The celebration, following the Taper's 12-month, $30 million interior renovation, will be held Sept. 13 on the Music Center Plaza in downtown Los Angeles beginning at 5:30 PM.

Dame Edna will headline the gala, which will boast 500 guests. In a statement the award-winning performer said, "I've invited all my glittering Hollywood friends. They can't wait to descend on the new Mark Taper Forum for a naughty evening of singing, dancing, fireworks and tankards of scrumptious Gallo wine. But the highlight of the night, apart from the valet parking, will of course be me!"

The gala will begin with a special red-carpet experience as Dame Edna covers the arrivals to her own party, followed by cocktails, dinner, a sneak preview in the new Taper production of John Guare's The House of Blue Leaves and post-play festivities.

Tickets, priced $1,500, are available by calling (213) 972-3139. The Mark Taper Forum is located at 135 N. Grand Avenue, in downtown Los Angeles.

Proceeds from the benefit will help support the work of Center Theatre Group, the parent organization for the Taper, the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.