The award will be bestowed upon Thomas at the New Brunswick theatre’s Annual Gala Benefit May 3. The event will also honor Stephen Jones, CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Health System, who will be presented with the Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award.

“I am thrilled to be honoring Marlo,” said Saint in a statement. “She has graced our stage three times, and each time has embodied the talent and exacting artistic standards that Arthur so admired. In addition, Arthur adored her. Working on New Year’s Eve, Arthur said to Marlo, ’Where have you been all of my life? You’re one of the greats!’ There is no better recipient for this inaugural award.”

Thomas was recently honored by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her artistic and philanthropic efforts, and was also honored with a building named for her as part of the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. She has appeared three times on the George Street Playhouse stage: most recently in Joe DiPietro’s Clever Little Lies (scheduled to open Off-Broadway this spring); Arthur Laurents’ New Years’ Eve; and Elaine May’s Roger Is Dead (which moved to Broadway as George Is Dead as part of three one-acts titled Relatively Speaking).

The black-tie affair at The Heldrich (located on Livingston Avenue directly across the street from George Street Playhouse) begins at 5 PM with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Dinner follows at 6:30 PM with a cabaret performance, honoring Thomas, commencing at 7:30 PM.

Sponsorship opportunities, tables of ten, as well as individual tickets are available. For further information contact Steve Barry at (732) 846-2895, ext. 144.