Photo Coverage:'The Neighborhood Playhouse' Celebrates 80th Anniv.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYHOUSE SCHOOL OF THE THEATRE celebrated its 80th Anniversary with a gala and reunion for alumni, patrons, faculty and students of the renowned school which is one of the oldest theatre institutions in New York City. The celebration was held on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 6 PM at Tavern on the Green.

As part of the anniversary celebration THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYHOUSE SCHOOL OF THE THEATRE honored the lifetime achievements of three of its graduates: Leslie Moonves, Class of 1973, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation, along with Eli Wallach, Class of 1940, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor and member of the Neighborhood Playhouse Board of Directors, and RICHARD PINTER, Class of 1967, Head of the Neighborhood Playhouse Acting Department and revered by students from the 1970's to the present day.

Many of THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYHOUSE's distinguished alumni and friends attended the anniversary celebration including Christopher Meloni, who served as the evening's Master of Ceremony.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYHOUSE is the home of the "Meisner Technique," an approach to acting developed and taught at the Playhouse by Master Teacher Sanford Meisner from 1935 through the 1980's, and taught at the school today.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYHOUSE is one of the oldest theatre institutions in New York City, originating on Grand Street in 1915 and producing plays until 1927, including landmark productions of The Dybbuk and The Little Clay Cart. It was one of the first "off-Broadway" producing theatres and a vital arm of the famous Grand Street Settlement House founded by Lillian Wald. The theatre still exists today as part of the Abrons Arts Center at 466 Grand Street. In 1928, THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYHOUSE SCHOOL OF THE THEATRE was born, a result of the children's training program associated with the theatre productions, including classes taught by Martha Graham and Louis Horst.

Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

Zoe Caldwell

Zoe Caldwell and her son Charlie

Julie Chen and Leslie Moonves

Leslie Moonves

Julie Chen

Julie Chen and Leslie Moonves

Julie Chen and Leslie Moonves with daughter Sara and son Michael

Harold G. Baldridge and Leslie Moonves

Mary Steenburgen

Harold G. Baldridge and Mary Steenburgen

Mary Steenburgen

Ted Danson

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen

Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, and Leslie Moonves

Richard Pinter, Harold G. Baldridge and Mary Steenburgen

Tammy Grimes and Gary Springer

Tammy Grimes

Heather Randall

Julia Randall

Jefferson Randall, Heather Randall and Julia Randall

Richard Pinter

Diane Keaton and Richard Pinter

Diane Keaton

Eli Wallach and Roberta Wallach

Anne Jackson, Eli Wallach and Roberta Wallach

Christopher Meloni

Kate Winslet

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As a 14 year old youth, Walter was transfixed by his first Broadway Show, the original production of 'GREASE'. His Journey to celebrity photojournalism began that fateful night. Meeting, photographing and getting to know the cast inspired him to spend his professional life doing what he loved. Walter moved to Manhattan and for a leading role as a Photographer & Photo Researcher. Currently headlining in New Jersey with his partner Richard and family members Dali (Jack Russell) & Gala (Schnoodle). Recently he made his Broadway debut sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman in 'Hugh Jackman on Broadway' as well as receiving the Actors' Equity Association Gypsy Spirit Award. Walter McBride Photography is syndicated worldwide by Corbis/AP.

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