Patrick Page is at the heart of an April 23 benefit for the York Theatre Company — a performance of Page's one-man show, Passion's Slaves — in celebration of Shakespeare's 437th birthday. The $15 donation will go toward York's ongoing commitment to develop new works. The 8 PM show features Page (Lumiere of Broadway's Beauty and the Beast and a vet of regional and New York Shakespeare stagings) on "a journey through the hearts and minds of William Shakespeare's most memorable characters." Page has toured the work, which he created, throughout the country. He is also author and actor of the one-man show, Nothing Like the Sun, and penned the new play, Swansong, which has had readings regionally.

A birthday party for the Bard of Avon will follow the performance. Reservations are required. York is at the Theatre at St. Peter's, Citigroup Center, 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street. Call (212) 935-5824 ext. 21.

— By Kenneth Jones