The evening, which celebrates both equity and non-equity theatre, begins with a cocktail reception at 7 PM. The awards ceremony follows at 8 PM. Column Awards founder John Garcia co-hosts with Rivera. The event also serves as a fundraiser for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.

"I'm thrilled to be coming to Dallas for the Column Awards and to support one of my favorite organizations, BC/EFA," said Rivera in a previous statement.

Rivera won the Tony Award in 1984 for her performance in The Rink and again in 1993 for her performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman. She has been nominated for her performances in Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Bring Back Birdie, Merlin, Jerry's Girls, Nine and Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life. She has also been seen on Broadway in Can-Can, Seventh Heaven, Mr. Wonderful, Shinbone Alley and West Side Story, among others.

The Column Theatre Awards advisory board is made up of individuals within the DFW theatre community that each year produce and create the annual gala. Last year the Column Awards donated $10,000 to BC/EFA.

Patty Granville Performing Arts Center is located at 300 North 5th Street in Garland, TX. For more information, a complete list of nominees and tickets, visit www.thecolumnawards.org.