ONCE's David Patrick Kelly and NO PLACE TO GO Perform at 2012 Obie Awards Today, 5/21

Brian Parks, Obie Chairman and Village Voice arts and cultural editor, previously announced that two of this season's most critically acclaimed and popular shows would be part of the 57th Annual Obie Awards ceremony - ONCE and NO PLACE TO GO. The event takes place today, May 21, 2012, at Webster Hall in the East Village (125 East 11th Street).

David PatRick Kelly can currently be seen in the role of Da in the Off-Broadway–to–Broadway transfer ONCE. The Obie Awards are honored to welcome back the talented actor and singer, who was a recipient of an Obie Award for Sustained Excellence. He's know to many for his work in the film and television series The Warriors. His other popular roles on stage include Twelfth Night, Uncle Vanya, The Government Inspector,and Working. Highlights of his film and television work include Wild at Heart, Flirting With Disaster, Flags of Our Fathers, Crooklyn, Twin Peaks, Gossip Girl, and Louie.

NO PLACE TO GO was the first Joe’s Pub commission, as part of its New York Voices Series, to become part of The Public Theater’s season. Part love letter to his co-workers, part query to the universe, part protest to company and country, NO PLACE TO GO delivers an irreverent and personal musical ode to the workplace and the unemployed. It’s been called unique, irreverent, unforgettable, and universal in its appeal.

The Awards Will Be Presented By: Eric McCormack, Grace Gummer, Hugh Dancy, Jonathan Pryce, Juliet Rylance, Justin Bartha, Leslie Odom Jr., Lily Rabe, Michael McKean, Tonya Pinkins, Topher Grace, and Tracee Chimo.

The Village Voice Obie Awards, founded by Jerry Tallmer in 1956, have honored the best of Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. Structured with informal categories that change annually, the Village Voice Obie Awards recognize persons and productions of excellence. Unlike most theater awards, the Village Voice Obie Awards list no nominations publicly. In the conviction that creativity is not competitive, the judges may give several Obies in each category, and may even invent new categories to reward exceptional artistic merit.

Because the Obies always strive to recognize artists of exceptional ability early in their careers, the award often serves to encourage, support, and in some sense nurture youthful talent. The Obies help shine an important light on theater artists who are breaking new ground, or just breaking through in their careers. In addition, the Obies honor those who have given years of service to the theater, with awards for Sustained Excellence and Lifetime Achievement.

The 2012 Obies will also honor the Off-Broadway theater community by presenting its annual theater grants, announced live at the ceremony.

Tickets for the Village Voice’s 57th Annual Obie Awards are $25 general admission on sale now at TicketFly.com. More information at obies.villagevoice.com.