The Present Company, the Off-Off-Broadway troupe responsible for the New York International Theatre Festival as well as year-round theatrical offerings presented in its Lower East Side "Theatorium," will hold a gala benefit, "Celebrate the Century," on Jan. 8, from 7 PM to 2 AM. Admission, including two free drink tickets, is $20.

"Celebrate the Century" will feature some of the performers who have produced shows at the Theatorium, thematically presented as representing different decades of the 20th century. The run-down is as follows:

The 1900's: A Theatorium Vaudeville
The 1920's: The Stumbling Impala Speakeasy
The 1930's: The New Deal Federal Writer's Project
The 1940's: Club USO: Live radio broadcast of "The Shadow"
The 1950's: A Television Variety Show
The 1960's: Beat poetry at The Coffee House

The entertainment will be followed by a "three-decade dance party" featuring music from the 70's, 80's and 90's. A silent auction will be running the entire evening, with items from each decade to bid on.

You must make a reservation to attend; call (212) 420-8877. The Present Company Theatorium is located at 196-198 Stanton Street, NYC. --By Robert Simonson