller.

The playwrights and directors who will be honored include Chungmi Kim (playwright), John Picardi (playwright), Joe Iconis (playwright, composer, and lyrist), Greg Kalleres (playwright), Guillermo Reyes (playwright), Trazana Beverley (director, actor, and playwright), Susan Fenichell (director), Lou Jacobs (director), T.L. Reilly (director), and Maggie Cahill (director/arranger). Roman Tatarowicz will be honored for set and lighting design.

In addition to cocktails and music, the Urban Stages gala event will feature Stanley Zareff taking the stage to auction off vacations, tickets, and more.