Another famed acting couple, Anne Jackson and Eli Wallach, will present Stiller and Meara with the third annual Herbert Berghof-Uta Hagen Achievement Award. The award, according to press notes, "recognizes theatre artists of extraordinary talent, achievement, and humanity who, in the conduct of their professional and artistic practice, have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the vitality, integrity, and mission of the theatre and its community." The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner and entertainment, including jazz musician David Amram and excerpts from HB Ensemble member Danusia Trevino's one-woman show, Wonder Bread. The tribute will also feature remarks by 2007 honoree Fritz Weaver, John Guare, Kevin James, Doris Roberts, Amy and Ben Stiller and Joseph Benincasa, executive director of The Actors Fund.
Anne Meara was nominated for a Tony Award for her work in the 1993 revival of Anna Christie. She has also been seen on Broadway in Miss Lonelyhearts and Eastern Standard. Jerry Stiller's Broadway credits include The Golden Apple, Threepenny Opera, The Carefree Tree, The Ritz, Unexpected Guests, Passione, Hurlyburly, Three Men on a Horse, What's Wrong With This Picture? and The Three Sisters. Meara has been nominated for five Emmy Awards. Stiller was nominated for an Emmy Award and won the American Comedy Award for his portrayal of Frank Costanza on "Seinfeld."
The Players Club is located in Manhattan at 16 Gramercy Park South. Tickets, which begin at $300, are available by e-mailing [email protected] or by contacting Peter Bloch at (212) 675-2370, ext. 6.