He may not be Fiorello, but Rudolph Giuliani is certainly one of New York City's more theatrical mayors, be it welcoming Mickey Rooney and Eartha Kitt to Oz, dressing up as a grandma on "Saturday Night Live," or espousing the beauty of bel canto on radio's late, lamented Opera Fanatic program. As such, it's only appropriate that June 1 -- only days before the Tony Awards -- Gracie Mansion will host the annual New York City Salute to the Theatre. Details on the event are still forthcoming, but it's generally just a cocktail party for Broadway performers rather than an entertainment event.

Guiliani spokesperson Wally Rubin called the event (May 20) "a way to thank the industry for contributing to the cultural life of New York City. To celebrate the accomplishments of the year. It's an outdoor party, we haven't set how the program is going to go. Normally, the Mayor officially designates that week as "Theatre Week," and we might have one other honored organization or person." The event is not open to the public.

-- By David Lefkowitz