“James Earl Jones defines the ethos of the Monte Cristo Award – pioneering, artistically excellent, and a commitment to the stage. His connection to the O’Neill and the late Lloyd Richards is deep, and I look forward to a fantastic and fun evening in May," O'Neill executive director Preston Whiteway said in a statement.

Here's a look at the evening:

View the Entire Photo Gallery Vanessa Redgrave, Cecilia Hart and James Earl Jones Photo by Krissie Fullerton

 

Previous Monte Cristo recipients include Harold Prince, Kevin Spacey, Neil Simon, Jason Robards, Jr., Edward Albee, August Wilson, Zoe Caldwell, Brian Dennehy, Karl Malden, Arthur & Barbara Gelb and Wendy Wasserstein.