Photo Coverage: 2010 The Lortel Awards Nominee Reception

The theme of the ceremony is "Off-Broadway Comes Home" and the show, directed by Michael Heitzman with musical direction by David Holcenberg, will feature performances highlighting the best of Off-Broadway in the last 25 years; in addition, special curated exhibition spanning these years will be on display. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League by special arrangement with the Lucille Lortel Foundation. The Lortel Awards are a benefit for The Actors Fund. Additional support provided by Theatre Development Fund. Support also provided by Inside Park at St. Bart's, Ferrari and MontGras.

This year's Co-Hosts are the hilarious duo, Bebe Neuwirth and Bryan Batt. They will be joined on stage by notable presenters from the entertainment industry, including Kerry Washington, Anthony Mackie, Saffron Burrows, Justin Bartha, Hugh Dancy, Jennifer Morrison, Michael Urie, Laurie Metcalf, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Anthony LaPaglia, Zoe Kazan, Tamara Tunie, Stephanie March, Ally Sheedy, Lily Rabe, Rosie Perez, Patrick Heusinger, Keith Carradine, Aasif Mandvi, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Julie Halston, Charles Busch, Tom Jones, Michael Esper among other luminaries of stage, screen and film. Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Daryl Roth and Outstanding Body of Work recipient Lincoln Center Theater will be honored during the ceremony for their contribution to Off-Broadway.

The Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were created in 1985 by the Off-Broadway League. The Lortel Awards recognize excellence Off-Broadway by honoring the invaluable contribution of artists to the theatre community.

Representatives of the Off-Broadway League, Actors' Equity Association, Stage Directors & Choreographers Society, the Lucille Lortel Foundation in addition to theatre journalists and academics and other Off-Broadway professionals serve on the Voting Committee.

The awards are given in the following categories: Play, Musical, Solo Show, Revival, Alternative Theatrical Experience, Director, Choreographer, Lead Actor and Actress, Featured Actor and Actress, Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design. The following honorary awards may also be given: Lifetime Achievement, Body of Work (awarded to an institution), the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence and induction onto the Playwrights' Sidewalk in front of the historic Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York City.

The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League by special arrangement with the Lucille Lortel Foundation. Additional support provided by Theatre Development Fund. Support also provided by Inside Park, Ferrari Sparkling Wine and MontGras Carmenere.

For more information, visit www.LortelAward.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.