Actor-director Christopher Reeve will present actress and former NEA Chair Jane Alexander with a special Spotlight Award from The Creative Coalition, the non-partisan, nonprofit organization comprising arts and entertainment professionals who educate and advocate for social change. The Christopher Reeve Award is given each year by TCC to a champion of First Amendment rights. On Mon., Nov. 30 at Manhattan's Pierre Hotel, TCC's annual Spotlight Awards will also honor actress Mary Steenburgen for her work with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation; actor Ted Danson for his devotion to the American Oceans Campaign; and VH1 President John Sykes for his "Save the Music" program, which provides musical instruments to public school students. Nathan Lane hosts the gala event, which also features director Jonathan Demme, singer/songwriter Don Henley, and environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as presenters. Longtime TCC members, in addition to past TCC president Reeve, include current TCC president William Baldwin, past TCC presidents Alec Baldwin, Blair Brown, and current Actors' Equity president Ron Silver, as well as SAG prexy Richard Masur. For information: (212) 512-5515.
"Lonesome West," "
Visitor" Visit from U.K.
The Shubert Organization is producing "The Visitor," a theatrical twist on the life of Sigmund Freud, starring Eli Wallach as the father of modern psychoanalysis. Rehearsals begin Jan. 11, with previews scheduled to start Feb. 18. The show opens March 11. "The Visitor" will be directed by Sir Peter Hall, and cast by McCorkle Casting. McCorkle's office confirmed that auditions are scheduled for the one role that remains uncast‹a Nazi officer who pressures Freud on behalf of the Gestapo‹as well as understudies for the four roles. Refer to Back Stage casting notice details regarding auditions.
Paying a potential visit to the Great White Way next spring, is "The Lonesome West," Martin McDonagh's third play in his "Leenane Trilogy." Leonard Solway and Steven Levy, the team behind the Broadway transfer of McDonagh's acclaimed "Beauty Queen of Leenane," plan to import the Druid Theater production of "The Lonesome West," helmed by Tony Award-winning director Garry Hynes, direct from Galway. But, as usual, final determination rests with the bureaucrats at Actors' Equity who must grant requests for foreign thespians to appear in New York, and the availability of a Broadway theatre to house the transfer.
Pregones "...Tu Perro!"
Bronx-based Obie Award-winning Pregones Theater presents by popular petition "San Miguel, Amarra Tu Perro!," a multimedia tribute to Puerto Rican patriots between 1860-1940. Spanish language performances run Nov. 21-Dec. 13 at Pregones Studio, 700 Grand Concourse, in the Bronx. For information: (718) 585-1202.
Dance Dr. Joins Harkness
David S. Weiss, orthopedist to several dance companies and Broadway shows, including the Paul Taylor and Mark Morris troupes, "Miss Saigon," "Cats," and "Chicago," has joined the medical staff of the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries. The Harkness Center has offered affordable state-of-the-art medical care for the dance community since 1989, and is also the official orthopedic consultant for such dance schools and companies as Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem and SUNY Purchase. For more information about the center: (212) 598-6022.
Coke Gives Cash to Vid Kids
The Coca-Cola Company has selected two NYU student filmmakers as finalists for the 1998 Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmaker's Award. Seniors Nick Woodard and Adam Douglas Penn will each receive $5,000 to produce a 50-second short film. 10 finalists were selected from 252 entries. Their short films will be judged by a panel of industry experts. The winner will receive $10,000 and the chance to see his or her film shown on 10,000 screens nationwide.
Actors' Fund Memberships a Great Gift
For $250, an annual membership in the Actors' Fund of America is a great gift idea for the holidays, as well as a way to contribute to the ongoing social services and specialized programs which the fund performs for the entire entertainment community. The $250 holiday gift package offers a ticket to a special performance of a Broadway show, access to house seats at cost, a nifty mug, and a portion of the gift is tax-deductible. For information on membership, call The Actors' Fund at (212) 221-7300.
ESTA Standards Request
Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA) has announced public review of draft rigging and lighting control standards. Rigging and lighting systems have been made available for inspection and comment from industry professionals from Nov. 6-Jan. 5. Public review and comment are sought so that the standards may reflect the consensus of informed opinion in the industry. For information., contact Karl G. Ruling, by fax: (212) 244-1502 or E-mail at standards esta.org .
Commercial Producers Intensive
The Commercial Theater Institute (CTI) is requesting nominations for candidates interested in producing commercial theatre who wish to be nominated for the institute's 17th Annual Intensive 14-Week Program. Candidates must be nominated by members of the League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc., The League of Off-Broadway Theatres and Producers, The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM), the artistic or management head of a LORT theatre, an entertainment attorney, or a past participant of a CTI 14-week program. The intensive presents hard factual information on all aspects of commercial theatre production. Interested parties should contact Frederic B. Vogel, CTI's director at (212) 586-1109