O'Neill Center Honors Michael Douglas with Monte Cristo

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center ispoised for a star-studded evening to honor the distinguished accomplishmentsand contributions of long-time Trustee Michael Douglas to the AmericanTheater. The 12th Annual Monte Cristo Award will be presented to Mr.Douglas by his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. Red carpet begins at 6:30pmat the Edison Ballroom on West  47thStreet, followed by a cocktail reception, dinner, and a star-studded programcelebrating the honoree.
Directed by Marc Bruni, the program will feature stage acts, videotributes, 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 andColman Domingo, and messages from Barbara Walters and Brian Williams.  O’Neill Executive Director Preston Whitewayand Chairman Tom Viertel will also take part in the evening.

Douglas, who credits the O’Neill with his acting start as a teenager inthe 1960s, has been a Trustee since 1980. “My time at the O’Neill is one ofthe greatest influences on my life and career”, says the film star. “Foran artist, it is a place unique in the world.”

The Monte Cristo Award is given to a prominent theater artist inrecognition of a  distinguished careerexemplifying Eugene O’Neill’s “pioneering spirit, unceasing artisticcommitment, and excellence.”  Pastrecipients of the Award include James Earl Jones, Harold Prince, Kevin Spacey,Wendy Wasserstein, and Douglas mentor, Karl Malden.

“It is a rare moment when theO’Neill can honor an individual with such far reaching impact on ourinstitution”, remarks Executive Director Preston Whiteway. “MichaelDouglas defines the ethos of the Monte Cristo Award – pioneering, artisticexcellence, 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 12th Annual Monte Cristo Award isprovided by Jann Wenner and Matt Nye, with Major Sponsorship support from 20thCentury Fox, Onex Corporation, Kirk & Anne Douglas, Grega & Leo Daly,and the Joyce & Seward Johnson Foundation.

The Honorary Committee, co-chaired by Danny DeVito, StevenSoderbergh, and Barbara Walters , includes: Alec Baldwin, AnnetteBening, Glenn Close, Pat Daily, Mr. & Mrs. Leo A. Daly III, MattDamon,  Jamie deRoy, Kirk & AnneDouglas, Robert Downey, Jr., Jennifer Garner, Jim Gianopulos, Bill Irwin,Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson, Marie-Josee & Henry Kravis, DougMercer, Ron Meyer, Lorne & Alice Michaels, Bette Midler, Rob & MicheleReiner, Tom Rothman, Joel Schumacher, Gerald Schwartz, Ridley Scott, KathleenTurner, Jann Wenner, and Brian Williams; O’Neill Chairman ThomasViertel; O’Neill Founder George C. White; and O’Neill Trustees Ruth& Stephen Hendel, Harold Prince, Sara Mercer, and BetsyWhite. 

For more information about the 12th Annual Monte CristoAward or the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, visit www.theoneill.org.