O’Neill Theater Center Honors Michael Douglas Tonight

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is poised for a star-studded evening to honor the distinguished accomplishments and contributions of long-time Trustee Michael Douglas to the American Theater. The 12^th Annual Monte Cristo Award will be presented to Mr. Douglas by his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. Red carpet begins at 6:30pm at the Edison Ballroom on West  47^th Street, followed by a cocktail reception, dinner, and a star-studded program celebrating the honoree. 

Directed by Marc Bruni, the program will feature stage acts, video tributes, musical adaptations, and remarks by close friends and colleagues, paying homage to one of America's most iconic film stars.   Program guests include Joel Schumacher, Lorne Michaels, performances by Colin Donnell, Laura Osnes, John Tartaglia and Colman Domingo, and messages from Barbara Walters and BrIan Williams.  O'Neill Executive Director Preston Whiteway and Chairman Tom Viertel will also take part in the evening. 

Douglas, who credits the O'Neill with his acting start as a teenager in the 1960s, has been a Trustee since 1980. "My time at the O'Neill is one of the greatest influences on my life and career", says the film star. "For an artist, it is a place unique in the world." 

The Monte Cristo Award is given to a prominent theater artist in recognition of a  distinguished career exemplifying Eugene O'Neill's "pioneering spirit, unceasing artistic commitment, and excellence."  Past recipients of the Award include James Earl Jones, Harold Prince, Kevin Spacey, Wendy Wasserstein, and Douglas mentor, Karl Malden. 

"It is a rare moment when the O'Neill can honor an individual with such far reaching impact on our institution", remarks Executive Director Preston Whiteway. "Michael Douglas defines the ethos of the Monte Cristo Award – pioneering, artistic excellence, and a commitment to theater.  His connection to the O'Neill and to founder George White is profound, and helped to make the O'Neill what it is today.  I look forward to a fabulous evening."

Presenting Sponsorship for the 12^th Annual Monte Cristo Award is provided by Jann Wenner and Matt Nye, with Major Sponsorship support from 20^th Century Fox, Onex Corporation, Kirk & Anne Douglas, Grega & Leo Daly, and the Joyce & Seward Johnson Foundation. 

The Honorary Committee, co-chaired by Danny DeVito, Steven Soderbergh, and Barbara Walters , includes: Alec Baldwin, Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Pat Daily, Mr. & Mrs. Leo A. Daly III, Matt Damon,  Jamie deRoy, Kirk & Anne Douglas, Robert Downey, Jr., Jennifer Garner, Jim Gianopulos, Bill Irwin, Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson, Marie-Josee & Henry Kravis, Doug Mercer, Ron Meyer, Lorne & Alice Michaels, Bette Midler, Rob & Michele Reiner, Tom Rothman, Joel Schumacher, Gerald Schwartz, Ridley Scott, Kathleen Turner, Jann Wenner, and BrIan Williams; O'Neill Chairman Thomas Viertel; O'Neill Founder George C. White; and O'Neill Trustees Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Harold Prince, Sara Mercer, and Betsy White.  

For more information about the 12^th Annual Monte Cristo Award or the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, visit www.theoneill.org.