"Love and courage are what a playwright needs to thrive in this field, and 'love and encourage' is what Theater for the New City does!" - Crystal Field, Theatre for the New City Executive Artistic Director

Theater for the New City presents Love 'N Courage, the 4th annual benefit for Theater for the New City's Emerging Playwrights Program. Hosted by playwright and actor Charles Busch, and featuring Elaine Stritch, this year's benefit takes place at the beautiful National Arts Club, with cocktails beginning at 6:30pm, followed by dinner and performances.

Emcee Charles Busch, writer and star of such plays as The Lady in Question, Red Scare on Sunset, and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and author of the Tony Award-nominated play The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, will host and sing.

Legendary Tony Award-winner Elaine Stritch will read a selection from a new play. Ms. Stritch is best-known for originating roles on Broadway in Company, Sail Away, Goldilocks, and her Tony Award-winning solo play with music, Elaine Stritch at Liberty.

Celebrated actors Tammy Grimes, Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson are also scheduled to appear. Ben Harburg will perform the songs of his grandfather, legendary composer Yip Harburg (Finian's Rainbow, Bloomer Girl, and The Wizard of Oz).

Selected scenes from Theater for the New City's current season will showcase the works of recently discovered artists, including the sexy ballet company The Love Show, who will perform an excerpt from their show Nutcracker: Rated R. The evening will also feature scenes from Laurel Hessing's new musical The Further Adventures of Uncle Wiggily: The Windblown Visitors with music by Arthur Abrams. Love 'N Courage concludes with an open-mic piano bar and sing-a-long accompanied by Mr. Abrams.

Cocktails begin at 6:30pm; dinner at 7:00pm, followed by performances at 8:00pm.