Theater News

Urban Stages to Honors Italian-American Theater Artists

Dan Lauria
Dan Lauria

Urban Stages, a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to developing and presenting the work of new, ethnically diverse playwrights, will hold its 19th annual benefit on Monday, May 12.

The event will honor notable Italian-American theater artists, including Dan Lauria (The Guys, Other People’s Money, TV’s The Wonder Years), Mario Fratti (Nine), Joe Grifasi (Dinner at Eight), Antoinette LeVecchia (Urban Stages’ The Sweepers and In Spite of Myself), Vincent Pastore (Golden Boy, TV’s The Sopranos), John Picardi (Urban Stages’ The Sweepers), David Simpatico (Lincoln Center’s Millennium Symphony, Urban Stages’ Macs), and Maria Tucci (Collected Stories). Also to be honored at the benefit are the National Italian-American Foundation and the John Calandra Italian-American Institute.

The benefit will begin with a cocktail reception at 7pm, with dinner to follow at 8:30pm. As part of the event, Hugh Hildesley of Sotheby’s will preside over an auction of theater tickets, memorabilia, trips, art, and more. All tickets are priced at $225 and proceeds will go to support the Urban Stages Outreach Program; for information, phone 212-421-1380.