Tim Blake Nelson to Join David Chase in Honoring Dominic Chianese with Laurette Taylor Award, 5/19

Tim Blake Nelson, whose 2009 Off-Broadway production of EYE OF GOD was produced by THEATRE EAST, joins David Chase, creator of The Sopranos and Graham Russell of Air Supply in honoring Dominic Chianese (The Sopranos) with the LAURETTE TAYLOR AWARD on Monday, May 19, at Trinity Place, 115 B'way (between B'way and Trinity Place) in lower Manhattan. The benefit begins with a VIP Cocktail Hour at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm begins the dinner, program and music. Musical guests also include acoustic duo OF EDEN, in their first New York area performance and a sneak preview of songs from the upcoming family musical TREASURE ISLAND, performed by Josh Freilich Musical Friends, featuring Kimberly Hirst, Rebecca Kuznick, Brandon Beynon, Michael Kushner, Natasha Edwards, Sammi Kramer and Eric Stockton (SOUL DOCTOR) on guitar.

VIP tickets, including all access pre-dinner cocktails and open bar, are $250; Tables $2000 and include the same plus tickets to both 2014-15 productions and opening night galas. $150 for dinner only. Tickets Available at www.theatreeast.org/Laurette-Taylor-Award-2014.html or atinfo@theatreeast.com or by calling 347-813-4031.

Nelson's EYE OF GOD was produced Off Broadway by THEATRE EAST in 2009. Mr. Nelson's other plays include THE GREY ZONE and ANADARKO(both MCC Theater). Mr. Nelson, also an actor, appeared in the films O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Minority Report, Lincoln, The Incredible Hulk.

Dominic Chianese is best known for his role as Corrado "Junior" Soprano on the HBO TV series The Sopranos, Mr. Chianese first appeared on Broadway in OLIVER! in 1965, and he continues to perform in Broadway, Off Broadway, and regional theatre. Chianese was in the television series East Side/West Side. In 1974, Francis Ford Coppola cast Chianese as Johnny Ola in The Godfather: Part II. Chianese's other films include Dog Day Afternoonas the father of Sunny (Al Pacino), And Justice For All, and Looking for Richard. Chianese, also a musician, has appeared in many taverns and restaurants, singing and playing guitar.

The Theatre East Laurette Taylor Award was founded in 2009 to celebrate the exceptional artistic contributions of Laurette Taylor (GLASS MENAGERIE) and to celebrate those that have made similar contributions. Mr Chianese has appeared in several THEATRE EAST productions and readings. The award itself is being crafted by renowned New York Glass Artist Ivan Mora. www.moraglassart.com.

TREASURE ISLAND is based on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic with music and lyrics by Graham Russell and Katie McGhie, with book and lyrics by Melissa Bell. Graham Russell, most well known as the songwriting half of Air Supply, wrote such mega-hits as "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," and "The One that You Love."