The threesome — along with philanthropists Louise and Henry Grunwald, restauranteur Elaine Kaufman and financier Peter G. Peterson — will achieve Living Landmark status during a gala at the Plaza Hotel Nov. 5. The tenth annual gala will be hosted by 1996 Living Landmark Liz Smith, and Peter Duchin — also a 1996 Living Landmark honoree — will provide the evening's music. Tony Award winner Liza Minnelli will make a special appearance to honor her friends, Kander and Ebb. During the past decade, the Landmark Conservancy has anointed several larger-than-life personalities as "living examples of what makes New York City the envy of the world." Peg Breen, the president of the Conservancy, said in a statement, "Designation as a Living Landmark recognizes distinguished individuals from many fields whose diverse and generous efforts have helped preserve the New York City we love."

Elaine Stritch's triumphant return to Broadway in Elaine Stritch At Liberty was greeted with raves from the critics and a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. Stritch's many other theatre credits include Pal Joey, Sail Away, Company, Bus Stop, Show Boat and a Tony-nominated turn in Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance. A recording of Elaine Stritch at Liberty is available from DRG Records.

For the theatre, John Kander and Fred Ebb have written the scores for Flora, the Red Menace; Cabaret; The Happy Time; Zorba; 70, Girls, 70; Chicago; The Act; Woman of the Year; The Rink; And the World Goes 'Round; Kiss of the Spider Woman and Steel Pier. They are also currently working on a musical version of The Skin of Our Teeth.

Tickets for the 7 PM gala are priced between $600 and $1,500; tables are available for $10,000-$30,000. Call Joan Morgan at (212) 921-9070 for reservations. The Plaza is located in Manhattan at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South.