The 7 PM evening will feature a host of theatre favorites, including Edward Albee, A.R. Gurney, Kathleen Chalfant, Elaim Kraiem, Michael Weller, Marsha Norman, Ann Meara, Jerry Stiller and Amy Irving. Albee, who will read a portion of his writings, and the cast of Anton Dudley's Slag Heap will be part of the planned presentation. The one-night-only event will also honor Deborah Dugan, president of Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Jujamcyn Theaters' producing director Paul Libin. Playwrights Gurney, Norman and Weller will also be honored during the evening at the Cherry Lane.

The gala, according to press notes, "celebrates the not-for-profit Cherry Lane's rich heritage as New York's longest, continuously-running Off Broadway theatre and its role in preserving one of America's oldest art forms." After 80 years, Cherry Lane's mission remains the same: "to cultivate an urban artist's colony, perpetuate our groundbreaking heritage and engage audiences as partners in creating theatre that illuminates contemporary issues and, at its best, transforms the spirit."

The Cherry Lane Theatre is located at 38 Commerce Street. Dinner at A.O.C. Restaurant will follow the performance. Call (212) 989-2020 for gala tickets, priced $350-$1,000. Visit www.cherrylanetheatre.org for more information.