David Hyde Pierce, Ellen Burstyn and More Set for Drama Desk's THE ART OF STORYTELLING Panel at Sardi's, 3/22

On Friday, March 22nd, 2013, please join Award winning Broadway stars David Hyde Pierce and Kristine Nielsen ("Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"); Ellen Burstyn and Elizabeth Marvel ("Picnic") and *Jane Houdyshell ("Dead Accounts") for "The Art of Storytelling," this year's Drama Desk Luncheon/Panel Discussion at Sardi's (234 West 44th Street).

In this exciting Panel Discussion moderated by Ronald Rand, Drama Desk member and Founder/Publisher of 'The Soul of the American Actor' newspaper, these five veteran actors will discuss the challenges they face when bringing a playwright's vision to life before an audience. The luncheon will begin at 11:45 am and the Panel Discussion will then start at approximately 1:15 pm (ending at 2:30).

The $55 tickets must be purchased in advance by calling (212) 352-3101 or online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/9753063 until March 19 only, as tickets will NOT be available at the door.

PARTICIPANTS:

Ellen Burstyn is a six time OSCAR nominee, as well as a Triple Crown Winner who in 1974, won both the OSCAR for "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" and the TONY for "Same Time, Next Year." Her Emmy followed 24 years later for "Law & Order: SVU" and for over five decades, audiences have enjoyed her performances both On and Off-Broadway, as well as regionally in theaters around the country. She also became a national best-selling author with her 2006 memoir, 'Lessons in Breathing.' Ms. Burstyn, who teaches and lectures regularly, holds five honorary doctorates, and is currently co-president/artistic director of the famed Actors Studio.

Jayne Houdyshell has been acting since the mid-70's, but it was her appearance as Ann Kron in Lisa Kron's "Well," that garnered her both a Theater World Award and an Obie as well as a TONY nomination when "Well" moved to Broadway. Since then, she has continued to accrue awards and nominations for her performances in such shows as "Follies" (TONY nomination), "The New Century" (Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations) and "Coraline" (Drama Desk nomination). Filmgoers have seen her in "Everything's Fine," "Garden State" and she has appeared on all of the "Law & Order" television franchises.

Kristine Nielsen won several award nominations for appearing in other plays by Chris Durang: "Why Torture Is and the People Who Love Them" (Drama League/Outer Critics Circle); Betty's Summer Vacation (Obie/Drama Desk/OCC) plus "Miss Witherspoon" and "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge." A long-time veteran of numerous productions both on and Off-Broadway as well as in regional theater, her Broadway credits include "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson;" "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" and "A Streetcar Named Desire." Off-Broadway she was seen in "Crazy Mary," "Our Leading Lady" and also won the Obie for "Dog Opera."
Drama Desk Panel Discussion at Sardi's on March 22 Page 2

Elizabeth Marvel is the winner of four Obies, one each for the Off-Broadway productions of "Hedda Gabler," "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Misalliance" and "Therese Raquin." She also appeared on Broadway in such productions as "Seascape," "Top Girls," "Taking Sides" and "The Seagull." Most recently Ms. Marvel stepped back into the role of Brooke Wyeth ("Other Desert Cities"), which she originally created Off-Broadway. Her film roles include playing FDR's secretary-com-confidante, Missy Lehand in "Hyde Park on the Hudson" as well as appearing in "The Bourne Legacy" and "Lincoln." She has a recurring role on CBS's "Person of Interest."

David Hyde Pierce debuted on Broadway in Chris Durang's "Beyond Therapy" and has since appeared there in "La Bete," "Accent on Youth" and "Spamalot," winning a TONY Award and a Drama Desk nomination for "Curtains." His Off-Broadway appearances include "Close-up Space," "Zero Positive," "The Maderati" and "The Author's Voice" as well as Peter Brook's landmark production of "The Cherry Orchard." Mr. Pierce is well known for his many years as Niles on TV's "Frazier" for which he won five American Comedy Awards, four Emmys (out of 11 nominations), five Golden Globe nominations and a SAG award. On screen he starred in "The Perfect Host" and also was in "Down with Love," and "Full Frontal."

Drama Desk was created in 1949 by a like-minded group of New York theater critics, editors, reporters and publishers, who all shared a desire to educate the community on vital issues concerning the theater.

In 1955 Drama Desk became the first major organization to honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway with the Vernon Rice Awards, named for the late New York Post critic who first championed Off-Broadway theater coverage.

Drama Desk, celebrating their 58th continuous Awards show in May, 2013, is the only Award ever to honor Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway equally in every award category. Isa Goldberg is the current President of Drama Desk.