Happy Birthday, Eric Bentley!

As theatre legend Eric Bentley enters his 100th year, Michael Riedel emcees a tribute concert in his honor. A recital of Eisler songs in English versions by Eric Bentley and performed by soprano Karyn Levitt accompanied by Eric Ostling, will be followed by the main Tribute segment of the evening. This will feature the participation of Tony Kushner, Austin Pendleton, Bill Coco representing The Actors Studio, and Michael Paller of The American Conservatory Theater; Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, theatre historian and president of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation; as well as James Shapiro, Edward Mendelson and Phillip Lopate of Columbia University. The participants will offer readings from Eric Bentley’s classic works, and share reminiscences and anecdotes followed by Songs For Mother Courage by Darius Milhaud and Eric Bentley, and performed by Karyn Levitt with the Metamorphosis Chamber Orchestra conducted by Glen Roven.