Welcome to the Neighborhood

Zoe Caldwell, Julie Chen, Ted Danson, Tammy Grimes, Anne Jackson, Diane Keaton, Christopher Meloni, Les Moonves, Mary Steenburgen, Eli Wallach, and Kate Winslet help the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre celebrate its 80th anniversary.

By Joseph Marzullo,Brian Scott Lipton • Nov 10, 2008 • New York

On Sunday night, the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre celebrated its 80th anniversary with a gala celebration at Tavern on the Green. Actor Christopher Meloni, best known for his work on NBC's Law & Order: SVU, was the evening's master of ceremonies.

Three distinguished alumni were honored at the event, including CBS president Les Moonves (second from left), who was joined by children Sara and Michael and his wife, CBS newscaster Julie Chen.

Another honoree, the legendary actor Eli Wallach, was accompanied by his actress-wife Anne Jackson and their daughter, actress Roberta Wallach.

Richard Pinter, the evening's third honoree, is now head of the Playhouse's well-respected acting department.

Special guests included Emmy Award winner Ted Danson and his wife, Oscar winner Mary Steenburgen.

Kate Winslet is generating Oscar buzz for her work in the upcoming films The Reader and Revolutionary Road.

Academy Award winner Diane Keaton is one of the Playhouse's many alumnae.

Here is Harold G. Baldridge, the Playhouse's executive director.

Broadway star and cabaret favorite Tammy Grimes is one of the Playhouse's most celebrated graduates.

Board member Heather Randall brought her children, Jefferson and Julia.

The fabulous Marian Seldes, another Playhouse graduate, came out for the event.

Finally, here's four-time Tony Award winner Zoe Caldwell, who will be honored with her own award by Early Stages at a special ceremony on Thursday, November 20 at the Sheraton Hotel.