The Drama League, which will announce its full list of 2000 award winners at its annual luncheon May 5, has announced the names of three of its seven Distinguished Awards recipients, who will be feted along with all the other Dram League honorees.

The Drama League awards preview includes the following award notifications:

• Audra McDonald will receive the Distinguished Achievement Award in Musical Theatre in recognition of her work as a "committed champion of new young composers for the American Theatre." McDonald's award will be presented by Marie Christine's author and composer, Michael John LaChiusa.

• After 31 years as producing director at the Actors Theatre in Louisville, Jon Jory will take home the Unique Contribution to the Theatre award.

• Director and former Seattle Repertory artistic director Daniel Sullivan will receive the Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing. The Drama League's Distinguished Performance Award is reportedly the oldest acting award in New York theatre, and predates even the Tony Award, having first been presented in 1935. That award, along with those for best play, musical and revival, will be announced at the ceremony.

For tickets and further information call the Drama League at (212) 302 2100.

-- By Murdoch McBride