George Hamilton to Headline iStar Theatre Lab's First-Annual Benefit Gala, 5/19

On Sunday, May 19, stage and screen legend George Hamilton (Chicago, La Cage aux Folles) will headline the first-annual spring benefit gala event for iStar Theatre Lab.

Hosted by Todd Lattimore (42nd Street, La Cage aux Folles) and directed by iStar Theatre Lab founder Tony Spinosa (La Cage aux Folles), the iStar Theatre Lab Spring Gala is set for 7 p.m. at Broadway's popular new nightclub 54 Below (254 West 54th Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner.

Joining George Hamilton, the gala concert will feature appearances and performances by cast members from Off-Broadway's Gay Bride of Frankenstein -- Ashley Kate Adams, Billy Butler and Billy Tighe; along with Camille Saviola (Nine, Chicago); Raymond Bokhour (Chicago); Michael Cooper and Hyeyoung Kim, Kevin Bleau and more.

A nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Tony Spinosa, iStar Theatre Lab is dedicated to continuing the hearty and captivating presence of the theatre artist in our culture. The Lab's mission is to provide a safe environment for the development of contemporary plays and musicals by engaging writers to incubate new works that engage and challenge diverse audiences.

The iStar Theatre Lab is a three-week workshop designed to provide mentorship and guidance in a risk-free environment for both emerging and established artists who wish to develop and nurture their work. After three weeks of intensive work, each project is presented to the iStar Theatre Lab community in a closed session. The presentation is followed by a feedback session led by the iStar Theatre Lab's Producing Artistic Director and creative team.

Last year, iStar's inaugural season assisted in the development of two new works that have been propelled toward full productions: Tom Coash's new play Veils, which was recently announced as this year's winner of Portland Stage's Clauder Competition and will have its Equity premiere production at PS in 2014; and Dane E. Leeman and Billy Butler's new musical Gay Bride of Frankenstein, which is gearing up for an Off-Broadway production this year.

This year's iStar season includes the development of The George Hamilton Project (Working Title), a new stage project starring George Hamilton and written by his brother, David Hamilton.

"I am delighted that our work was the first one selected for iStar development this year," George Hamilton said. "For a long time I've wanted to tell the story of our funny, quirky, loving family and the surprising journey we traveled together called life. iStar has given us the practical wherewithal to make it possible. I'm so grateful that they have the resources and know-how to make our vision a reality."

Tickets for the iStar Theatre Lab Spring Gala are available beginning Tuesday, April 2 at www.iStarTheatreLab.org or by emailing info@istartheatrelab.org.

General Admission tickets are $25 admission plus a $25 food/drink minimum per person.

"Silver Star" tickets are $250 each and includes two premium cocktails and a pre-show meet-and-greet with George Hamilton.

"Gold Star" tickets are $500 each and includes a three-course pre-fix dinner, a private post-show meet-n-greet and photo with George Hamilton.

For more information, visit www.iStarTheatreLab.org.