Reinking will receive the Hero with a Heart Award during the April 30 evening, which will be held in Manhattan at Cipriani 42nd Street from 6-9:30 PM. Reinking, whose son is affected by Marfan syndrome, is being recognized for her contributions to the organization, including her work as the artistic chair of the annual benefit since 2003.

The organization will also present Hero with a Heart Awards to Benjamin Carpenter, Vice Chair, Greenwich Capital Markets; and Antonio Gotto, Jr., MD., Dean, Cornell Medical School. The gala evening will boast performances by former Evita co-stars Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin. NBC-TV's Ann Curry will host.

In a statement Karen Murray, the group president of Liz Claiborne, Inc., who is a corporate host of the upcoming gala, said, "We are thrilled to honor Ann Reinking. She has galvanized the Broadway community, encouraging her colleagues to support her work with the Foundation. It is no coincidence that Heartworks has grown into a million dollar fundraiser and has become one of the premiere events in Manhattan since she has been involved."

Ann Reinking received a Tony Award for her choreography of the long-running revival of Chicago. She was also Tony-nominated for her direction of Fosse and for her performances in Dancin' and Goodtime Charley.

Tickets, priced $500, are available by contacting Carolyn Castellano at (212) 888-7003, ext. 222 or [email protected]. *

Marfan syndrome is a "connective tissue disorder that affects the heart, blood vessels, eyes, bones, joints and lungs." For more information, visit www.marfan.org.