Does anyone still wear...a hat?

Elaine Stritch asked this famous question in Company, but if she'd known Woody Shelp, she wouldn't have had to ask. Shelp has been designing hats for film, television and Broadway for over 35 years. When he celebrates his 70th birthday, May 19, his friends will throw him a party -- with proceeds going to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Since his start with Broadway's Jenny, Shelp's chapeaus have run from 1,000 top-hats for A Chorus Line to Norma Desmond's turbans in Sunset Boulevard.

Stars are expected at the event, which takes place at Tatou, a club on East 50th St., in Manhattan. Performing will be Charles Busch and Ruth Williamson (author and star of The Green Heart). (Cabaret artist KT Sullivan (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) was scheduled to perform but had another commitment. A replacement will be announced.) Celebrities who can't attend the event have sent in birthday cards to be read to Shelp at the gathering.

For tickets ($50 in advance; $60 at the door) and information call event promoter, Todd Kauchick at (212) 242-0186. --By David Lefkowitz