Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, who is currently starring in the Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, will return as host of the awards ceremony for the second consecutive year. The 9 PM ceremony will honor excellence in all sectors of the New York theatre world — Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off Off-Broadway.

Nominations for the 2004-2005 Drama Desk Awards will be announced at the New York Friars Club at 10 AM on April 28. Those nominated will receive their official nomination certificate on May 3 at the Arte Cafe. This year's nominating committee comprises Barbara Siegel, William Wolf, Andy Buck, Michael Buckley, Christopher Byrne, Andrew Propst and Richard Ridge.

Robert R. Blume, executive producer of the Drama Desk Awards, said in a statement, "We are delighted that Harvey Fierstein is returning as host of the Golden Anniversary Drama Desk Awards special and that the awards will be seen by one of its largest viewing audiences ever. Harvey is one of the biggest stars on Broadway and adds an additional dimension to the entertainment value of the show."

Harvey Fierstein won two 1983 Tony Awards — Best Actor in a Play and Best Play — for his groundbreaking opus Torch Song Trilogy. He also won a Best Book of a Musical Tony in 1984 for Jerry Herman’s La Cage aux Folles and a Best Actor in a Musical Tony for his work as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. Fierstein’s other plays include Safe Sex, Spookhouse and Forget Him. His film credits include “Independence Day,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Bullets Over Broadway,” “The Times of Harvey Milk” and “Torch Song Trilogy.” He wrote and starred in HBO’s “Tidy Endings,” which brought him an ACE Award. Fierstein also published the children’s book, “The Sissy Duckling.”

For more information visit www.dramadesk.com.