For once, Howard Hughes will not be in reclusive seclusion.

Flight, a musical based on the life of eccentric millionaire Hughes, is the 1999 winner of the Stanley Drama Award. Tony winner Terrence McNally (Ragtime, Master Class) will be the guest of honor and prize presenter.

Flight is the product of husband and wife team Steve and Elise Seyfried and composer James Scully. The Seyfrieds have spent the last 19 years writing, producing and acting in their own shows. Scully, who studied at Bryn Mawr Conservatory of Music, has been a principal in Scully Company, a real estate firm.

Past Stanley winners have included Ceremonies in Dark Old Men by Lonnie Elder III and Rent by Jonathan Larson. McNally also won in 1962 for his play, This Side of the Door.

The Stanley Drama Award, administered by the Wagner College Theatre Department, was established by Mrs. Alma Timolat Stanley in 1957 to encourage aspiring playwrights. Past contest judges have included Edward Albee, Paul Zindel, Geraldine Page and David Susskind. Deadlines for the 1999-2000 competition is Oct. 1. To receive an application send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Stanley Drama, c/o Wagner College, One Campus Road, Staten Island, NY 10301.

-- By Christine Ehren