By Adam Hetrick
05 Nov 2009

The Acting Company will honor Abigail Disney and Dana Gioia at the Shakespearean Masquerade at The Pierre Hotel Nov. 16.

Lisa Banes, who will star in the Broadway revival of Present Laughter, will emcee the event that will present philanthropist and filmmaker Abigail Disney with the Joan Warburg Humanitarian Award. Former National Endowment for the Arts head Dana Gioia will receive the John Houseman Award. William Zabel and former Governor Thomas Kean will present the awards.

Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit headlines the evening that also boasts an opening performance from cast members of Burn the Floor, including Damon Sugden, Rebecca Sugden, Patrick Helm, Sharna Burgess, Jeremy Garner, Sarah Hives, Kevin Clifton and Giselle Peacock.

All proceeds from the benefit will fund the Acting Company's forthcoming production of The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and an upcoming national tour of Romeo and Juliet, the latter presented in association with the Guthrie Theater.

For further information phone (212) 258-3111.