Actor and Atlantic Theatre Company (ACT) co-founder William H. Macy has all the right problems. When the popular actor hosts ATC's 15th anniversary gala tonight at 6:30 PM, he goes in knowing the event not only features a star-studded roster, but that it was oversold well in advance.
The ATC gala will be held at Chelsea Piers’ The Lighthouse with a presentation entitled “Roles You Will Never, Ever Get.” There, Macy will give theatre supporters a special treat to go along with their gourmet benefit dinner. He and other actors will perform roles that everyone knows they would otherwise never, ever get.
Among the stars scheduled to perform in their special "role of a lifetime" at the May 22 gala are Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, Camryn Manheim, Kristen Johnston, Eric Stoltz, Felicity Huffman, Philip Baker Hall, Mark Webber, Paul Reubens, Alanis Morrisette, Joan Osborne, Heavy D and David Mamet.
As reported earlier, one source suggested the implausible idea of William H. Macy playing Big Daddy in Tennessee Williams' Cat On a Hot Tin Roof as an example of what to expect in "Roles You Will Never, Ever Get." Production sources told Playbill On-Line that there will be some interesting surprises in the presentation.
Macy co-founded ATC with playwright David Mamet in 1985. This past season, ATC devoted its entire calendar to Mamet plays; in fact, Macy closed this past weekend (May 21) in Atlantic's final production of the season, Mamet's American Buffalo. Founded with the aim of producing plays in such a way that cultivates and fosters the work of young and established playwrights, ATC has presented over 80 plays in Chicago, New York and Vermont.
Atlantic sources told Playbill On-Line that the event is oversold. Tickets for the benefit ranged from $3,000 $10,000 with single tickets priced at $400. Chelsea Piers' The Lighthouse is located at 23rd Street and the Hudson River. For information on the gala call Patrice Iacovelli at (212) 414 1377. For ATC membership information call (212) 645-1242.
-- By Murdoch McBride
