An Evening Of Comedy, Magic, Song and Surprise!" is promised by the Artistic New Directions theatre company, which is performing Election Eve Follies at their Nov. 4 benefit.

The satirical revue at NY's Catch A Rising Star nightclub in New York will feature performanes by Rusty Magee (the master of ceremonies), Monteith & Rand, Lilias White and others. Actress Barbara Harris is the Honorary Benefit Chair; Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara are the Honorary Co-hosts.

Jeffrey Sweet, playwright and member of the Board, noted that most of the benefit's performers are improvisation-oriented, because one of the company's most important programs is its annual retreat in the Adirondacks. "We'd love to raise enough money to make that free, without participants having to pay their own expenses," Sweet told Playbill On-Line, but that's probably unlikely."

Proceeds from the fundraiser go to help the non-profit Artistic New Directions, which was founded in 1986. The company focuses on new works by seasoned and developing writers and new directions for performers, writers and directors (e.g., an actor who wants to direct, a writer who wants to sing.)

The troupe also sponsors workshops in playwriting and improvisation and holds an annual Improv Retreat. Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara are a married comedy team who also work separately in film, television and theatre. Meara's first play, After Play, was a major Off-Broadway hit in 1995.

For $45 tickets to the benefit (which includes hors d'oeuvres), call (212) 875-1857.

-- By David Lefkowitz