Hart, Wilson, Etc. Set for June Back Stage Books Events

A number of June events will celebrate books released by Back Stage Books. Among the stars set to participate are Kitty Carlisle Hart, Shirley Knight and Julie Wilson.

On Thursday, June 22nd at 7 PM at the Drama Book Shop (250 W. 40th St.), Moss Hart: A Prince of the Theatre will be discussed. "Acclaimed biographer Jared Brown will be joined by the legendary Kitty Carlisle Hart and by Anne Kaufman Schneider, daughter of George S. Kaufman, for a reading, Q&A and book signing. Hart (1904-1961) is perhaps best remembered for his collaborations with George S. Kaufman on comic masterpieces such as Once In A Lifetime, The Man Who Came to Dinner and the Pulitzer Prize-winning You Can't Take it With You. One of the giants of 20th century theater, Hart also wrote screenplays to several classic films (Judy Garland's A Star Is Born) and directed Broadway classics such as My Fair Lady and Camelot," state press notes.

On Monday, June 26th at 6 PM, the subject of discussion will be Female Brando: The Legend of Kim Stanley. "Author Jon Krampner will moderate a panel discussion on Kim Stanley featuring actor Michael Tolan, Tony Award-winning actress Elizabeth Wilson and Tony Award-winner and two-time Oscar nominee Shirley Knight. Stanley (1925-2001), remembered for her roles in classics such as Bus Stop and Picnic, was the queen of the Actor's Studio, the first lady of live television and universally regarded as the greatest stage actress of her generation."

On Monday, June 26th at Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette St.), there will be a book launch celebrating the release of James Gavin's Intimate Nights: The Golden Age of New York Cabaret. Featured will be Julie Wilson, Blossom Dearie, Novella Nelson, Spencer Day, Paula West, Joanne Beretta, Sidney Myer, Baby Jane Dexter, and Justin Bond and Kenny Mellman (aka Kiki & Herb). Tickets are $25. For ticket information, visit www.joespub.com or call 212-539-8778.

On Tuesday, June 27th at 7 PM at Barnes & Noble--Lincoln Triangle (1972 Broadway at 66th Street), the featured book will be Just Outside the Spotlight: Growing Up with Eileen Heckart. There will be a Q&A and book signing with author Luke Yankee, who is the son of Heckart (1919-2001), the legendary Tony Award and Academy Award-winning actress.

Then, on Wednesday, June 28th and Wednesday, July 5th (both at 8:30 PM), Yankee will be featured on "Diva Dish" at Don't Tell Mama (343 W. 46th St.). "As the son of Academy Award-winning actress Eileen Heckart, Luke Yankee got up close and personal with some of the biggest stars the world has ever known. This live, multimedia event is like a fabulous party with the biggest stars from Broadway and Hollywood. Includes stories about Lucille Ball, Ethel Merman, Carol Channing, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Elaine Stritch, Mae West and just about every other show biz diva of the past 60 years!" There is a $12 cover and 2 drink minimum.