Abingdon Company to Name Theater After June Havoc

On Monday, November 3, the Abingdon Theatre Company will honor the veteran actress, director, and playwright June Havoc by renaming its mainstage venue at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex (312 West 36th Street) as the June Havoc Theatre.

Scheduled to participate in the tribute are Lucie Arnaz, Laurence Luckinbill, Alex Witchel, Frank Rich, Charlotte Rae, and Andrea McArdle, as well as some surprise celebrity guests. Conrad Andriani and Mel Marvin will provide musical accompaniment for selections highlighting Havoc’s long career in the theater.

Havoc appeared on Broadway in Forbidden Melody, Pal Joey, Mexican Hayride, Sadie Thompson, The Ryan Girl, Dunnigan’s Daughter, Affairs of State, The Warm Peninsula, and Habeas Corpus. Her film credits include My Sister Eileen and Gentleman’s Agreement. In addition, she has authored two books about her life, Early Havoc (which was the basis for her 1963 play Marathon ’33) and More Havoc. Her early life in vaudeville with her sister Rose Louise Hovick (later known as Gypsy Rose Lee) and her mother, as told in Lee’s memoirs, served as the basis for the musical Gypsy.

The November 3 event will begin with a champagne reception at 6:30pm, followed by a gala tribute in the theater at 7pm and dinner after that. Tickets range from $250 to $1,000; for information, phone Matthew Small at 212-868-2055.