"As host, Laura Benanti brings a winning combination to the stage - talent, beauty and a great sense of humor. We look forward to a great evening," Gretchen Shugart, managing executive producer of the Drama Desk Awards, said in a statement.

Benanti added, "I am thrilled to bring my particular brand of idiocy to what is usually a very classy affair. #ForThePeopleByThePeople"

Joey Parnes Productions will produce and manage the show, which will be written by Bill Rosenfield and directed by Jack Cummings III (co-founder and artistic director of Transport Group).

Nominations for the annual awards will be announced April 25 at 11 AM ET at 54 Below.

Tickets to the 59th Annual Drama Desk Awards are available to the general public at www.dramadeskawards.com.

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The Drama Desk Awards, which are presented annually, honor "outstanding achievement by professional theater artists on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. What sets the Drama Desk Awards apart is that they are voted on and bestowed by theater critics, journalists, editors and publishers covering theater, without any vested interest in the results."